End of lockdown in Witney as Oxfordshire returns to tier 2

After Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced the restrictions from Thursday, November 5, non-essential shops, gyms and personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons have all been closed.

Pubs and restaurants have also been forced to shut their doors with the exception of takeaway and delivery services.

Now though, the county is set to open up again under a restructured tier system introduced, with the whole of Oxfordshire finding itself in tier 2, meaning a reopening for many businesses across the district.

The tier system itself will be formally reviewed by Government on a fortnightly basis.

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District and town councillor Duncan Enright said: “Witney will welcome you back, and provide a safe place to shop this Christmas.

“Our beautiful lights and our mix of Thursday and Saturday markets, local and chain stores offer everything from boutique unique gifts to the weekly groceries.

“Everyone has taken extra care to keep things safe, and if you forget there are a wide range of masks on sale. There’s something for everyone in Witney this Christmas.”

Witney MP Robert Courts added: “It is welcome that, as planned, national restrictions will end today and be replaced by a strengthened tier system of local measures.

“I am pleased that, regardless of tier, non-essential retail, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector will reopen, and outdoor sport and collective worship will also resume.”

Oxfordshire’s place in tier 2 means pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants.

Alcohol can only be served with substantial meals and venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and muse close by 11pm.

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Meanwhile, the end of the lockdown period signals a reopening for gyms and leisure centres across the district.

Better is West Oxfordshire District Council’s leisure management contractor and is responsible for providing such services to residents.

John Busby, Better’s partnership manager for West Oxfordshire, said: “Our staff across West Oxfordshire have been working hard to get the district’s leisure centres ready for reopening.

“That’s involved everything from reactivating our Better app for bookings, to deep cleaning centres and bringing pool temperatures back up to the correct levels.

“This year has been hugely challenging for the business. Not only the two lockdowns, but also the fact we are currently operating at reduced capacity to ensure social distancing is maintained.

“Just as there has been a lot in the news recently about supporting local, independent retailers, we’re calling on residents of West Oxfordshire to support their local leisure centres and come back in and use us.

“There is a really diverse range of activities on offer from swimming, to gym to group exercise classes such as pilates, yoga, spin and aerobics all taking place within a Covid-secure environment.

“During the winter months it’s really difficult to exercise outdoors because of the weather and the lack of daylight, so for many people, leisure centres really are the only way to keep physically active.

“With many recreational activities off the cards at the moment, even in tier 2, exercising in a safe, warm and dry environment is something we can all enjoy, while boosting our physical and mental health.”