Hairdressers, salons and shops across Winsford and Middlewich can't wait to reopen

Many small businesses have lost almost six months' trade after being forced to close through both lockdowns.

Beauty therapist Abbie Clarke runs The Hair and Beauty Box in Winsford town centre with hair stylist sister Hollie Ryan.

The 30-year-old mum said: "We're really looking forward to reopening. We've got a lovely clientele. It will be awesome to be back.

"Our bookings are filling up. It's going to be mad when we go back.We will have to try and do extra hours and longer days but we've both got families so we have to get a good balance.

"Christmas is nice time of year. There is always a lovely atmosphere in the salon. We've not seen everyone for a month. Plenty of ladies will want their nails done.

Salons have been given an unexpected boost after the government announced they can to open a day earlier than expected next Wednesday, December 2.

Leanne Forsey, who owns the award-winning Guyz n Dollz salon in Wharton Road, said: "We are dead excited to be back. Businesses have really struggled. We've been out of work for nearly half a year but we hope we can bounce back from that.

"It is going to be hard for us all now. January will be a really tight month for businesses. I want to encourage everyone to support their local High Street."

Leanne Forsey can't wait to reopen her Guyz n Dollz salon in Wharton Road

Clients are desperate for hair cuts, colours and beauty therapies to begin again.

"Our phones haven't stopped ringing and messages are going wild," said mum-of-four Leanne. "People have missed coming into the salon to have a good chat and a laugh and it makes them feel good.

"It will be lovely to have the decorations up, a bit of sparkle and be back in the buzz of the salon."

A new specialist business providing premium country clothing and equipment only opened at Lowes Farm in Byley in November just before the lockdown started.

Peter Sant, who spent 17 years in London developing brands around Savile Row, is hoping to create Cheshire's finest country wear store.

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"We are very much looking forward to seeing people again," said the dad-of-three, preparing to reopen on Thursday, December 3. "We've been doing jobs in the shop and people have been knocking on the window.

"People have missed browsing in shops. We want to give people confidence to get back out again. Retail is all about meeting people and giving advice about the right kit for the job.

Jez Frith and Peter Sant look forward to welcoming customers back to Fieldsmiths at Lowes Farm in Byley

"People should shop local when they can."

Long established family business Allan Sheen Sewing Machines in High Street will welcome customers back into their shop on Thursday, December 3.

Jonathan Sheen, whose late dad Allan founded the firm almost 40 years ago, said: "We're looking forward to seeing everyone again. People can come at any time and we will serve them behind a screen so it is Covid safe."

Jonathan Sheen, who runs Allan Sheen Sewing Machines in High Street with brother Darren, wants to get everyone knitting and sewing again

The 47-year-old runs the business with mechanic brother Darren, 49, and sells Janome sewing machines and all kinds of haberdashery.

"We want to get people sewing and knitting again," he said.