HOLIDAYMAKERS are returning as lockdown travel restrictions ease from next Monday to allow people to take self catering breaks.
Family run Andersen Boats in Middlewich is looking forward to welcoming visitors keen to return to the waterways.
Lakeside Caravan Park in Winsford has already been inundated with online bookings.
Both businesses are confident that staycations will boost tourism and generate much needed income.
Pauline Anderson, whose husband Neil runs the business with brother John and sister Jenny Hough, said: “All our boats are ready to go. They’ve all been painted and look shiny and new.”
Canal adventure holiday business Andersen Boats is ready to welcome visitors back to the waterways
Canal adventure holiday business Andersen Boats is ready to welcome visitors back to the waterways
Stringent Covid measures are in place including staggered arrival and embarkation times and a more intensive cleaning regime.
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A mock up boat has been created in a spacious workshop to show holidaymakers how to use the toilet, boiler and other mechanics to avoid staff showing visitors in close proximity onboard.
“It is one of the safest holidays,” said Pauline, whose family launched the business 40 years ago. “Visitors are in their own bubble and have the boat to themselves.
“They can stop in the middle of nowhere and fetch their own food.
“There are some beautiful places to visit and the scenery keeps on changing. You have a different garden every time you pull in.”
David Thornley, managing director and owner of Lakeside Caravan Park, said the future is looking brighter.
Lakeside Caravan Park on the water's edge of Winsford Flashes
Lakeside Caravan Park on the water's edge of Winsford Flashes
“We have received a lot of online bookings," said David, whose family founded the business almost 60 years ago.
"All are staff are back from furlough now and we will be opening the bar next week.
"We have a robust track and trace operation in place.
A robust track and trace operation is in place
A robust track and trace operation is in place
"You stay in your bubble and it's all in the open air so as long as our customers follow the Covid rules it is safe holiday."
"This is a good location to get out and about in Cheshire."
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