CEO of Warwickshire destination management organisation Shakespeare's England says Prime Minister's roadmap to end England's lockdown is 'most sensible route forwards'

She has said: "The announcement is a very cautious roadmap back to getting things open once again and I think that it is the most sensible route forward.

“It makes perfect sense to do it this way so that we don’t find ourselves back in another lockdown situation once again just months down the line at a time when tourism and hospitality businesses are busy.

“Today’s announcement of the four steps and potential earliest dates for these to take place, starting with the re-opening of schools on March 8 and allowing outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households from March 29, is very reassuring and an encouraging start.

“However, my members will be delighted to hear that pubs and restaurants with outdoor space, along with zoos and outdoor attractions will be allowed to open up alongside non-essential retail on 12 April 12, that the PM is aiming for indoor spaces, including theatres cinemas and hotels to be accessible once more from May 17 and that there is a real ambition for most of the remaining restrictions to be eased by June 21.

“Now what we have some preliminary dates, it gives the industry sensible preparation times for businesses to restock, reorganise staffing and check all their Covid secure mitigation is in place.

“This will all help build confidence amongst our visitors, allow businesses to plan and stimulate the economy.”