The new Covid lockdown: Devastating for business, says Scarborough salon owner; pubs 'will feel impact'

The measures mean scores of businesses have shut, including “non-essential” retailers, pubs, restaurants, cafes, gyms, bowling alleys, cinemas, museums, arcades, bingo halls, hair salons, beauty salons, zoos, theme parks and golf courses.

This is the second time Nicola Sheader, co-owner of Lavish Hair and Beauty on Falsgrave Road, has had to close since starting the business in February.

“As a new business, it’s devastating,” she said. “You just wonder how you’re going to survive it.

“This is our busiest time of year. It’s stressful, emotional and depressing.

“Let’s just hope we can reopen in four weeks and it’s not four months like last time.”

Lee Knaggs, manager at the Scarborough Flyer on St Nicholas Street, said the pub has been busy over the last few months and that will help them get through the coming weeks, but they will still feel the impact.

“We’ve been expecting it,” he said. “It’s got to happen, we understand that. They had to do something.”

He said businesses are not as solvent as they were in March when the first lockdown came in, and how the pub trade fares will depend on how long the lockdown lasts and how places are allowed to re-open.

“We’ve jumped through every hoop they’ve given us,” he said.

John Senior, Chairman of South Bay Traders Association, said the area’s bumper summer trade will help.

“This has been devastating for the hospitality industry but Scarborough, Whitby and Filey are extremely fortunate because people have been coming here and spending their money here, “ he said.

“We’ve managed to get everybody to November when we normally quieten off. Most traders will be able to survive through until these restrictions are lifted.

“Most of us are accepting of what we have got to do now.”

He is hopeful that a vaccine will start to be implemented soon.

“It’s not going to be easy but the cavalry is around the corner,” he said.

Filey and Malton’s MP said he supports the lockdown so long as it means a complete reopening for businesses on December 2.

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: ““What would be disastrous is lockdown followed by a half opening of the economy plus multiple circuit breakers.”