Local businesses and sports groups across the area eagerly awaited the Government's roadmap for easing Covid restrictions in England on Monday.

The roadmap has been broken up into stages with 8 March marking stage one, which will see the reopening of all schools and colleges.

Depending on infection rates and the success of each stage, formally organised outdoor sports can take place again from the 29 March, Hairdressers and barbers will be able to open on 12 April, and hospitality venues will be able to seat customers indoors from 17 May.

Here's what businesses and community centres in the area had to say about the roadmap.

Co-owner of J&R Barbers and Hair Salon, Rachael Brown, said: "“We’re looking forward, it gives us something to work towards at least.

"We’ve had a few queries come through since the announcement but we won’t be taking bookings until closer to the date as we’re not sure whether or not the situation will change."

Pubs and restaurants have been told they will be able serve customers outdoors from the 12 April.

Owner of the Junction Pub in Workington, Lloyd Burnie, said: "We haven't got that many big beer gardens in the area and that would be difficult considering the weather we have here at times. People wouldn't want to be outdoors if it started raining.

"If we do get to open on the 17 May that would be great but there are still a lot of details we're not sure about. Would table service be allowed? Would there be a curfew? It's good that we have a date we can work towards but nothing is set in stone."

The added uncertainty of not knowing how much stock they should order in closer to the time has given businesses more cause for caution.

Mr Burnie added: "With my two pubs alone, we've had to throw away over 5000 pints of beer since the first lockdown.

"I wouldn't be ordering a lot of stock in terms of draft beer."

"You've got to look forward but it's just getting to a stage where it seems the country can't afford not to open."

Community centres and exercise groups have also been cautious with the news.

President of the Wigton Baths Trust and Wigton Roadrunners, Alan Pitcher, said: "We're looking forward to getting back to normal again."

Gyms have been told they might be able to open their doors again on 12 April and groups of 30 might be allowed to meet outdoors by the 17 May.

Mr Pitcher added: "We're currently waiting on directions from England Athletics for the running club.

"Hopefully the data will allow us to do carry on again closer to the time and it needs to be data driven. We don't want to go back into lockdown again.

"We're cautiously optimistic."