Local barbers and sports centres across the area were overjoyed to be reopening on Monday as the Government’s road map for easing Covid-19 restrictions went ahead.

Depending on infection rates across the country and the careful consideration of controlling the virus, businesses in Copeland are hoping this will be the beginning of the end for lockdown measures.

Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre in Cleator Moor couldn’t be happier at the restrictions easing.

Activities in England including gym, indoor swimming, children’s swimming and sports lessons and indoor courts for tennis, squash, badminton are allowed to resume.

And to celebrate the news of reopening again the fitness centre is welcoming students back to swimming lessons.

“We’re so excited to open and start welcoming pupils back to swim school,” a spokesperson for the fitness centre said.

“Safety is of the upmost importance to us, we have made a number of changes in line with Government and National Governing Body guidance, along with enhanced hygiene measures, to ensure visits are as safe as possible.”

The spokesperson continued: “We’ve been working hard to ensure that we are safer, better and stronger than ever so that our swimming lessons can be enjoyable and stress free.”

People are also pleased to be back in cutting room chairs and having their lockdown hair chopped and trimmed.

For many it’s been a dream come true, according to The Gallery Hair and Beauty Salon owner Victoria Bennet.

She said: “It’s been fantastic. When we reopened on Monday we were sent flower baskets and bouquets from local traders.”

Local businesses who were also reopening on the day sent the hairdressers chocolates and champagne.

Victoria was taken aback by the kind gesture and was astounded by the huge support from the local community.

She said: “We’re so pleased to be open again. We’re fully booked now until the May 7 – it’s absolutely amazing.”