BUSINESSES throughout Cumbria have come back to life following the first week of the relaxed coronavirus restrictions.

From Monday, hairdressers, nail bars, gyms, pubs and cafes with outdoor dining, and a host of other shops have been able to open for the first time this year.

And shoppers have come back to high streets in droves.

One of the businesses that reopened this week was The Baby Bit at Carlisle’s Market Hall, which originally started trading last August.

The children’s clothing and accessories outlet is run by Rachael Gillgrass and has opened just ahead of an expected spring and summer busy period.

Rachael has stocked up on her biggest sellers, ‘Spanish style’ clothing for both boys and girls.

“It’s early days," she said, "but people have definitely been coming back looking for things they couldn’t buy before.

“I think they may be happy just to be out and about again.”

Anyone who is unable to make it into the city centre this week can see what the outlet offers on The Baby Bits Facebook and Instagram page @thebabybit

Another success story in the city centre is Lakeland Gifts/Lakeland Ales which re-opened in English Street, alongside the Crown & Mitre Hotel.

It has moved to larger premises from its previous location in The Lanes Shopping Centre.

Geoff Monkman, who runs the shop with wife Mary, said: “We had the pop-up shop in the shopping centre which we ran up to Christmas. It was not a long-term thing so we looked around and saw the premises by the Crown & Mitre Hotel.

“The shop is definitely gaining momentum.

“I think after lockdown we can look forward to a prosperous summer.”

The couple have four other shops in Keswick, Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere and Lancaster.

People have also been flocking back to barbers and hairdressers throughout the region.

Hairport, on Main Street, Brampton, is one of hundreds of that opened on Monday with Covid safety measures in place.

Janice Grieves, hairdresser at the salon, said: “It has been great. The restrictions are actually working well for us – appointments are well spaced out with plenty of time so it has made it easier.

“I would like to thank all our clients for being so super organised .”

Janice is booked up until July but any customers who are looking for an appointment can call 01677 3866 to see if any are available.

Maria Stundon, who runs eco store Ria-plenish on High Cross Street, Brampton, said she has noticed an upswing of shoppers in the town even though many outlets are not fully open.

For more information on what it offers go to it facebook page @riaplenish

Gyms are another slice of life that people have been sorely missed.

Sessions have again started at Carlisle Villa Amateur Boxing Club, on Currock Road.

Lead coach Jimmy Brennan said: “All the classes are booming and the kids are really enjoying being back.

“In general terms we are concentrating on getting them back to full fitness.”