Littlehampton shops and leisure centres ‘cannot wait to welcome everyone back’

And in Littlehampton, traders are feeling the nerves, but will be delighted to see friendly, smiling customers again, Celia Thomson-Hitchcock, chairman of The Littlehampton Traders Partnership said.

She added: “We all want our shops in our towns and villages to all be up and working again but we all need to ensure that our customers are and feel safe.

“I for one, will be mostly looking forward to restaurants and pubs reopening as I am feed-up of looking in the fridge rather than at a menu!”

Vice chairman Paul Wakeman said it was ‘excellent’ that Littlehampton’s shops and shops across the country can reopen on Monday, adding: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to our town.”

Leisure centres operated by Freedom Leisure in partnership with Arun District Council are looking forward to seeing their doors open again.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, managing director of Freedom Leisure, said: ”The teams can’t wait to get back to providing our local communities with opportunities for exercise, activity and the chance to socialise safely.”

He added the team was grateful to customers for their patience, support and loyalty during the closure of leisure centres in Arun.

Philippa Dart, district council director of services, said: “We know that many of our residents rely on the range of activities available at their local leisure centre for both their physical and mental wellbeing so it’ll be great to see our local leisure centres up and running once more.

“I’m especially pleased to see that children’s swimming lessons can also resume as the youngsters have been incredibly resilient throughout the pandemic but it’s time for them to get back to the activities they love doing.”

She added Freedom Leisure was continuing to do a ‘sterling job’ in ensuring all the necessary safety guidelines were in place and their leisure centres were covid-secure.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre will also reopen on Monday with covid-secure restrictions in place.

Tim McGregor, centre manager, said he and the team had hugely missed welcoming visitors.

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to our stunning wetlands which are currently bursting with spring wildlife delights such as kingfishers, lapwings, and sand martins,” he added.

He said as a conservation charity, WWT Arundel was incredibly grateful for the public’s support through the challenging times, adding: “It has meant the world to us. Thanks to local people’s and supporters’ generosity we have been able to carry on.”