WELLINGTON returned to some kind of normality this week with hairdressers and salons being the big winners following the easing of lockdown.

One hairdresser opened early on Monday morning to find a queue outside and it stayed busy for the rest of the day – and the week. Others found themselves fully booked.

Retailers able to finally open after three months have been much busier than in a normal week, with one jeweller describing business as ‘bonkers’ after selling more than 100 watch batteries in the first two days.

But it has not all been rosy for businesses. One clothes shop had barely a customer in the first two days after re-opening.

The Iron Duke – with no sizeable outdoor garden – has remained closed this week after being one of Wellington’s most successful establishments in the past couple of years.

The Bakehouse is set to open in the former Shauls Bakery in the centre of the town. In the previous four weeks it operated from the Pop-Up Shop in Fore Street where it was an instant hit.

The Vintage Inn in Fore Street, closed to customers for three months, has a large beer garden and is now open from 11am-11 pm.

Most people, however, are still cautious when shopping and many continue to wear masks when outside.

More vehicles have been seen in town with long queues in South Street and North Street. Part of the problem seems to be the timing of the lights, sometimes only letting two vehicles through before changing, particularly South Street.

With cases of Covid continuing to fall in Somerset and the rest of the country, it is hoped for further easing of restrictions in the coming weeks with pubs and cafes able to offer drinks indoors.

Wellington Rugby Club is set to re-open its clubhouse tomorrow (Friday) serving food and drinks outdoors.