Knights of Oakham and Hygge welcome back shoppers to Oakham but the High Street remains quiet

Today many excited shop owners have reopened their doors to the public but not everyone is feeling ready to return to browsing for non-essential items.

This morning (June 15) Oakham High Street remained quiet with few people venturing out.

Michael Passey, who was walking through the town, believes that it 'is a bit too soon' to be opening non-essential shops.

He said: "I think when there's more data to show the rate of infection then they should."

Michael added that he didn't 'really feel like it's necessary' to be visiting the non-essential shops.

Mary and Roy Bartle, who live in Oakham, were also among the shoppers who visited Oakham High Street this morning.

Mary said: "I wonder if it's too soon but it's nice for the shops, they are feeling better."

Roy added: "I'm fifty-fifty, I like that they are open but I am concerned it's a bit soon."

However, others believe that the reopening is a good thing as people will be more likely to support smaller businesses.

Robin Carter, owner of Hygge in Mill Street, said: "I'm feeling that people might start drifting to small shops rather than big shopping centres."

The pair added that they don't plan to browse the shops anytime soon but are happy to go in for specific items.

He added: "The people I have had in have been really positive.

"They said they want to support local business and want to go to towns and villages.

"I think people are more open in the community."

Lockdown and the closing of shops has also given business owners the chance to redecorate and make changes to their stores.

Robin said: "It has allowed me to make changes that I wouldn't have had time or been in the position to do.

"But at the same time the bills don't go away."

Shop workers such as Kevin Naylor, director at Knights of Oakham, have been taken a back by their loyal customers during lockdown.

He said: "I can't wait to get back.

"We are excited to be welcoming all of our customers back.

"We have had customers phone up and in the street asking when we are going to reopen."

Kevin added: "I think if it had been any longer it would've been a bit of a disaster."

A one way system is also set to be introduced in Oakham High Street.

Peter, a shopper from Oakham, said: "I think most people have absolutely been very sensible.

"I see no reason it won't work well."

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