The slow slide out of lockdown has been welcomed by Dorset Chamber.

Ian Girling, chief executive, said, “The Prime Minister’s roadmap finally provides some very welcome direction of travel.

“Although there is light at the end of the tunnel, many businesses in the hardest hits sectors such as non-essential retail, leisure and hospitality may be disappointed with the timescales and feel he is being overly cautious.

“The roadmap shows that the earliest opening date for such sectors falls after the Easter weekend, but it does at least give businesses a timeframe to work to.

“Clearly, it is now up to all of us to take every step necessary to ensure we hit each milestone on the roadmap at the very earliest opportunity.

“We also require clarity from the Chancellor in the Budget next week about support for businesses and re-assurance that there will be no cliff-edge when it comes to phasing this out.”