'I wouldn't wish this upon anyone': Bridgnorth mayor stricken with Covid-19 as pandemic continues to affect businesses
The mayor of Bridgnorth has been stricken with Covid-19 and has issued a plea for residents to follow restrictions, saying it's "worse than I could ever imagine".
Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight said catching the virus has driven home the importance of following government guidance and supporting vulnerable members of the community.
It comes as the country plunges into a lengthy third lockdown forcing non-essential businesses to close once again and adapt to survive.
Councillor Hurst-Knight said: "I'm normally a fit and healthy woman and I've been doing everything by the book from the beginning, but I wouldn't wish this upon anyone.
"In a weird way I'm trying to see the positives; this has made me realise and only reinforced why a lockdown is needed – if my mum were to catch something like this, she wouldn't survive."
Meanwhile, businesses continue to struggle through ever-changing rules in an environment which has been particularly harsh on start-ups in rural areas.
Sam Jennison launched Cafe Zero on Faraday Business Park last year and said she is already worrying at the thought of having to let go of staff, despite staying open for deliveries.
"I knew there was a risk when I took over in September, but nobody without a crystal ball can keep up with what's happening," she said.
"All you can do is try your hardest and look at different ways of keeping your business afloat.
"Already I'm going to have to stop having staff in, so I'm really worried about how that's going to affect them.
"One member of staff suggested to me that she stands down as she knew the situation and wasn't relying on the income and I've had to reduce the hours massively.
"It's a mass guessing game, particularly with ordering stock, but I'm going to keep on regardless, even if it's just me here until restrictions are lifted."
Andy Corfield, landlord of the Crown in High Street, said many in the pub trade were relying on a a busy summer.
He said: "It's a waiting game for us. We're not doing takeaways and we just want to get it over and done with to fill our pubs again this summer – especially with the rearranged Euros.
"We can now regroup and focus on having a good summer. Bridgnorth is a tourist town but we have been forced to ask people where they're from and not serving customers from higher Tier areas has been an issue.
"We'll survive, but I worry for the smaller venues, particularly the wet pubs, which we could lose."
Sally Themans, of promotional campaign Love Bridgnorth, works with numerous outlets throughout the town in order to maximise trade.
She said many traders were "devastated" at the latest lockdown.
"This is the third time our shops have had to do this, so they are experienced and we have to support them as best we can.
"It's also tough for the retailers remaining open in what can be a bit of a ghost town throughout lockdown."
Cafe Zero is operating throughout lockdown and can be reached on 07486059609 or cafezerobridgnorth@outlook.com
