High Streets in Hucknall and Bulwell are primed for a fightback as shops get ready to re-open their doors

As big brands such as McDonald’s and Greggs begin to re-open their doors in Hucknall and Bulwell, we want to hear from our local traders who are the lifeblood of our town centres.
By Andrew Wakefield
Published 4th Jun 2020, 16:26 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2020, 16:28 BST
It is hoped that high streets, such as Hucknalls pictured above, can soon start to bounce back from the pandemicIt is hoped that high streets, such as Hucknalls pictured above, can soon start to bounce back from the pandemic
It is hoped that high streets, such as Hucknalls pictured above, can soon start to bounce back from the pandemic

The retail and leisure sector is one of the last elements of the British economy to re-open as the easing of lockdown gathers pace, but now more and more sections are stirring into life.

McDonald’s has already re-opened many drive-thrus, including at Springfield Retail Park in Bulwell on Wednesday, sparking big queues. It is understood Hucknall’s drive-thru off Ashgate Road will re-open this weekend.

The company has introduced new safety measures, a limited menu and reduced opening hours with smaller teams.

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Greggs, which has an outlet on High Street in Hucknall and Market Side in Bulwell, has announced plans to open around 800 of its stores nationwide from June 18, and all of its stores by July 1. Again it too will feature a slimmed-down menu.

While Wetherspoon, which has been criticised heavily during the coronavirus crisis, says it is ready to re-open and is just awaiting the go-ahead from the government.

Safety measures will include perspex screens at till points and screened-off tables.

Sign-off would mean a return for The Pilgrim Oak in Hucknall and The William Peverel in Bulwell.

But these are the big-hitters of the high street and out-of-town shopping complexes.

What about the small independent traders, market-stall holders and micro-pub owners?

What about those small Dispatch district businesses which have had their very livelihoods threatened by the crisis and don't have multi-million pound turnovers to rely on?

What about those determined traders who have kept going throughout the pandemic, providing crucial lifelines to those who can’t get to a supermarket?

Well, we want to feature your stories on how you have coped during the lockdown, how you have kept going or how you plan to bounce back.

Simply drop us an email at [email protected] with some details and your name and contact details and we will be in touch.

Related topics:GreggsMcDonald'sHucknallBulwellWetherspoon