Dorchester Chamber for Business' president has welcomed the easing of lockdowns and businesses reopening, but is encouraging residents to continue following government guidelines.

Pubs, cafes, restaurants, non-essential shops, libraries, gyms and more were able to welcome back customers for the first time this year on Monday.

Peter Greenaway, president of Dorchester Chamber for Business, said: "It is great to see Dorchester coming out of lockdown along with all the other towns in England.

"It has been a very hard time for our retailers of course and I hope that residents and visitors will start returning to our wonderful town centre to bring life back to the heart of our community.

"Of course, we must all ensure that we follow the Government guidelines so that we ensure further loosening of the Covid restrictions can happen and we can start returning to a more normal life after the difficulties of the last 13 months."

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