GRASSROOTS sports will resume next week, as lockdown restrictions are lifted in the area.

Spectators are also set to return to sports venues next month, as restrictions are eased in areas with lower infection rates.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that outdoor and indoor venues in tier one and two areas would be allowed to admit spectators on a limited basis, but did not confirm what the capacity limits or percentages would be.

It has been reported that 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity limits – whichever is lowest – would be in place in tier one, dropping to 2,000 or 50 per cent for indoor venues.

In tier two, it has been reported it would be 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, or 50 per cent capacity.

Decisions on which tiers specific areas will be placed into are expected later this week.

The news will be welcome to sports clubs at all levels.

Johnson also said outdoor grassroots sports and indoor sports facilities like gyms would be able to reopen from next week.

Salisbury Journal:

The Whites have confirmed that they will return to action with a Buildbase FA Trophy game at home to Bracknell Town on Tuesday, December 8, with a 7.30pm kick off.

As things stand, Amesbury Town, Downton, Laverstock & Ford and Bemerton Heath Harlequins are all also due to return to action on December 8.

Amesbury are at home to Folland Sports in the Wessex League Cup (7.45pm kick off). They will return to league action on Saturday, December 12 against Lymington at home.

The break may well have come at a good time for Town, who are languishing at the bottom of the Premier Division with just a single point so far this season, with one draw and eight defeats from their nine league games.

Downton will look to add to their two league wins this season when they take on New Milton Town at home on December 8, before travelling to Totton & Eling on December 12, both league fixtures.

Laverstock & Ford, who are currently unbeaten at the top of the Wessex League Division One, will look to pick up where they left off when they host Andover New Street on December 8,.

Lavvy, who are seven points clear of Folland Sports, will then host Romsey Town on December 12.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins return to action against Romsey Town in the League Cup on December 8, before travelling to Fawley in the league on December 12.

The Harlequins went into lockdown eighth in the table on 12 points.

Shrewton United are also due to return to action on December 5, with an away game at Malborough Town. 2pm kick-off.