Salisbury shoppers are "thrilled" to be back out and about in the city, with many vowing to never take the joys of the city centre for granted again.

Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, people in Salisbury have gone back to doing the things they had missed the most.

After months of little to no interaction with friends and family, it is perhaps not surprising that, with the city coming back to life as businesses reopened, residents would feel more joyful too - and happier than ever to spend time outdoors.

One of the things shoppers missed is the special service offered by many of Salisbury's independent businesses.

Read more: How shops pulled together to bounce back after lockdown

Salisbury Journal:

'It's so nice to go into shops again'

During a busy Charter Market on Tuesday, resident Mary Avon told the Journal she was “thrilled” to be out again.

She said: “It’s so nice to go into shops again - people are taking Covid-19 seriously and are following the rules, but there is a really nice atmosphere.”

When asked what she had missed the most during lockdown, Linda Chase from Alderbury said: “The first thing I did was get a coffee with my friend, it was the simplest thing but it was just a joy.

“It’s things like this we will never take for granted again.”

Time to #ExperienceSalisburyAgain

With shops, restaurants and pubs reopening their doors on April 12 the message is clear and simple: it’s time to #ExperienceSalisburyAgain.

The latest hashtag comes following a campaign launched by Salisbury’s Business Improvement District (BID) and the Journal to celebrate the city safely during its reopening, and in the second week of the lockdown lift businesses are optimistic.

Salisbury Journal: Paul Henderson of Henderson’s Artisan Bakery and CaféPaul Henderson of Henderson’s Artisan Bakery and Café

Paul Henderson, of Henderson’s Artisan Bakery and Café, said: “It has been fantastic, the combination of reopening and the great weather has been amazing.

“I think there is so much pent up demand for people to come out, meet friends and family, have a coffee and a sandwich and just reconnect with each other.

“It is wonderful, there are so many happy faces around. I can see that as I look across the market place which is buzzing.”

According to footfall figures from the BID, between April 11 and 17 there was a week-on-week increase of 89 per cent, which is in line with the UK figure of 90 per cent.

'It has been buzzing'

Salisbury Journal: Jill Jolliffe of Shirley Snells FloristJill Jolliffe of Shirley Snells Florist

Jill Jolliffe, who runs Shirley Snells Florist with husband Phil, said that despite operating a delivery service during lockdown, a busy open shop has been “really encouraging”.

She said: “It has been buzzing, it has been great to see our existing, loyal customers and new ones too.”

Referring to the florist delivery service, Jill added: “It has been so nice to be able to knock on people’s doors and put a smile on their faces. We feel we have helped people keep in touch.”

The couple also made a wreath for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. It was commissioned by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

“We were very proud to see it on the television laid outside St George’s Chapel with Prince Edward and Sophie looking at it,” said Jill.

'Independent businesses really make the difference'

To help the retail and hospitality sectors with reopening, the team at the BID had given the city a recharge with a spring clean and decorations, and a business toolkit was put together offering downloadable posters and social media assets to welcome customers back and remind everyone of Covid guidance.

The toolkit posters have been very well received, with many traders displaying them in their shop windows.

Salisbury Journal: David Bundy and Debbie Gooch of Chas H BakerDavid Bundy and Debbie Gooch of Chas H Baker

Business owner David Bundy, of Chas Baker independent menswear store, said the support from the local community has been great.

He said: “We were very busy to start with and it has slowed a little, but we expect it to pick up again.

“Everyone who has come into the shop has been very positive and really wants to support the local retailers and that is great.”

David added: “We feel that independent businesses really make the difference and there is nothing like the experience of coming into a shop and buying something.

"We have been around since 1902 and we hope to be here for quite a bit longer.”

Tell us about your favourite Salisbury businesses and what you've enjoyed most about the end of lockdown - email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk.

Get more Salisbury news.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.