South Shields traders answer public doubts over visiting town centre businesses

Traders insist it is still safe to visit their premises after a Gazette survey revealed the extent of readers’ worries since the onset of the coronavirus lockdown.
A quiet King Street, in the centre of South Shields, following the introduction of local lockdown restrictions in September.A quiet King Street, in the centre of South Shields, following the introduction of local lockdown restrictions in September.
A quiet King Street, in the centre of South Shields, following the introduction of local lockdown restrictions in September.

Our online www.shieldsgazette.com audience was asked a series of questions about how they felt about visiting South Shields town centre and pubs, restaurants and businesses in general as part of our Big Conversation snapshot poll.

Nearly two out of five – 38.5% – said they have visited their local town centre a lot less since the onset of the pandemic while just over one out of five – 20.8% – said they hadn’t visited at all.

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A similar figure – 21.9% – were not comfortable eating at cafes or restaurants while just under a third – 31.1% – commented that they were not comfortable about going to shops or libraries.

Colmans managing director Richard Ord, far left, seen at the launch of the South Shields firm's click and collect and delivery service earlier this year, insists the fish and chip business will survive the covid crisis and reach its centenary in 2026.Colmans managing director Richard Ord, far left, seen at the launch of the South Shields firm's click and collect and delivery service earlier this year, insists the fish and chip business will survive the covid crisis and reach its centenary in 2026.
Colmans managing director Richard Ord, far left, seen at the launch of the South Shields firm's click and collect and delivery service earlier this year, insists the fish and chip business will survive the covid crisis and reach its centenary in 2026.

More than a quarter - 27.4% – said they were not at all comfortable about going to pubs.

A number of pubs across South Tyneside, including The Steamboat, in South Shields, and The Red Hackle, in Jarrow – have told how they have followed Government regulations to make their premises as safe as possible since reopening in July.

Now restaurants and cafes have had their say.

Cafe 42 co-owner Sam Clark said customers are reassured by the efforts staff make to quickly clean chairs and tables.Cafe 42 co-owner Sam Clark said customers are reassured by the efforts staff make to quickly clean chairs and tables.
Cafe 42 co-owner Sam Clark said customers are reassured by the efforts staff make to quickly clean chairs and tables.
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He added: “Our takeaways are doing fine thankfully but the latest restrictions have decimated the restaurant.”

Estimating the business was hundreds of diners a week down on usual levels, he said: “I am all for health and safety, that is paramount, and we have followed the Government’s guidelines so you can come and eat here in safety.

"But somehow we need to get this country back to some sort of normality and keep businesses and industries open.

"Simply closing us down is like kicking the can down the street. Are we simply going to carry on closing down businesses every time there is an increase?”

Gazette readers have revealed how life has changed during the covid-19 pandemic in our Big Conversation surveyGazette readers have revealed how life has changed during the covid-19 pandemic in our Big Conversation survey
Gazette readers have revealed how life has changed during the covid-19 pandemic in our Big Conversation survey
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Originally founded in 1905 as Frankie’s, the business, which employs 65 staff, changed name in 1926 and he is confident it will reach its centenary as Colmans.

Speaking before an anticipated announcement on further lockdown restrictions, Mr Ord Senior, 66, whose family also run Colmans Seafood Temple, in the town’s Sea Road, added: “Two world wars did not stop us and all this will not either.”

Sam Clark, 23, the co-owner of family business Cafe 42, in Chapter Row, South Shields, urged people with concerns about having a cuppa to visit the cafe.

Speaking before any announcement on new restrictions, he said: “I would say come on down and see what we are doing. As soon as customers move we are over to clean the table and chairs on our hands and knees and it reassures people.

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"I have had five or six customers come over today to say how pleased they are to see this and it is not just us.

"There are other businesses in town going above and beyond to make sure people stay safe.”

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