South Shields seafront businesses come back to life as coronavirus lockdown eases

South Shields seafront is back in action.
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Several pubs and the Ocean Beach amusement park reopened today, Saturday, July 4, after the Government eased coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Platform 33 has introduced measures including room dividers and table service to protect customers. Manager David Wardle said: "It has been hectic. We prepared as best we could have had to make some changes to comply with the guidelines."

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Peter and Celia Ruddock had traveled from Roker to visit the pub.

A walk along the promenadeA walk along the promenade
A walk along the promenade

"We have been before and we were so impressed we were determined to come back the first chance we got," said Peter, 75. "It has been worth the trip."

Celia, 76 added: "I was apprehensive in case the daft lads were out but it has been very pleasant. I feel quite comfortable and the atmosphere has been very good."

Twenty-year-old Holly Jordan Clark was just enjoying the chance to catch up with friends.

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“I am just having a great time out celebrating today,” she said.

David WardleDavid Wardle
David Wardle

“It is unreal.”

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Joanne Meade, owner of the New Sundial, admitted she had been worried about lifting lockdown on a Saturday, but things had been quiet.

"I thought it was ridiculous but people are just having some food, having a drink and making the most of it," said Joanne.

Peter and Celia RuddickPeter and Celia Ruddick
Peter and Celia Ruddick

"It has been good," she said.

"We have got loads of staff on the floor so that helps. We are operating more like a restaurant - it is table service only, which means there's no congestion at the bar.”

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Ocean Beach has reopened with a host of measures in place to protect visitors and staff, and a new contactless ‘fun card’ payment system replacing the old tickets and tokens.

“We were going to do it this summer anyway but the virus made it important than ever,” said director Philip Sheeran.

Safety measures in place at Platform 33 with Holly Jordan Clark behind protection screenSafety measures in place at Platform 33 with Holly Jordan Clark behind protection screen
Safety measures in place at Platform 33 with Holly Jordan Clark behind protection screen

Ryan and Maria Paregeter, 28, had brought seven-month-old Lucas for his first visit.

“We didn’t even realise it was open,” said Ryan, from Jarrow.

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“We just came for a walk along the beach and some fish and chips but it’s nice to see things starting to get back to normal.”

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