| Good evening, It was a day many worried would never arrive. Finally, further freedom in our day to day lives and for many businesses the chance to fully open after being closed for more than a year. On a typical Lancashire inclement day of sun and rain yesterday, the pubs and restaurants finally welcomed customers inside and cinemas and play centres were finally able to trade, albeit with strict safety processes. It was the day many of us started to make plans and the day which we were officially allowed to hug again. It was a good day. But, let’s be honest, with the pandemic still very much underway and the threat of the new Indian strain which is particularly evident just a few miles down the road, it’s all about the tentative steps - not the big celebrations. Until we are entirely rid of Covid-19 from our communities, we must be cautious and careful while supporting local business as safely as we can. It’s not so much new-normal but now-normal as we have changed our hygiene standards so drastically. The pub may be open but we won’t be sharing peanuts from a bowl on the bar any time soon. Enjoy the rest of your Monday and thanks as always for your support. You can email at [email protected] Kind regards, Nicola Adam Editor Blackpool Gazette Associate Editor Lancashire Post | 
