SALISBURY has been bustling with visitors and customers this morning as more businesses started to reopen, and members of Salisbury City Council have also been showing their support.

The Journal joined Mayor of Salisbury John Walsh, mayoress Carrie Walsh, leader of Salisbury City Council Jeremy Nettle and wife Sue in the city earlier today, to see how shoppers and businesses have responded to the latest lift in lockdown measures.

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After walking around the city, filled with loyal shoppers and residents, Cllr Walsh said he was "really pleased that normality was returning to the city centre with many more shops opening".

He added: "I very much hope, as they did when the charter market opened, that my fellow citizens will support our shops with their custom, particularly as it is likely to be some time before visitors from other parts of the country and the world are able to visit."

Queues had formed outside several shops across the city centre, implying custom inside.

Susi Mason, of Casa Fina on the High Street, said: "It has just been wonderful so far, and actually quite touching how many people are out showing their support.

"It's the first day so it has been busy, but hopefully it will stay this way, it seems like the whole reopening for every business has gone seamlessly."

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Paul Henderson, of Henderson's Artisan Bakery and Cafe, said that despite being open throughout lockdown, it has been busier today.

He added: "It's so nice seeing more people out and about. We've been open through all of this so things haven't changed that much [for Henderson's], but it has been busy today and just great."

Cllr Nettle also welcomed more businesses opening, but emphasised the need to still adhere to social distancing measures in place.

He said: " [I wish to] remind fellow citizens their own responsibility in following Government guidance and maintaining the two-metre social distancing rule where possible. The city council, BID and Wiltshire Council have put stickers on the pavement as a reminder.

"Some areas such as the High Street have directional arrows to encourage pedestrians to walk in the same direction - this is to limit people walking into each other! Most importantly enjoy what the local shops have to offer."