THE owner of Maldon High Street's bridal shop has greeted news on the lifting of some restrictions at weddings with mixed feelings.

Sharyn Warner, owner of Bridal Reloved, said: "It's great that couples are allowed larger numbers, but they are still so limited as to what they can do. We all want to keep safe and keep the numbers low, but the rules just don't add up when compared to other groups.

"There is no clarity and it seems unfair that you can go to a football match - drink, cheer and hug but you have to wear masks at a wedding ceremony with no dancing."

Sharyn gave her reaction to the Government's decision to relax the rules on the number of guests allowed at weddings from Monday, 21 June - but to keep strict social distancing, mask wearing and other Covid-19 restrictions in place. The decision was announced following the Government's announcement on Monday (14 June) that the further lifting of pandemic restrictions is to be delayed for four weeks until 19 July.

Despite this, the number of guests at weddings and funerals can now exceed 30 - so long as strict measures are kept in place. You can find a summary of the changes for weddings on the Government website using the link here.

Essex County Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Culture, Councillor Graham Butland, welcomed the news on weddings.

The county council operates several wedding venues across Essex.

Cllr Butland said: "The relaxation on rules will mean couples will be able to have more of their friends and families with them to celebrate their special day.

"Wedding venues have been hit hard and we recognise they will be disappointed the restrictions will continue, however the relaxation on numbers will hopefully be seen as a small but welcome boost.

"There are also benefits to local suppliers and of course to our wider economy from those who will be visiting our beautiful county for a wedding or other ceremony."

However, Sharyn added: "I feel there is still limited confidence in the wedding industry and it will remain so for some time."