AS lockdown restrictions have eased, Maldon district's town centres have re-opened for business in full again – and there are both old favourites and new faces waiting to welcome shoppers back.

While it has been the toughest of times for many traders, there's a whole new appreciation of local independents and their importance in our local communities, from Maldon to Burnham-on-Crouch and in every village.

Not only have these many and diverse local shops and businesses provided valuable online and delivery services where they could or adapted constantly to keep up with an ever-changing situation – they have served as a reminder to us all how important the places where we live are. How many of us have longed to see our town centres, at the heart of where we live, thriving again?

In turn, local suppliers of all kinds of produce and goods are an integral part of many of these independent businesses, from artisan foods to regional wines, from fresh fruit and veg through to locally-crafted homewares and furnishings, fashion and gifts galore.

As the nation reached 17 May and a new, significant point on the UK roadmap out of lockdown, Maldon district's businesses excitedly welcomed the full return of customers, from non-essential retail to indoor hospitality, farmers' markets, hair and beauty outlets and attractions.

And there have been some business refurbishments and expansions during the pandemic, too, as well as 'lockdown entrepreneurs' who have found a new way forward. Why not pay each town a visit in person to see what you can find?

Here we have just a small selection of the reactions from independent traders from Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch, hoping we will all remember to keep it local – with local spending supporting local jobs and the local community that we're all part of.

Maldon:

Allison Gray, the chair of Maldon's Business Board has told how the High Street's shops are looking forward to welcoming the town's shoppers back - and how they are already planning a return of the hugely successful Fiver Fest in June, running in Maldon this year from Saturday, 12 June right through to Saturday, 26 June.

Allison, who is also owner of Willow & Fox which has re-opened in new premises in Edward's Walk, High Street, said: "It's been challenging for so many Maldon businesses but we are confident our High Street will thrive with the support of the public. We have a number of new, exciting businesses opening which is such a positive start.

"Fiver Fest will also return in June which was a great success last year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to a safe environment and we'd like to reassure the public that Covid safe measures will still be in place."

Gabrielle Warren - Carlton Jewellers: "We have been so grateful for the support given to us and other small independents locally during lockdown. Being able to still collect and deliver repairs and stock to customers and work in my workshop has kept me sane. Hopefully the shop local spirit will continue and our Maldon High Street will be vibrant once again.!"

Mike Strong - Continental Café: "We are so happy at Continental Cafe that we are allowed to re-open again and are looking forward to seeing our customers back. And seeing the High Street buzzing again with shoppers to Maldon."

Louise - Just the Thing: "We were so sad not to be able to celebrate our first birthday last year as we were in lockdown. It is going to be so nice to see the High Street come alive again."

Teresa Kristata - Crystal Shack: "The Crystal Shack is very excited to be reopening their doors again and welcoming back existing and new customers. We've had amazing support throughout, so a massive thank you to all who have supported us. It's been an extremely challenging time for everyone this past year. But we've battled through the storm and come out the other side."

Rachel Holland - Miss Rachel Holland: "As a new business on the high street that first opened in only October 2020 - I only managed four weeks trading in total before being forced to close due to lockdown. I am now however feeling immensely proud and incredibly relieved to have survived the past five months closed. I cannot wait to welcome back the public and truly showcase my fragrance creations and finally get my business off the ground."

Abdul Jhual Hafiz – Maldon Spice: "It is my pleasure to welcome customers to my new restaurant – I have 31 years as a restauranteur and now following this pandemic is a new start in every way."

James Burrell-Cook - Queen Victoria in Spital Road, Maldon: "We're delighted to be welcoming customers back, both indoors and in our courtyard area – with a new menu using a lot of local suppliers, including Maldon Oysters. Supporting local producers and suppliers now is more important than ever."

Mark Salisbury – Mrs Salisbury's Famous Tearooms: "We had a great April with the weather most days, but we're excited to be able to welcome customers indoors again, too. It's wonderful to be back on the road to normal."

Burnham-on-Crouch

At Burnham-on-Crouch, traders are raring to welcome customers back to a fully re-opened town centre, too, and with some new businesses, too.

John Lord – The Jolly Fryer: "Walking along the High Street and the Quay now is lovely – it is like seeing the town come back to life again, with the shops re-opened and people about. It's been a long time."

Lorna and Ray Hart - Victoria Inn, Burnham-on-Crouch: "We are really looking forward to allowing customers inside for the first time since our refurbishment and we have been overwhelmed by the local community's support so far. We really want to welcome everyone into the pub, where it never rains and is always nice and warm."

Claire Payne - Bistro on the Quay, Quay Emporium and Quay Studios: "We are delighted to be able to welcome our customers back for inside and outdoor dining, as well as to our new Quay Emporium. This past year has been a mixture of emotions and we are so glad things look to be back on track – and we can't wait to see you all."

Cila Estevinho – Bridal Rack, Station Road: "I think that as a community of independent businesses, we need to work together to help people see that Burnham-on-Crouch offers a great place to visit, not just for a trip to a particular shop.

"If someone visits my boutique, I hope I can make them see it as a lovely day out with the other shops and places to eat and drink nearby, with the Town Quay and the atmosphere. If we work together in the town to offer people that experience, I think we will all benefit. It is a beautiful place and after this pandemic, everyone wants to get out and find something new, to enjoy real experiences again."

Rosie Flint – the owner of new shoe, stationery and school wear shop Daisy Roots, in Station Road: "I think people appreciate their local town centres and shops more now, and there's a stronger feeling of community and people helping each other where they can. I think it's a good time to be doing this."

And even when you can't get into town in person:

HERE'S a chance to support local independent businesses ONLINE and get £5 off your next 'Click It Local Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch' shop.

Maldon District Council (MDC), in partnership with Click It Local, is helping to support independent retailers across the district. Click It Local launched across Maldon district on 20 April.

Click It Local provides residents with he chance to shop online from a great range of local traders across Maldon district. What' more, shoppers can shop at different shops with the ease of one payment and same-day delivery straight to their door.

Now there's a chance to get £5 off your next Click It Local Maldon district shopping spend with the code 5OFFMALDON.

The code is valid until the end of June.

Steve Koch, the founder of Click It Local, said: "I love shopping locally so wanted to find a way to help small shops offer the same level of speed and convenience that today's online customers have come to expect.

"Our aim is to ensure we can all continue to shop local, support independent shops and provide for the local community."

From weekly food essentials, gifts, and treats to last-minute basics, customers can buy everything they

need from as many different shops as they like with one

payment and one delivery.

There are some amazing local businesses onboard already – from local butchers to clothing boutiques, sweet shops to gift shops and many more. You can browse the selection by visiting the Click It Local website using the link here.

And why not help spread the word and support the local businesses you love by recommending they sign up, too. All they need to do is visit the Click It Local website - which they can also access using the link here.

Paul Dodson, Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance said "We are really pleased to be working with other North Essex Districts and Click It Local to bring this opportunity to our great range of independent businesses.

"Click It Local forms part of our wider Covid-19 Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan and our 'Keep it Local' initiative, in partnership with Maldon District Sense of Place."

The Keep it Local campaign is being launched through Maldon District Council's Sense of Place initiative, with funding from the Magnox Decommissioning Fund.