Summer is in full swing in Tendring and residents and visitors have once again been enjoying the many shops that have opened across the district.

Since Friday July 24, wearing masks in shops, shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, post offices, sandwich shops and supermarkets, became mandatory.

Discretion has been allowed for diners when eating in restaurants and cafes, however it is advised that masks should be worn when you enter and leave the premises and when getting up from your table.

As part of a drive to encourage diners back to restaurants the Government has launched a campaign called ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, to support local restaurants and food outlets in the area.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from August 3 to 31 visitors to participating restaurants and food establishments can enjoy a 50 per cent discount from their food bill, up to £10.

People must dine in and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Kate Firkins, from No1 Harbour Square down by the harbour in Brightlingsea, said: "We are so happy to be open again and have loved serving our regular customers and welcoming new visitors who have come out for the day.

"We wanted to participate in the "Eat out to help out" scheme as we have missed a lot of trade during the pandemic and it’s just a great way to encourage people to start coming out again.

"We have moved the tables at least 1.5m apart with table service only.

"We have extra cleaning schedules throughout, hand sanitiser for our customers to use before sitting down, menus are thrown away after each use and our staff all work in their own zones.

"All our staff have been trained in our Covid-19 safety measures and are working very hard to ensure that excellent practice of this is being adhered too.

"I am very proud of our team and the effort they have put into making No1 Harbour Square as safe as possible.”

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The Government has launched the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to support struggling hospitality businesses, due to the pandemic crisis.

Businesses can claim back the money from the Government and have it returned within five days.

To find out a food establishment near you please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

The Shop Safe campaign is funded by the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, to support works to make public spaces Covid-secure.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding