BRIDGWATER and West Somerset's MP has welcomed the news that much of the hospitality sector will be able to re-open from July 4, saying it will have a hugely positive impact on the constituency.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday that from July 4, the coronavirus lockdown with be significantly eased.

He said the two metre rule social distancing rule will be reduced to one metre, and that pubs and restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, caravan sites and hairdressers will all be allowed to re-open.

The same goes for libraries, playgrounds, museums, galleries, theme parks, social clubs and community centres.

However nightclubs, spas, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, water parks, indoor gyms, nail bars, swimming pools and water parks will not be able to reopen at this stage.

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said it would be a great relief that the area, which has a thriving hospitality sector, would be able to welcome visitors once more.

"This is wonderful news for businesses big and small," Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

"We are fortunate in this part of the world is full of fantastic countryside, great hoteliers and restaurants who I am sure will welcome the chance to entertain guests once more."

Mr Liddell-Grainger also paid tribute to his constituents for their patience during lockdown.

"This announcement from the Prime Minister is good news after what has been a long and difficult haul, but the overwhelming majority of people in Bridgwater and West Somerset have been brilliant keeping each other safe and supporting one another," Mr Liddell-Grainger added.

In Bridgwater, Candida Leaver of The Old Vicarage Hotel and Restaurant said there was a lot of optimism about re-opening and businesses were eager to get detailed guidelines to plan for re-opening.

"It is great news, we have a team who are itching to get back," Mrs Leaver said.

"The fact that the two-metre rule has been reduced is vital - we would not have had the capacity to have enough customers in to break even.

"We have been busy behind the scenes preparing for how things might work going forward.

"We have bought an expensive piece of equipment called a mister, which is fantastic for sanitation of the restaurant and particularly the hotel rooms.

"We are looking at hosting more events - with lockdown we feel people will not just want a nice meal, but an experience.

"To that end we are looking at an outdoor cinema, murder mystery nights and other entertainment options too."

Meanwhile Emma Thomasson, director of strategy at Visit Exmoor said it was great news that businesses would still be given the chance to trade during the peak summer months.

"This is very positive news. We look forward to welcoming people back to Exmoor for a safe and enjoyable visit from July 4," Mrs Thomasson said.

"Exmoor is a fantastic place to visit as there is spectacular wide open countryside and lovely villages full of brilliant shops and businesses.

"We know there are many people who love Exmoor who have not been able to visit and it will be wonderful to welcome them back."