The hospitality industry is in a “sad situation” following the announcement of a third national lockdown, according to one hotel owner.

With the county once again in lockdown, and pubs, restaurants and hotels forced to shut their doors, Parkside Hotel owners Fiona and Andrew Kendall feel there’s no end in sight for the industry.

“I understand the need for another lockdown, I just find it difficult to appreciate why other places that don’t have Covid arrangements in place can stay open,” Mrs Kendall said.

“The key thing for us has been making sure our staff are looked after, because they all have lives to live and families to care for, and it’s just not fair on them.

“We’ve had no guidance on when we can re-open – we were just told to shut the day before New Year’s Eve, with no end in sight for when we can re-open.”

The Cleator Moor hotel owner explained the effects of the lockdown, saying the financial impact will be the biggest blow to the business.

She said: “You get all the food and drinks ordered and prepared, then you get told ‘close again’, and you’re left with all that food going to waste.

“All that money is just lost when that happens, and it’s such a sad situation.

“Despite everything, we actually feel very lucky, because we have the hotel – it’s the pubs and wet-sales-only businesses we feel awful for, because they have no way to make a living now.

“Our hearts go out to them, because it’s such a devastating time for so many people.”

She added: “Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported us, and to all our regulars.

“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had, and when things are back to being safe and normal, we’ll be throwing one big party to celebrate!”