A Silloth businesswoman says she is fully behind a legal battle down south to have cafes and indoor bars opened.

Vicky Hope of the Fairydust Emporium in Silloth said she opened for a short period at Christmas time and was able to operate with complete Covid safety.

But under lockdown restrictions, she will not be allowed to open her doors until May 15 because she has no outdoor area.

“I have 10 staff on furlough. The furlough money is late coming and so I have to pay the wages up front. There are people losing thousands of pounds a day. It is not fair.

“I look out my window on these sunny days and Silloth is crowded. There was a queue a mile long outside the chip shop today (Monday). I am in the shop preparing for next month. People come and ask me if I am open and I have to turn them away.”

She said she is depending on the Government’s restart fund, which is being administered by Allerdale council.

“That will be the lifesaver because I am starting again. Apart from anything I could freeze, all my stock had to be thrown out. I am back at the start - even having to buy sugar again.

“ I can’t wait to open again and the sooner the better.”