AN OSWESTRY barber is hoping the most recent lockdown will be the last as he resumes business.

Rick Harding-Brooks, owner of Rick’s Barbershop, in Oswald Road, has reopened his business with support from marketing and design partner to small businesses worldwide, Vistaprint.

After months of closure due to the Covid-19 lockdown, Rick reopened on Monday and insists he will continue to prioritise the safety of his customers.

He said: “There’s not a huge amount that’s new from the last reopening back in July last year.

“My plan is to maintain the regimen I had in place, which includes; individual appointments, temperature checks, contact tracing, disposable gowns, clean down between every customer (seat, hard surfaces, tools) sanitising station for before and after cuts.

“I’ve kept in contact with customers periodically to update them on the status of reopening too.”

Rick has thanked everyone who has given him support ahead of his reopening, and said he is hopeful the recent lockdown will be the last.

“I feel supported by customers and of course my family,” he said.

“Vistaprint has been a great partner throughout this time, providing advice and tips on how to navigate my small business throughout the pandemic.

“Having to adapt over the past year I have looked to their frequent blog posts to get ideas on how to keep my business going through this difficult time.

“My aim is to do my part, be as responsible as I can. Treat human life as precious, worth something, usual respect for others lives and health.

“My own mother has been shielding for a year due to cancer treatment, so I’m acutely aware of the risks out there and determined to do my part for ones like herself, to minimise risk to the community I love being a part of.”