Andover has sprung back to life as the latest round of coronavirus restrictions have eased, allowing shops, gyms, salons, pubs and restaurants to reopen.

The sound of laughter, chatter and footsteps on the pavements rang out on Monday as hundreds of Andoverians descended on the town for the first time in months.

There were queues outside many barbers and hair salons as residents looked to get their lockdown locks trimmed and coiffed.

Gennaro, of Gennaro’s Hair on Junction Road, said they will be opening extra hours to meet demand. “Lockdown has been hard,” he told The Advertiser. But he said being able to reopen was a joy, saying: “It’s nice - it’s like being reborn. We are very busy now and we have been taking for the last two weeks.”

While the salon was the first port of call for some, others couldn’t resist the lure of the pub. When the John Russell Fox opened on Monday, a handful were ready to get stuck in for their first pint in a while.

And others couldn’t wait to hit the shops. Dave Stanbridge, from Tip Top Ballons, reported a busy first few days back open. “It’s nice to have everyone back in,” he said. “We’ve seen both new and loyal customers and we’re quite pleased with that.”

Steve Godwin, of Andover Business Improvement District, spoke of an “incredible buzz” as hundreds turned out to support the town on its first day back open. “Businesses are very pleased,” he said.

Also in this week’s paper:

- Andover dad takes life after feeling “degraded” by arrest

- Film set built on Barton Stacey site rumoured to be for Amazon spy series

- Parties make their pitch as local election campaigning begins

- Tributes paid to Prince Philip

- Robbers tie up 72-year-old woman during house raid

- Andover mum launches campaign against knife crime following son’s murder

- Town singer/songwriter reflects on year of Covid

- Councillors argue over allowance motion

- Two pages of YOUR letters

- And much, much more

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