Karen Bradley: In this week's column on Nub News, the Moorlands MP has discussed how she is looking forward to seeing more businesses reopen in the next stage of lockdown easing.

Last week we had the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Staffordshire County Council elections.

I would like to say congratulations to all the successful candidates and also thank you for taking part to those that did not win.

Also a very special thank you to all the people who make our elections possible, the people working in the polling stations and at the count and all those working hard behind the scenes to ensure that democracy works.

Despite the terrible weather we have been having here in the Moorlands recently, it is lovely to know that many pubs are now open and serving drinks and food outside in line with Government restrictions.

I was therefore delighted to visit the Stafford Arms in Bagnall last week.

I have been in touch with Lisa from the pub over the course of the various lockdowns - she joined other local businesses on my tourism and hospitality calls and even offered the pub as vaccination centre.

It was therefore good to be able to see for myself how they are doing under these difficult circumstances and hear about their plans to reopen on 17th May.

I also visited Alton Towers, again to see what measures they have put in place and how they are dealing with the semi-opening of the Park in line with Government restrictions.

I know that all our local businesses together with the vast majority of us, are hoping that we will be in a position for the next step of easing restrictions to go ahead on May 17th.

Being able to see loved ones indoors, and enjoying indoor hospitality are big steps in the roadmap out of lockdown and I am pleased that these will be possible thanks to the vaccination programme and the efforts of all to stick to the rules.

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