THIS WEEK the country will once again go into lockdown and for most businesses this means closing their doors for the next month.

While some businesses will be able to continue online, many will again be reliant on Government support.

Pubs, shops and gyms are among the many businesses that will receive little to no custom over the next four weeks, so the Herald spoke to a few Whitchurch businesses to see how it would affect them.

Mara and Ben Miller have recently taken over and reopened the White Bear in High Street and while disappointed to close so soon after opening, say they will be ready once pubs can open again.

"We've felt very welcome in Whitchurch and had a lot of great comments," said Mara. "We were very excited to reopen and it's going very well.

"We can't wait to be back again, as soon as the rules allow.

"In a pub people should feel safe so as soon as we open again we will be following the rules."

Driving instructors were permitted to operate during the previous lockdown for key workers, but this time round are not permitted to operate.

Whitchurch-based instructor Bill Hancock has accepted this ruling and believes it is more important to help protect lives than make 'a few quid'.

Bill said: "At the end of the day lives come first.

"Each person has different ways of dealing with things, as far as I'm concerned the Government's helped me and supported me the best way they can in the past and they will do that again.

"At the end of the day we've got this pandemic if it means stopping lessons to help protect lives that's fine by me.

"I wouldn't like to think that down the line I've caused someone some grief just to make a few quid."

Gym owner Daniel Mee says he is 'bitterly disappointed' to be closing, but vowed to support members.

"We're bitterly disappointed that the government have overlooked the positive impact gyms and leisure centres have on keeping people fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, and instructed us to close from Thursday," he said.

"Even more disappointing as we had so many new clients ready to start their new six week Live Well programme with us, and so many members who were really starting to get back on track with their fitness post lockdown.

"But, as always, we'll keep on striving to manage this situation to the best of our abilities and keep supporting our members in whatever way we can."

The mayors of Whitchurch and Wem have also shown their support for their communities, encouraging residents to 'do their bit' to protect the NHS and each other.

Councillor Bev Duffy, mayor of Whitchurch, said that while a second lockdown would be difficult, staying in touch with friends and family would help people through.

“This second lockdown will be difficult for everyone, but we must do as we did before and stay home to protect the NHS and the vulnerable people in our society," said Cllr Duffy.

"We need to take care of each other, particularly remembering those who aren't able to go out or who live alone.

"Please do phone your neighbours and reach out to those who may need emotional support. Remember to hold dear the sense of community that we have come to rely on and take comfort in from living in a small, tight-knit community.

"It will be a tough time for the business people in town who have worked so hard to keep their businesses going.

"Hopefully this lockdown will be fairly short so we can support our local businesses when they re-open again.

"Please consider contacting our local businesses via phone or social media and placing an order for delivery or collection with them.

"Many Whitchurch-based businesses have established a strong online presence during lockdown.

"Keep well and keep safe everyone.”

Meanwhile Cllr Phil Glover, mayor of Wem, said tackling complacency was the best way to get through lockdown.

"Although this second lockdown is of great concern to all of the businesses and general public of Wem I personally believe that we are at least better prepared for this lockdown than we were the first," he said.

"I must say that we are lucky to be living and working in a town where there have been relatively few cases of Covid-19 and I believe that it is easier to stay safe here than in many of the larger towns in Shropshire.

"This however depends a lot on people following the government guidelines,which unfortunately sometimes does slip due to complacency.

"If we allow this to continue then eventually we may all be personally touched by this pandemic.

"I feel extremely sorry for any local shops or businesses that have to close over this period and hope that the Government support will allow them to re-open before Christmas.

"Local support is available through the town council website and the town clerk is always on the end of the phone.

"Although the town council cannot fix every problem that arises we are able to point people in the right direction for available support."