Hitchin Nub News champions businesses in our area and as the second lockdown approaches we want to help you as much as we can.

Nub News is YOUR dedicated online newspaper, working to keep you informed on everything that matters in Hitchin.

We're running this live blog to keep our readers updated on events locally and nationally - as well as to help boost local businesses.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed the nation on Saturday of the forthcoming lockdown which will begin on Thursday - and is set to last for 27 days, until Wednesday, December 2.

As lockdown bites why not give your company a boost by adding your name and services to our FREE Hitchin business directory. You can add your business to it here.

If you run a cafe, pub or restaurant, will you be changing to offer takeaway? Let us know your plans and we'll publicise them.

Do you work in an industry which will have to stop for the lockdown, and will you be using the furlough scheme which has been extended?

Below you'll find information on how businesses are responding to the lockdown, changes to council services, community requests and more.

If there's something you'd like to share, get in touch and we'll post it on our platform which is read by thousands of Hitchin residents. To make your voice heard, please email [email protected] or tweet us @HitchinNubNews

Alternatively, you can find us Hitchin Nub News on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

HITCHIN NUB NEWS LOCKDOWN STORIES

Amani's Kitchen thanks loyal customers ahead of lockdown and looks to the future

Hitchin Lockdown List

Live blog: Hitchin gears up for second lockdown

Fabio's Gelato: Here we go again...

Hitchin's Benslow Music: With your help we can keep music alive

LIVE BLOG:

845am The Hitchin gym we visit regularly seems less busy this morning as people prepare for the second lockdown. The main discussion is how we can stay fit and healthy when the doors shut after tomorrow. The general consensus is that running is the best option. I may have to dig out my running trainers that I last used when I ran the London Marathon a few years ago...

930am If you're a Hitchin business do you know you can claim for government grants to tide you over during the second lockdown. Here's more information

1045am Covid deaths in England and Wales are up to 978 in the third week of October, the latest statistics available - up 46 per cent on the previous week

1137am Downing Street is set to hold its daily lobby briefing. We'll keep you up to date on news that will apply to Hitchin

1225pm Hitchin town centre boss Tom Hardy gives an update to BID businesses

110pm Here's some good news. Hitchin's Christmas Market's is still planned to take place. Read more here

238pm With the news that the FA will halt all grassroots football during the second lockdown we spoke with a well-known coach in our area for his reaction. Here's Paul Donnelly's take on the situation