I am extremely excited for those businesses reopening across Hitchin this week.

Hitchin's shops, salons, cafes and pubs are the lifeforce in our historic market town, and it will be fantastic to see confidence restored to the bustling town centre.

I hope the government's various support packages have helped to protect jobs and safeguard the survival of as many businesses as possible.

I will be working closely with Tom Hardy at Hitchin BID to pass on any constructive feedback from business owners back to Government.

We are very lucky to have such a vibrant choice of independent shops and services on our doorstep – let's show them our appreciation and support and shop locally whenever possible.

Bim Afolami MP