Hitchin town centre boss Tom Hardy has reacted to the route of out lockdown with cautious optimism.

With the government's four-step announcement to exit Lockdown 3.0 announced earlier this week, as a town full of thriving independents prior to lockdown, Hitchin is gladly gearing up to fully re-open for business once again.

Before the Covid pandemic Hitchin was renowned as a 'destination' visit, with people attracted to the picturesque market town for the quality of its independent shops and restaurants.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News the hard-working Tom broadly welcomed the news.

"Although the government's announcement laid out plans for reopening later than expected," he said,"it is welcomed by our town centre businesses who now have a timescale to work to.

"We are really looking forward to (hopefully) welcoming back visitors to the town from April 12 - where we will see the return of Eat Alfresco on the Market Place as well as the delivery of our reopening plan for the town."