BUSINESSES in Bicester will be switching-up the way they work today as the country goes back into lockdown.

Non-essential shops, gyms, leisure centres, barbers and beauty salons must close until December 2.

'Sacrifice November to save December' is the new slogan of The Nightingale Pub which will be delivering meals for the next four weeks like many other eateries in the town.

Despite remaining open, the team says going into lockdown feels like a 'punishment' after following government guidelines.

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Alister Wilson, senior operations manager at The Nightingale Pub, said: "At the forefront – we’re feeling sad. We’ve gone to extraordinary lengths post lockdown one to ensure that customer and staff safety is our number one priority.

"We could not have done more. We’ve taken every step to ensure safety, and it feels like a punishment to have to close now – as the few have ruined it for the many."

As well as offering local free delivery, the pub on Nightingale Place has partnered with Uber Eats to reach more people this time.

Mr Wilson added: "It's so uncertain at the moment with government advice changing all the time – what we do know is this – we’ll follow the rules strictly, we’ll give up the next four weeks to help the UK be able to celebrate the festive period in a somewhat normal way – in fact our new slogan is sacrifice November to save December."

Some people in the town say lockdown restrictions are not necessary, but will only delay what may later come.

A resident, who has asked not to be named, said: "Yes the Government has got to be seen to be doing something to slow down the rate of infection to minimise pressure on hospitals, but this relief will only be temporary and it will come back.

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"It will be like trying to hold back the tide so I would suggest we carry on as normally as possible, but maintain the hygiene measures, shield the vulnerable and be responsible for keeping our own immune systems and bodies as healthy as possible."

Despite some people feeling frustrated that restrictions are in place again, some say it is necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus, but it will have more of an impact on businesses.

Fish and ship shop The Finest Catch in Whitelands Way has been operating without customers being allowed inside the shop since the first lockdown began in March.

The team said: "We think at the moment it’s the safest way to trade. We think this lockdown will have more of an affect than the first one, especially as Christmas is not too far away. More shops, independents and companies that made it through the first lockdown will probably not make it through this one."

Bicester Wills & Probate in Crown Walk, which will be providing phone and Zoom appointments, says a lack of business due to lockdown has resulted in it not being able to fully staff its offices.

Owner Gail Church, said: "I think it’s the right thing to do to protect our most vulnerable and the NHS but it means more financial struggles for many small businesses which will lead to implications for many years to come. We have lost staff due to a decrease in business meaning we can’t fully staff our Buckingham office."

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Councillor Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Stopping the spread of coronavirus has to be everyone’s top priority at this point in time. It is essential that everyone follows these new restrictions from 5 November so that come December the rate of transmission has dropped.

“As local leaders we are acutely aware of the sacrifices our residents and businesses will be making in the coming weeks. I assure them that Cherwell District Council will continue to prioritise its essential services and support its communities through this challenging period.”

Help and support is available at cherwell.gov.uk/coronavirus.