Axminster shops open their doors for business today after the easing of lockdown with dozen of messages on social media welcoming them back and wishing them well.

The new chair of Axminster Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Furse, posted on Facebook: "We would like to wish all of those traders across the town and parishes that are re-opening today. The very best of luck – you have been hugely missed!"

In her acceptance speech after being elected chairman to replace long-serving Shane Morgan, Mrs Furse said the chamber had to adopt a more pro-active approach to representing their members after COVID-19.

Axminster district councillor Sarah Jackson also sent a message to the trading community, saying: "Huge shout out to everyone reopening their doors today and going back to trading, or anyone returning to work. Good luck. I hope all goes smoothly and you have a great first-day back."

County councillor Ian Hall also posted a message wishing all the traders the best "for today and every day".

Totally Locally Axminster, the organisation which promotes independent traders, has done its outmost to publicise the opening day posting a 'shop locally' video in which a number of shopkeepers have taken part.

The video, made with Ric Edgell from Ric's Kitchen, shows shopkeepers making final preparations for reopening and sharing a 'shop local' message.

This morning (Monday), the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, unveiled the new Axminster Map, commissioned by Totally Locally.

The map, which will be made available to visitors, has been made possible through support from the East Devon AONB Sustainable Development Fund, delivered locally on behalf of DEFRA (the Department for Environment & Rural Affairs).

The Trinity Square display has taken over an old display case that had been much in need of renovation, with kind permission of Boots.

The new one was handmade by Ian Styles, managing director of Axminster Property, as his gift to the initiative.

The idea for the map came from Naomi Eden, owner of the Collate Interiors homewares shop, and has been guided by a small team of Totally Locally Axminster volunteers.

Cllr Farrow described the map as "wonderful" and thanked Mr Styles for making the display panel.

She said they looked forward to Axminster returning as a vibrant centre for shoppers and visitors as lockdown was being eased.

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