THE group representing businesses in Hereford has hailed their resilience and willingness to adapt in the Covid-19 pandemic, but admitted ongoing restrictions are making trading hard.

With new restrictions coming in on Wednesday, shops can now reopen, but as Herefordshire is in tier 2 people can only visit with members of their household or support bubble.

"This has been hard for businesses in what is a key trading period," said Mike Truelove, chief executive of Hereford Business Improve District (BID).

"Independents for instance are now gearing up for a small but intense trading widow when the lockdown ends. This puts pressure on them to obtain enough stock from suppliers for demand and not over-order as to be left with hundreds of pounds of tied up cash. In true Hereford style many of our businesses have innovated where they can.

"Click and collect has become popular or even click and deliver of which the Hereford BID has played a part in helping here."

Mr Truelove added many shops are "seasoned operators" and are used to highs and lows of trading.

"The feeling on the ground is one of innovation, new ways of doing business but equally, just trying to survive until this all ends," he added.