Non-essential shops in Newark, Southwell and Bingham reopen after nearly 12 weeks of lockdown
Shops across the district have reopened again 12 weeks since lockdown forced them to shut their doors.
With Newark bristling with people, it seemed the easing of restrictions had tempted members of the public to take a wander out — but were people actually buying anything?
Here is some very mixed reaction from across the district on the day all non-essential shops got back to business.
Although trade didn't seem to be much different today, Kostas Akrivos, of Green Olive, said: "Saturday was very good.
"It was absolutely packed in the market with live music and dancing.
"People could not wait to get out.
"We are hoping it with it being Monday, it will get better for us during the week."
Margaret Tyler, of Newark, came into town despite being vulnerable. She said: "I have come to just look for summer clothes.
"But having been in a few there doesn't seem to be any new stock, they will be doing winter soon."
Sitting two metres from her, friend Margaret Callaghan, also of Newark, said she did not expect crowds and that the carparks were packed.
She added: "I went to Iceland to get some frozen bits and to return some shoes at Clarks."
Jill Pindor, of Bathley, was out for the day with daughter-in-law Agata Ciemnoczolowska and granddaughter Sophia, 6.
She said: "It's freedom, normality. I would like to think people are going into the shops and buying things.
"It's enjoyable being back out and see people with smiles on their faces.
"People are still scared though."
Tom Blakemore, of GH Porter, said there was a lot of people around with different characters on the move.
"Some are nervous and some are blasé and everything in between," he said. "There is definitely a bit of a buzz around.
"It was like a carnival on Saturday, we actually had our biggest Saturday roughly for 12 weeks.
"But there's a bit of social pressure — it's kept people from coming out because of the anxiety.
"I have seen lots of returning faces but also new ones. People are trying and coming back out.
"The other day people were queuing on Gunthorpe Bridge to get into Tom Browns."
Martin Clifford, a bin lorry driver with the county council, of West Bridgford, rode into Newark for a change of scenery and expected to complete 70 miles today.
He said: "I was going to stop by the cafes on the front but I thought I would come and and see who was out in town.
"It's interesting to walk by and see who is out.
"I have been wearing my bandana while riding as precaution."
Martin said though most people seemed to be social distancing, he found the older generations were not so compliant.
Paul Simpson and Peter Migy, of Doncaster, came to see Newark Market Place after buying some radiators from Viking Reclamation in Bathley — the only place they could get them.
Paul said: "We have just been to Bathley and thought to come into Newark. It is lovely here."
Meanwhile, in Southwell, streets were less busy, with people saying others were browsing shop windows — rather than going inside.
Maurizio Giangrosso, owner of Alfresco Caffé on Queen Street, said while he couldn't complain because of the government help he had received — he couldn't understand why people didn't want to spend money.
"There are quite a lot of people around but they are trying to save money," he said. "I don't understand why I can't have tables outside that are socially distanced. People will come in and ask to sit down, but when I say they can't — they just leave.
"But what can you do? We are trying our best."
If in Southwell, try Maurizio's Ginseng coffee. It is naturally sweet, flavoursome and delicious — trust us, we've tried it.
Out to return a product, Tim Clarke, of Southwell, said it was great to see there was more people about.
"There are signs of life," he said. "Now, hopefully, things will be getting back to normal again."
Southwell Town Councillor Roger Blaney was among those nipping into town today. He said independent businesses would continue to do well with many not being online, thus prompting people to head to the high street.
Stoppards in the Market Place noticed a surge in people on the streets and their trade, but doubted anyone was actually buying anything in retail.
"We were extremely busy on Saturday and people were queueing all the way down the street," said owner John Stoppard.
"There are a few different people about but it seems people are just having a look."