‘We’re back in business’.

That’s the rallying cry from town leaders, business chiefs and independent traders as The Bolton News launches a new campaign to help the high street get back on its feet.

Non-essential shops are continuing to reopen as part of the government’s gradual easing of lockdown measures, and we want to celebrate the businesses that make our town so special.

Whether it’s big firms or independent traders - we are joining forces with community leaders in calling on people to support our local shops.

Many have had to put precautions in place to protect staff and customers, changing the way they work and serve us.

And then of course there are concerns that consumer spending may not return to pre-coronavirus levels for some time.

Other businesses have had to go even further by ripping up the rule book and transforming the way they trade and even what they sell.

Whether it’s the restaurants offering delivery services or the gym instructors offering online lessons, we want to hear how you have adapted to the ‘new normal’ and get behind those businesses determined to get back on their feet or make a fresh start.

Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green is another sharing his support for the reopening of shops.

“I know that many of our fantastic local businesses have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that customers can shop safely,” he said.

“Let’s support our fab small businesses and shop local.”

Thankfully the signs are there that our businesses are bouncing back with last week’s news that the number of shoppers visiting the nation’s high street rose by a third on the first day of reopening compared to the whole of the previous week.

In Bolton we saw long queues outside the likes of JD Sports and Primark but we must all ensure that this is not just a novelty and we support our local businesses in their time of need.

Alison Stewart, senior asset manager, Bolton Market Place, said: “We all know we cannot do this alone and everyone who visits the Market Place Centre whether for work or to shop will play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following the official guidelines and all the instructions and safety information onsite.

“We had queues when we opened, the atmosphere has been nice and it has been great to see our customers back in.”

It’s been a similar story at Bolton Market and the indoor Lifestyle Hall where traders have adapted to face the challenges of the lockdown.

The outdoor market layout has changed, communal seating has been removed from the Lifestyle Hall, and public toilets remain closed for now.

But many outdoor traders and indoor Lifestyle Hall businesses have now opened and they need our support.

During lockdown, food stall holders have been offering home delivery and click and collect services which many residents have described as a lifesaver.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Regulatory Services, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “Our food traders have remained open during the pandemic providing a vital service to the community.

“I am really proud of how our traders and staff have responded to the crisis and adapted by using social media and introducing new services.

“The market has gained lots of customers for the new click and collect and home delivery services, and we know our traders are looking to continue with them long after lockdown.”

It is this kind of positivity and adaptability that we want to celebrate in the Bolton News.

We want you to tell us how your business or shop is bouncing back and how determined you are to welcome and encourage customers to visit you once more.

Editor Karl Holbrook (inset) added: “As a newspaper we have always been there for local business through thick and thin and this is a time for us all to step up and support our traders.

“By spreading the word about how our high street is ‘Back In Business’ we can all play our part in ensuring Bolton bounces back as lockdown continues to ease.”

l If you are a business that wants to share your story about how you have adapted following lockdown please email jamie.bowman@nqnw.co.uk