SHOPKEEPERS in Leominster have given their view on face masks being made mandatory again.

The Prime Minister announced last week that face coverings will become mandatory again in shops and on public transport from today (Tuesday), after the Covid-19 variant Omicron was in the UK.

Shopkeepers in Leominster's town centre have praised the reintroduction of the face mask rule, with many feeling it could help businesses stay open in the long run.

Anne Mason, of Masons in West Street, said it was good masks were mandatory again, but new regulations did not go far enough.

"It's no use making it mandatory in just shops and public transport, when someone can easily mingle with 30-40 people at a pub and not have to wear one,” she said.

"It should be mandatory across the board, this half-hearted approach won't work.

Sarah Juson, of the Flower Gallery in Drapers Lane, said she did not mind masks being made mandatory again.

"As long as it keeps businesses running,” she said.

“The last thing we need is another lockdown. Particularly ahead of Christmas, which is one of our busiest periods.”

She echoed Ms Mason that if masks were to be mandatory in shops, they should also be enforced in pubs and hospitality as well.

Steve Vaughan, of Biobab in the Buttercross Arcade, said he also thought it was good that face coverings were compulsory again.

"If this knocks it (Covid-19) on the head then great, as that will keep customers coming into our shop," he said.