SERVICES at the Hollies Day Centre in Musselburgh will resume on Monday as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

Liz Shannon, manager, said the reopening of the High Street facility, which offers activities for older people as well as a public cafe, would be “in a limited capacity” to allow for social distancing.

The public cafe and hairdresser will be back in business on Monday, with hopes that other activities, such as the lunch club, might start again next month.

Ms Shannon said: “Major work has been carried out over the lockdown period, including a deep clean of the building.

“We are sorry but, due to the current pandemic, a number of changes have had to be put in place for customers’ and staff safety, and to comply with Government health and safety guidelines. As before, we are a cash-only facility.”

The cafe will reopen in the hall 10am-3pm, Monday to Wednesday.

Ms Shannon said: “We will see how it will work and, if it works well, we can extend our days back to five.

“There will be a limited number of customers able to attend, around 22, and the time in the cafe limited to 90 minutes per person. Entry will be by the black gate from High Street into the hall. A track and trace system will be in place and customers will be required to leave their name and contact telephone number, have their hands sanitised and wear a face covering until seated. All must comply with these conditions or entry will be prohibited. A limited menu will be provided at this stage.”

The hairdresser at the day centre will also reopen by appointment, following the same days, times and entry system.

Ms Shannon said: “Customers for the hairdresser will have to keep a mask on at all times and use the stair lift to the first floor. They will be required to bring their own refreshments as no tea or coffee will be provided.”

She stressed both cafe and hairdresser customers would leave from the front door of the building.

Ms Shannon paid tribute to Musselburgh-based RR Roofing & Building Ltd, which came to the rescue last week to carry out repairs on a leaky roof at the centre which, it had been feared, could have been a major setback to the reopening.