RESIDENTS of Idle and surrounding areas were pleased to “bring back a sense of normality”, whether it was enjoying a pint in the sunshine or getting that long-awaited haircut.

Customers were out soaking up the sunshine on the picnic tables outside at The Alexandra, on Albion Road, Idle.

Bev Clarkson, landlady at The Alexandra, said: “It’s been very busy and steady since we opened at 12 o’clock. The good weather has helped.

“Everybody’s been following the guidelines. We have the Track and Trace app on the picnic tables and have been manually taking details of people who don’t have the app. So far, so good.”

“It’s great to be free again,” said customer Stephen Hartley, of Idle, who was out with his mates Tom Dibb, Mark Baraniak and another friend. “It brings a bit of normality back in life. It’s felt like we’ve been under house arrest.”

Stuart Malcolm, who was also out with his friend at The Alexandra, said: “It’s the first beer I’ve had in ages.”

His friend added: “Everybody’s out enjoying themselves. This is what people have been waiting for. It’s better than sitting at home and watching the Dickinson’s Real Deal.”

Barbershops and hairdressers were busy, including Idol Cuts in Idle village which was full up inside and had a queue of a half dozen people outside.

“It’s nice being out after being locked up for ages,” said waiting customer Pete Dutton. “ I’ve travelled all from Ossett to get my hair cut because I’ve always come here.”

Pete, who is a former Idle resident, added: “I’ve been waiting for lockdown restrictions to ease. Even a normal thing such as a haircut brings back that sense of normality.”