Reacting to the news today that England returned to regional tiered approach on 2 December, HTA Director of Policy and Communications, James Clark, said: “It’s good news that garden centres can continue to operate as well as growers and landscapers. Together they form an important industry which contributes to the wider economy 

“However, though we recognise the need for some level of restrictions until this virus is brought under control, the revised system is bad news for members in tier three areas, who won’t be able to open their cafes or restaurants. 

“Hospitality represents between 15 and 20% of turnover for garden centres with cafés or restaurants and our members have spent considerable time and money on making their catering premises and procedures covid-secure. We believe a smart approach to closing hospitality – one which considered levels of risk – would be a fairer way to protect both the people and the economy from the pandemic.”