LOCAL politicians and business representatives have welcomed an insight into plans to ease lockdown measures – but urged its success will be dependent on timing and public co-operation.

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, speaking from Holyrood on May 21, announced the Scottish Government has published a route map to take Scotland out of the current Covid-19 lockdown, providing information about how and when restrictions might be eased.

Four phases have been outlined in the route map, with Ms Sturgeon expected to announce that movement to Phase One will begin from Thursday, May 28.

Initially, more outdoor activity will be permitted, including sitting and sunbathing in parks and open areas. People will also be able to meet one other household outside. Some sport will also start up again, such as golf, tennis, bowls and fishing.

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Residents will also now be able to travel, preferably by walking or cycling, to a location near their community for recreation. Industries including agriculture, forestry and construction are expected to reopen as well.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton MSP and deputy leader of Scottish Labour, said: “These changes have only been made possible because the vast majority of the public have been very diligent in following the existing guidelines.

“Progressing beyond Phase One will only be possible if these changes are given the same due diligence.”

She added: “I will continue to fight to ensure that those who have been hardest hit from the virus – particularly those who have lost their jobs and now face an uncertain future – have all the support and protection needed in the short and long term.

“I urge our local community to stick to the guidance given in order to keep the most vulnerable in our society safe.”

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, an organisation which supports local companies, said the route map was a “helpful start”.

He said: “Different businesses and sectors will need practical guidance on when they can return to the workplace and what measures they need to put in place to ensure the safety of their staff and customers."

He added: “Our local businesses and town centres are at the heart of our communities in Dunbartonshire providing local jobs, skills development and contributing both locally and nationally to the public purse. It is crucial that we help and support them to get back to business as soon as is safely possible.

“It’s critical that this well-intentioned plan does not move ahead quicker than our testing and tracing capacity can cope with, or we’ll be back in full lockdown very quickly.”

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