A THURROCK landlord has won plaudits from customers and residents after deciding not to rush into reopening this weekend.

Following the relaxation of social distancing regulations, many pubs, clubs and restaurants across the borough are gearing up to open their doors to drinkers and diners from Saturday (4 July).

However, the doors at a popular village pub will remain closed - for a further 48 hours at least.

Landlord Brett Rider, who won widespread plaudits for supporting NHS workers prior to lockdown, has decided he will delay reopening at the White Lion in Fobbing.

He says: "This is probably not the news you have all been waiting for but after careful thought and consideration, we are not opening the pub on Saturday as planned.

"Instead it will be Monday, 6 July. With all the restrictions and measures we will have to put in place, it's going to be too difficult for us to control this on the opening weekend. The safety and well-being of our customers and staff come first and unfortunately this means having to open a few days later than planned.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused but we believe this to be the right move forward in keeping with the guidelines for reopening.

"Nearer 6 July we will be posting more information regarding reopening and the restrictions/measures in place at the pub that we will need everyone to follow.

"Again we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We really can't wait to see you all and get back to some form of normality down our little pub!"

The move has won approval from customers, who have taken to social media to back Mr Rider and wife Jennie. Among those offering support is Arthur Hall who says: "Very sensible decision - landlords opening on Saturday are going to have BIG problems!"