PUBS, hotels and restaurants are struggling with the lack of customers after the government urged people to stay away in the fight against coronavirus.

But despite the desperate measures, businesses are remaining positive and doing the best they can to adapt.

Natasha Owen, the owner of the Polebarn guest house in Trowbridge has had bookings cancelled for the next five weeks and is worried.

She said: “We are affected massively. We have had five weeks of business cancelled as we have French and German groups visit. They book and stay with me so they usually do it every year which really kick-starts us.

“For the next three weeks the bookings are completely empty so life is cancelled. Functions are cancelled.”

“I’m not covered by insurance. The French are putting measures in so I’m hoping we do the same.

"I’m hoping the government will put a pause on the bills as that would be the best solution as if we have no customers we have no money. There is no safety measure for people like me but I’m hoping it will change.

“Mental health will take a nose-dive so we need to check on each other and try to stay cheerful no matter what.”

At the Chalford House Hotel and restaurant in Westbury, proprietor Ashley Hunt is concerned about his staff as they’re not getting the customers to cover the cost.

“We have lost half of our Mother’s Day bookings and the bar is like a desert. Personally, I’m not so worried for ourselves, I’m worried for staff. The industry will have mass lay-offs if people aren’t coming out.

“We’re looking at developing to deliver meals to people. But we’re not sure how that would go down. Older people may like it but younger people not so much.”

“There should be a bit of clarity as it’s all well and good saying don’t go out but there is a consequence to it all. The hospital industry is going to be on its knees."