Hebden Bridge physiotherapist says she is ‘wary’ to reopen

Julie Madox, 40, runs Calder Therapies, in Hebden Bridge, and had to close her private practice in March, which specialises in physiotherapy, massage, and pilates.

The business owner received a cash grant from the Government to help tick her practice over until the coronavirus pandemic subsides, but even though the grant funds are dwindling, Ms Madox has mixed feelings about re-opening.

She said: “My practice provides physio support and obviously demands a lot of physical contact.

“I’m wary about re-opening because I fear re-opening too soon could put my business in jeopardy if a client catches coronavirus.

“It’s my livelihood, so I have to be careful.

“I got the business grant from Government but that’s dwindling now.

The Hebden Bridge physical therapy business owner said she has been seeing clients who need special appointments in ‘desperate need’.

“I want to get back to a sense of normality, but because my business involves a lot of physical touching, I don’t think I’m ready to open just yet," she said.

Beauty business owner Claire Guest, 42, who runs Smudges Nail Boutique, also in Hebden Bridge, said she is ‘frustrated’ with the Government’s decision.

She said: “I have screens set up and PPE ready for customers.

“I understand not re-opening yet, and I’ll follow the rules, but other salons won’t follow them, which isn’t fair.”

The nail and beauty business owner spoke about the ‘frustrations’ within the industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “In our industry we have businesses called Non-standard Salons, which don’t abide by rules and will open regardless.

This puts my business at a disadvantage.”