WEAVER Vale MP Mike Amesbury says he is 'disappointed' that the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown did not include details of support for businesses which must remain closed for some time.

While schools will reopen to all pupils from March 8, non-essential retail, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues will not reopen until April 12.

It will be May 17 until pubs and restaurants can operate indoors, and cinemas, children's play areas, hotels, hostels and B&Bs, theatres and concert halls, can reopen.

Mike Amesbury MP said: "We in the Labour Party support the gradual lifting of restrictions as part of the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown.

"But we must proceed with caution or we will be back here again.

"It’s disappointing that today’s announcement did not include details concerning economic support for businesses as many, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sector, will remain shut for some time to come as part of the necessary public health restrictions.

"And as Keir Starmer pointed out - proper support needs to be provided for the 3million self-employed who have been hung out to dry over the last year.

"The PM says we must wait for next week's budget but companies are running out of cash and desperate to know if the Business Rates holiday will be extended, whether the VAT cut will be extended as well as furlough."