A campsite in Cheddar is preparing to reopen tomorrow (July 4) as it looks to recover from the "massive" impact the coronavirus crisis has had on the tourism industry.

Petruth Paddocks is run by the Sayer family, and they have put in a wide range of safety measures so the reopening will see the site very different to how it was when it closed.

The lockdown could not have happened at a worse time for Julian Sayer and his team, as they had just invested the value of their house into new amenity blocks.

Julian said: "The first four arrived the day we had to close.

"Bookings simply stopped but outgoings didn't. The government support helped a little along with the arrival of key workers and folk in-between house moves.

"We spent three days working on a business continuity plan forecasting likely outcomes for different opening dates which, once completed, helped us to come to terms with just what we might be in for and just knowing really helped.

"We had to postpone the other four amenity blocks and use that money to keep paying the bills. Our time's been spent installing the four blocks we had received, rebuilding our old hay barn and preparing for a very different re-opening that we now know will be this Saturday July 4."

When it came to preparing to reopen, Julian said they are aiming to be ultra safe, while not spoiling the stay for visitors, and to make sure there is not an influx of visitors to the village.

He said: "We are very conscious that some local residents are worried about a massive influx of visitors impacting Cheddar so with this in mind we have limited our bookings to those booking online and a maximum of 100 bookings on site per day, which is 20 per cent capacity, during early July.

"We have also refunded all group bookings that exceed the number currently permitted by law. We love large groups of friends and families gathering together so this has been especially hard for us.

"We've signed up to the Covid-Secure risk assessment and engaged a health and safety expert to advise us on every aspect of changes to our operational procedures.

"Among other things, these are the changes we have put in place: contact-less check-in and purchases, 10-metre spacing between pitches, constant amenity cleaning from 6am to 10pm with rigorous processes in place, hand sanitisers seemingly everywhere and the reception will be closed to guests.

"We are determined to make sure that these changes do not spoil our visitors' stay. People need a break like never before so we'll be doing everything we can to give them a relaxed and enjoyable stay within the restrictions that ensure it's a safe one."

Petruth Paddocks has been trading since 2003, but the business expanded in 2014 when significant investment took place.

Julian, who is also chairman of Cheddar Chamber of Commerce, said that he is hoping the campsite will help the village's economy, and is calling on support for local, independent businesses from villagers.

He said: "Most of our local businesses are run by people passionate about what they do.

"The majority of them are not great at marketing themselves on or offline. For many the last three months has forced them to make radical changes outside of their comfort zone and many need help in communicating their new message so they can focus on re-starting and delivering whatever they do.

"I wonder, we must have lots of local people with marketing skills? If that's you, how about offering some personal time to help a local business owner get their message out there?

"Businesses need our support more than ever. Some are literally clinging on by their fingertips.

"Like us, many have had to invest heavily in cleaning and protection while at the same time limiting the number of customers they can serve – a double whammy.

"I'd encourage locals to maybe take a little extra time to shop locally and think before you click. It might take a little more effort but let's make sure that we all lend a hand in getting local business back on its feet."