Garages open as businesses in Sale aim to recover

B usinesses in Sale are slowly getting going again as the town attempts to kick start the local economy.

Ken Coffey Tyre Service Ltd on Dane Road re-opens on Monday although other garages have remained operating during lockdown.

There are also signs that the building trade is picking up as the pace of life gradually increases in Sale.

In a Facebook statement, Ken Coffey said: “Having followed government guidelines over the last five weeks and keeping the garage closed, we’re now happy to announce we’re able to open again on Monday, May 11, and look after our customers’ needs. We’ll be following social distancing regulations and putting our customers safety first.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon.”

Walkers Garage, Skaife Road, will open five days a week instead of the current two from Monday though with limited opening hours (8 am to 2.30 pm).

Another long-established garage Alan Reece Motors Ltd on Glebelands Road has remained fully open over the last few weeks. Co-owner Neil Collier said: “We couldn’t afford to shut and because we’re in the transport sector were on the list of essential businesses so could continue.

“We had a backlog of work we needed to honour and our customers were pleased we were open. We had no negative comments.

“One thing I didn’t realise was how many nurses we have round here whose cars wouldn’t start. It gave us a feeling of doing something to help because we’re a community garage.”

Howarth Timber & Building Supplies is extending its services from Monday under strict social distancing rules at its premises on Glebelands Road, Sale.

Only two customers will be allowed into the premises at any one time. Howarth had re-opened more than two weeks ago for click-and-collect sales after a three-week shut down.

Branch manager Stuart Wilkinson said: “We decided to close for the welfare and safety of our staff and customers. We just had to live with it and the biggest problem now is the knock-on effect of getting supplies from manufacturers to here.

“We hope our loyal customers will understand our situation and be patient with us.”

Across from the Howarth entrance, work on four new homes has resumed although building on other new housing projects remains suspended for the time being.