You might recall my last trip to Stramford some weeks back.

I wanted see the market and visit Waitrose and then write about it.

I was accused of making a 'non-essential' journey.

Let's just say several birds were killed with that stone.

Now, with lockdown restrictions being eased, with markets now able to trade as normal, just how would Stamford market be? The thriving success of pre-lockdown times?

Well, I parked by the river, and was soon in St Mary's Street, were most shops were still closed.

A couple of retailers had signs in their windows saying you could still buy online. One or two others seem to be undertaking renovations and a closed café looked to have bought a new fridge.

I passed the Stamford Cheese Cellar, which appeared to have a customer or two inside and then up Maiden Lane, past the Kings Head pub and into High Street.

After the quietness of before, High Street on market day looked back to its thriving old self.

More businesses were now open and as well as queuing at the banks, the post office, the chemist, Tesco, Wilko and M&S, now you can queue for a coffee.

Scandimania looked to be ticking over nicely, and around the corner the Hambleton Bakery also had a small queue.

Passing Star Lane and into Broad Street was the market and signs warned you to stay two-metres apart. People seemed to following the rules but it was quite busy.

I stopped off at my favourite place for coffee and noticed the tables and chairs had gone, to help ensure social distancing.

To raise a smile, a sign said we were not allowed to kiss the barista! Not that I guess anyone did in pre-lockdown times, apart from his girlfriend, he told me. I did not have to queue.

The stalls were well-spaced and the market looked the success South Kesteven District Council has been planning for.

Back in High Street, more businesses were open, and again you could queue for coffee, including at the longstanding Café Black, where I heard one customer tell his 'brother' barista it was good to see him again. Further away the recently-opened Stray's was also open serving coffee.

But the national chains, such as Costa, still remains closed, as was WH Smiths. The clothing store Brooks Taverner is still awaiting to open.

Other businesses, including some estate agents, were open, with signs telling you how you were allowed to enter.

The Golden Fleece in Sheep Market was advertising its take-away meals and beer.

So it was back to the car, with a stop at the Riverside Fish Bar, where you enter at the front, pay before a plastic screen and leave at another exit to ensure social distancing.

Well, it is good to support a local business and the fish and chips are always lovely.

I sat in the park and ate them and as the rain and hail approached it was time to leave.

I had considered finishing things off at Waitrose, but on seeing the queue, I thought I would leave that for another day.

Heading back up the A1, which is still quieter than normal, I thought it had been a good day.

But think how lockdown has changed things, as I noted before, when an enjoyment is now a couple of hours in Stamford!