The grey and grim weather did not help, but Grantham did not look its best on the day lockdown was lifted.

But alas the town is in the strictest Tier 3, which means many outlets, such as pubs and cafes must remain closed, unless they serve take-aways.

Walking into town today, I passed the popular Wellies Fish and Chip shop on Springfield Road, which had a trickle of lunchtime custom but still no sign of life at the Springfield Arms over the road.

Then it was into KFC, which had a couple waiting to be served, but no sitting inside was allowed. Many customers were sat outside in their cars outside as they enjoyed their feast.

Walking down Harlaxton Road, where over the summer you might have seen rainbows in praise of the NHS, now you see early Christmas decorations to bring colourful joy.

Over into 'Wide' Westgate, Watkins the butcher still had its lunchtime queues. Leo's Cafe remained close but Kitchen and Coffee was doing take-outs.

By now, I noticed several hairdressers and barber shops had opened, as allowed, along with nail bars.

Coronavirus must be a strange virus if it is safe for these premises to be safely open, what with their staff stood so close to their clientele as they file their nails, cut their hair, etc, etc.

Perhaps it is the smell of nail polish that is fatal to the virus, or the lacquer, the sound of scissors or trimmers or the talk of 'where are you going for your holidays?'

Yet, the pubs must remain closed. It's not as if any barmaid or landlord were standing or sitting quite as close as they delivered their pints in a socially distant-way before the second lockdown.

And so it was past an empty Cider Bar, and though I could not make out if they were actually open for take-aways, I must say the Vintage Tea Rooms and Oblios Deli looked magnificent in their Christmas finery.

I passed more barbers, one with young lads trimming away, who looked strong enough to tackle any virus.

Then it over towards Asda and Lidl, where their car parks were looking pretty full.

As it has sadly for some weeks now, The Nobody Inn, was finally living up to its name.

The Black Dog Inn was looking festive, but will anybody get to enjoy the decorations, I wonder?

As I read online somewhere, if masks work, then why is government ordering so many businesses to remain closed?

If masks do not work, then why do we have to wear them in shops?

Anyway, it was back into the town centre, passing open banks, building societies; the odd travel agent was also open and so were the charity shops.

More people were around now and the Isaac Newton Centre was quite busy, despite the Cinco Lounge remaining closed. But there was Greggs and the many phone shops seemed to be ticking over nicely, with staff keeping guard at their front doors as they restricted entry.

Back down St Peter's Hill Wetherspoons was still closed. It had begun advertising a Christmas menu, but as with the Black Dog, might we ever get to enjoy it?

Then, it was down London Road, where places open included Sainsbury's with a busy car park, B&Q and Marks and Spencer.

I passed further victims of the lockdown, and so far they have included Clinton Cards, Bon Marche, Peacocks, Laura Ashley and the rather sad looking remains of Pizza Hut, which cooked its last pizza just after the first lockdown.

Grantham's high street has always faced challenges, but I dread to think what might close next should tough restrictions continue.

I can only weep at the thought of what so many business owners and hospitality staff are going through.