PUBS throughout Trafford are preparing to reopen their doors to customers.

Julie and Ian Slamon run the Lord Nelson in Stretford Road, Urmston assisted by their children Becky 22, and Sam, 20, and plan to reopen at noon on July 4.

Ian said: “We will use some tables and leave others. People can put their empty pots on the unused tables. They can order at the bar and we’ll take them to empty tables.”

He regrets their capacity will be reduced by 30 per cent.

“If you haven’t got a seat then we are at capacity,” he said.

The couple will ensure regular cleaning of the toilets and spacing. Julie was just pleased they could meet their regulars again.

Tracy Derbyshire left the Moss Trooper in Timperley to join the Kings Ransom in Britannia Road, Sale, just before lockdown.

Like all Greene King pubs they will open on Monday, July 6.

She added: "People should book on the Greene King app. We used to seat 156 people inside but now we only have room for 90.”

But many people can sit outside alongside the Bridgewater Canal. Their heavy outdoor seating was moved indoors through the lockdown but will be out again.

Tracy said: “Our staff will wear face masks and visors."

At the toilets it will be one in, one out and hosts will greet guests at the entrance and take them to their table.

“If they don’t have the app, we will take orders at the tables,” said Tracy.

The Griffin, Stamford Road, Bowdon, will also open on July 6. Manager Helen Watters said it was because they wanted to reopen in a controlled way.

She said: "We will have a bookings system. We will take our customers’ details when they book a table. There will be a pay app and we will only have one cash till. We will encourage people to sit outside in the patio area which will have a separate bar.

“Another major thing we have done is to monitor the toilets. We will have a one in, one out system."