Financial support from the government is "essential" to keep businesses going, the chief executive of Salisbury BID has said.

Last night, PM Boris Johnson laid out the new measures coming into force on Thursday to tackle the national rise in coronavirus cases.

These include tougher rules on face masks and a new 10pm curfew for pubs, restaurants and bars.

Robin McGowan, chief executive of Salisbury BID, called the new restriction for the hospitality industry “disappointing” and said that financial support from the government is “essential” to allow businesses to stay afloat.

He said: “It’s disappointing the hospitality sector is being hit hard again by the restrictions, but we understand the measures the government need to implement in order to stop the spread of coronavirus as the winter months draw in.

“Pubs and restaurants are going to be significantly impacted by the 10pm curfew and further financial support from government is essential to ensure they survive – especially for the late night venues.

“Although doors must be closed at 10pm to customers, businesses serving food and drink can continue to operate by providing a delivery service, so we expect more businesses will adopt this way of working.

“The support from local people has been tremendous, and without this support our businesses really wouldn’t be able to survive. So, on behalf of businesses in the city centre, we plea to the people of Salisbury to continue to make every effort to support and shop local wherever possible.”