My Town Rocks founder Laura discusses lockdown easing on BBC News

Supporting families and businesses during lockdown

Throughout 2020 and into 2021, the My Town Rocks network of websites continued to provide a valuable resource for families. While many activities and venues were closed, the sites shared ideas for outdoor activities, at-home family fun inspiration, and updates about local and charity services.

As restrictions began to ease, the focus shifted to helping families rediscover their local areas and supporting independent businesses as they reopened their doors.

The websites also highlighted how residents could support their local high streets and community venues during the gradual reopening.

Discussing reopening on BBC News

"The drive now is all about independent [shops]... looking after the community more"

Laura Brookes, founder of the Cheltenham Rocks website, says people will keep on shopping locally even as shops reopen after lockdownhttps://t.co/U9XMe4x485 pic.twitter.com/Ovq8ANPmt1

— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) April 12, 2021

The live BBC News interview explored how towns like Cheltenham were preparing for the return of shoppers as non-essential retail reopened across England in April 2021.

Laura spoke about the importance of community support during the recovery period and how local platforms such as Cheltenham Rocks had played a role in keeping residents informed about businesses, events and places families could visit.

The discussion also touched on how the pandemic had changed the way families discovered activities and how digital community guides became an important way of sharing trusted local information.

Footfall rises as shops reopen

BBC News reported that Cheltenham High Street experienced a significant increase in visitors as restrictions lifted, with footfall rising by around 230% following the reopening of shops.

The surge reflected the excitement many people felt about returning to local high streets after months of lockdown and highlighted the importance of supporting town centre businesses during the recovery period.

Broadcast across the BBC network

The interview was broadcast live across the BBC network, appearing on BBC news bulletins including BBC One, BBC Two and the BBC News channel.

It formed part of the BBC’s national coverage of lockdown easing across the UK and the return of shoppers to high streets around the country.

You can watch the BBC News interview below

Helping families discover things to do locally

My Town Rocks is a growing network of local family activity guides across the UK, helping parents discover events, classes, attractions and places to visit with children.

The sites aim to make it easier for families to find things to do locally while also supporting independent businesses and community organisations.

Explore Cheltenham Rocks to find events, activities and family-friendly ideas across Cheltenham and the surrounding area.