FOLLOWING Saturday's shock announcement that Reading and the rest of Berkshire would be entering Tier 4 restrictions, pubs across the county have had to cancel their Christmas bookings, causing a further blow to an already-suffering industry.

Cigdem Atkins has owned riverside pub The Fisherman's Cottage in Kennet Side since October, and has faced a difficult time.

She said: "Like everyone affected, this has hit us big time.

"It is just really painful."

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The pub had been fully booked throughout the Christmas period and for New Year's Eve, but following the Prime Minister's speech on Saturday, all have had to be fully refunded.

"This place has been shut down for so long," added Cigdem.

"We took it on in October, then there was the November lockdown and now this.

"We had so many bookings sorted - we were full every day for the next couple of weeks.

"I don't know how we are going to survive.

"We have opened for collections but made only £3 yesterday (December 21).

"It's affecting everyone, we sold a coffee to a woman yesterday and as she walked away I saw her take a seat on a bench and just cry.

"It's such a horrible time."

Cigdem, who has been forced to furlough all of her staff, said more support should have been made available to the hospitality industry, which she says have been unfairly blamed.

"Pubs and restaurants have made sure there is social distancing and less people when they've been allowed to open, yet other industries don't or aren't able to do the same yet the hospitality industries have to close first.

"We have applied for a grant and if we get it we will have £2,000 - but how do I decide where that goes?

"What about all my staff, how long will they be out of work?

"We need to know when we are going to open again, and I need to pay rent myself."

Cigdem said there is also the issue of stock which will not not be used.

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"I'm 46 years old," she added.

"I really do recognise the danger of this virus, but this can't continue - more needs to be done.

"I really don't think many businesses will survive like this."

To make an order to collect from the pub, visit the website or call 07925 336269.