Businesses in Watford are seeing more of their food wasted as they face more cancellations and lower footfall with consumers trying to avoid the new Omicron variant.

Coronavirus infection rates have shot up in the town during the Christmas period, with Watford seeing 1060.8 cases per 100,000 people in the week to December 17 - this was up from 557.8 the previous week.

Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reassured people that no further restrictions will be introduced before December 25, businesses have said they are facing uncertainty with less people going out.

Kayes Ibrahim, who runs the Tarboush restaurant in Market Street, said he has seen a “significant number of cancellations” as “people are scared to go out”.

Watford Observer: Kayes Ibrahim Kayes Ibrahim

He said: “As a business what is most frustrating is groups that wait until the last moment before deciding to cancel. It is traditionally our busiest time of year and groups cancel on the day we have already brought and started preparing the food.

“We are having more wastage which we give to homeless charities but it is all costs without the revenue coming in.”

He also felt that the government is leaving businesses in the hospitality sector in “limbo” by not making a firm decision on restrictions going forward.

He said: “I can understand that they want to give people a normal Christmas but even if they said circuit breaker lockdown from 27th December we could at least plan ahead. The uncertainty is the worst.”

Laura Styles, who runs Cafe Latino in Market Street, added she has seen a “decline” in business as people are working from home and less people are going into town.

Watford Observer: Cafe Latino Cafe Latino

She said: “We still have many of our regular customers, but trade has become less predictable. We make fresh pastries but at the moment we are having to throw a lot as there are less customers.

“Omicron has definitely affected evening bookings and walk ins.”

Mrs Styles added that “it already feels as if restrictions have been imposed as so many people are scared to go out in case they miss Christmas”.

“The not knowing and uncertainty leaves everyone feeling lost and apprehensive. We have to order stock but as we don’t know what is going to happen it all feels a bit of a gamble,” she said.

Stuart, who runs The Hair Tailor shop in Watford, added that he was worried about another lockdown being imposed.

He said: “I am self-employed, if there is no work I can’t pay my bills so if that’s (lockdown) is going to happen again yes I am pretty anxious of that.”

Whilst Boris Johnson has reassured people that no further restrictions will be introduced before December 25, he said: “We continue to monitor Omicron very closely and if the situation deteriorates we will be ready to take action if needed.

Watford Observer: Boris Johnson (image PA)Boris Johnson (image PA)

“What this means is that people can go ahead with their Christmas plans but the situation remains finely balanced and I would urge everyone to exercise caution, to keep protecting yourselves and your loved ones, especially the vulnerable.

“And remember to keep following the guidance – wear a mask indoors when required to do so, keep fresh air circulating, and take a test before you visit elderly or vulnerable relatives.”