I took a bus ride to Warrington to go to Tesco on Freedom Day

As we are now deep into what is being labelled as ‘Freedom Day’ with coronavirus restrictions lifted across England, I took a trip into town to see how Warrington was responding to the change.

I must say, it is very much each to their own in day-to-day life anymore – readers have responded with each other well on social media over the fact that in and around town, it is a personal choice.

It is not a legal requirement to wear a covering anymore on transport and in shops, though government guidance says it expects and recommends the continued wearing of masks in crowded areas such as public transport.

Residents have also been urged to remain cautious by health chiefs and bus and taxi owners.

So, off we go. From being in Lymm during the day, we took the all day travel trip to Warrington Interchange onboard Warringtons Own Buses.

And, much to the initial disappointment, I was only joined by three people. Not great to gauge a reaction to the changes.

The bus journey was busy on the way back from Warrington interchange

Two teenagers both wore masks, and one woman chose not to.

In town, a trip to Tesco Extra by the Halliwell Jones surprised me a little as I had heard all customers in both the Coop and Sainsburys in Lymm wore face coverings.

I’d estimate two-thirds were not wearing a covering in there this afternoon. But everyone kept a reasonable distance despite that.

A quick grab of a few Lucozade sport drinks to not do sports and we headed back on the bus where again in the station it was about two-thirds who chose not to wear a covering.

Back on the bus to south Warrington and the majority chose to wear masks throughout their journey with some entering with a mask then taking it off when sat, one person entering without a mask and putting one on when sat.

But by the end of the journey 76.9% of travellers chose to wear a mask in a space where the government advises it.