THE owner of a popular wedding venue in Flintshire has spoken of the uncertainty of trade.

Lorraine Earl, owner of the Highfield Hall, which is located in Northop, has expressed her concerns regarding how the coronavirus pandemic has had on her business so far.

She said: "We've aimed to be proactive and keep our couples informed and try and reassure them that we will do whatever is needed to make sure they still get their dream day.

"It's devastating for them after all the time planning to think their wedding day may have to be postponed.

"We've contacted all couples due to get married this year to let them know that we're keeping our eyes on what's happening, and for all weddings due in the next 12 weeks have already been rearranged or have a back-up date just in case."

Ms Earl stated that if the current situation were to continue, then all re-booked weddings will have to be held in the nearby future.

She added: "We will continue to monitor Government reports and will contact couples regularly, as a timeline will become clearer as to when the tide will turn.

"All couples without exception have been so kind and understanding and are finding dates that we have available rather than cancelling their weddings for later in the year, or for next year.

"We are of course not charging any transfer charges, and are transferring forward all monies paid, and holding the prices if couples are transferring to the following year, as we do not want to cause any extra concerns for our couples.

"The Government financial support has helped us tremendously by paying 80 per cent of wages, and we are topping this up to the full wage so none of our staff lose out financially, and so we are raring to go when this nightmare is over.

"With so many wedding postponements to later in the year, we will be amazingly busy when we do re-open - even other bookings we have had to cancel such as baby showers and anniversaries have said they will rearrange and have a get together.

"This pandemic has definitely brought out a great spirit in everybody, and we are so thankful to everybody for their support, patience, and kindness during these times and we look forward to some great events when we get through this."

For further information, contact Highfield Hall on 01352 840221.