Normally the streets of Ironbridge in Shropshire would be bustling with tourists enjoying the world heritage site on a sunny day.

But there’s hardly anyone out, and almost every business is closed.

Having suffered the worst flooding in living memory just five weeks ago, no one realised that the next thing they’d face was a global pandemic.

Vic Haddock’s home and holiday let were flooded, and his canoe business can’t operate, but he’s stoic about the challenge of coronavirus.

“I don’t know where my next penny is coming from because my livelihood’s gone,” the retired steelworker said. “Entering a new industry, the leisure industry, and the whole thing is on standstill now isn’t it?

“You know, we’ve spent everything we’ve got… my compensation, I cashed my pension… I suppose I’m a bit deflated but it’s not going to beat me and it shouldn’t beat anyone. We’ve got to fight this altogether.”

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