GOOD news for Wetherspoons fans...the chain's two cut-price pubs on the Isle of Wight re getting ready to reopen.

The pub chain, which owns the Man in the Moon in Newport and S. Fowlers & Co in Ryde, has said it has begun work on measures to keep customers safe once the pubs open again.

IT is now just waiting for the government to give the OK for the doors to reopen.

The safety measures will include reducing the number of members of staff working at any one time, spacing out seating and providing gloves, masks and protective eyewear for staff.

Read More: How will Isle of Wight pubs survive coronavirus lockdown?

A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said: "We have undertaken extensive employee consultation and has also consulted with many of our suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines.

"All of our pubs will have screens at the till point. There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

"Wetherspoons will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear. Employees can elect whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines.

"There will be an average ten hand sanitiser dispensers around each pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.

"Every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

"Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pubs.

"Each pub will have a member of staff working full time, two staff per pub to cover all opening hours, to sanitise all the contact points during opening hours.

"These will include door handles, allergen information screens, card payment machines and hand rails.

"Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit, debit card or contactless, although cash will be accepted.

"Staff will hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass and when ordered by the app they will be delivered to the table on a tray and placed on the table using the base of the glass."

Sharon Longley, manager at S. Fowlers & Co, said: “At present the government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

“However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.

“We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

“The safety of staff and customers is paramount.”