Peterborough laundrette owner is determined to keep her business spinning

Peters’ Cleaners, which has branches in Lincoln Road, Peterborough, and St Paul’s Street, in Stamford, says its regular business has fallen by 80 per cent since the health scare took hold.

Owner Vicky Whiter said: “Dry cleaners have been classified as an ‘essential service’ and we will be remaining open during the coronavirus pandemic offering a full range of dry cleaning and laundry services.

“We wanted to remain open for those that may need us but with some staff self-isolating opening hours have been reduced.”

The outlets will open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

It also offers a 24/7 service at its unmanned pick-up and drop-off for dry cleaning and laundry at Serpentine Green.

Vicky said: “This is ideal for those that need clothes or bedding cleaning but do not want contact with others.

She said: “A second 24/7 unit was due to have been launched in February at the railway station for commuters but as the equipment comes from Italy this is on hold until the world returns to normal.”

Established 57 years ago, Peters’ Cleaners has 13 staff.

Vicky said: “I am working with all of my staff to financially support them through this very difficult time and to ensure they have a job to which they can return.”

“The Government has taken steps to assist small businesses including eliminating business rates for 12 months, a cash grant and help in paying wages although these things take time to implement and no financial assistance has filtered through yet so we are doing all we can to keep our costs down and cash in the bank for paying staff.”