A snapshot of how the pandemic has affected Norwich reveals that there are now more tattoo studios, beauty salons, and supermarkets, but fewer banks, toilets and retailers in the city centre. 

Comparing the type of businesses trading in March 2022 to the same month in 2020 - just before the first lockdown - has provided an insight into how Covid has changed the high street. 

The research from the Ordnance Survey, which was analysed by the BBC, found that during this two year period 13.2pc of banks closed in the city centre - more than the British average of 8.1pc. 

Retail was also hit, with 13 fewer shops open this year compared to the 341 trading in March 2020 - with notable closures including TopShop and Debenhams. 

This is a drop of 4pc, slightly more than the national average of 3pc. 

The number of public toilets has also fallen - down 7.4pc, much more than the British average of a 2.3pc decrease. 

Joe Faulkner, head of KPMG’s practice in Norwich said that the accountancy firm's research found that "a fifth of people had not visited a bank branch since before the Covid-19 pandemic as more people choose to bank online or via their phones."

He added: “Both retailers and banks - like consumers - are facing daily rising cost challenges and so are having to really look at their business models to ensure that they are championing their most profitable physical stores, while also making sure they have a strong online offering."

Meanwhile, figures from Ordnance Survey found that businesses offering beauty services, such as hairdressers and beauty salons, are up by 6.3pc in March 2022 compared to the same month in 2020. 

This is above the national average of a 5.9pc rise. 

Supermarkets have been opening more stores during the last two years, with a 9.5pc rise - significantly higher than the British average of 2.5pc. 

The biggest rise, however, was the number of tattoo and piercing studios which has increased by 22.7pc during the past two years - much higher than the British average of 8.2pc. 

"Given the economic headwinds, with consumer behaviour expected to evolve further as shoppers look to trade down and purchase less, understanding and meeting customer needs will be mission critical for retailers, and it’s a job that keeps getting harder,” said Mr Faulkner.