Re-opening of shops welcomed in Wrexham and Flintshire

First Minister Mark Drakeford will today (Friday, June 18) announce all non-essential retail businesses in Wales will be able to open from Monday June 22 if they can take all reasonable measures to comply with the physical distancing duty in Welsh law.

The change is at the heart of a comprehensive package of measures to further unlock the coronavirus restrictions and move many aspects of daily life into the amber zone on the Welsh Government’s traffic light system.

The First Minister is due to announce the outcome of the three-week statutory review of the regulations in Wales, and also that the Welsh Government will review the requirement to stay local by July 6.

Wrexham High Street

Councillor Terry Evans, Wrexham Council's lead member for economy (economic development and regeneration), told the Leader: "This is fantastic. "It is a real step in the right direction.

"This situation has had a massive impact and business owners have been very worried - they're desperate.

"I have been in business all my life and I have never seen anything like this.

"But if we can get back to trading in a safe manner, it is a very good step so I do welcome it.

"The public just need to be sensible, follow the rules and shop in a safe manner.

"Their safety is paramount."

Joanna Douglass, business and regeneration officer at Mold Town Council, said: "I welcome the Welsh Government’s announcement, after a long period of closure due to the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

"I know Flintshire Council have been exploring ways that our town centres can be adapted to enable these businesses to reopen and operate effectively whilst adhering to the required social distancing requirements.

"Over the weekend, work will be carried out to the streetscape and public areas in Mold and an individual approach to each town has been taken to make the best use of the environment and provide a warm welcome back to our town.

"I would please ask that members of the public respect the adaptions that are in place and also please have patience as this is uncharted territory for us all. "If anybody has any comments on the re-opening process please do let me know.

"Working in partnership with Flintshire Council we are able to provide feedback which will inform amendments to the adaptions if required.

"This is very much about ensuring a pleasant experience for all whilst adhering to the requirements set out by local Government.

"I look forward to welcoming our community back to the town, these have been extremely challenging and unprecedented times.

"I am in awe of the community spirit that many residents and businesses have demonstrated during this period and admire how traders have adapted so quickly to assist the community in such times.

"The message to the community is to shop local / use local services and this is more important than ever, look at what Mold has to offer, before taking your custom outside of the town."

Mold Town Council is also developing a Mold Shop Local Voucher Scheme to encourage people back into the town and ultimately boost the local economy.

Vouchers will be available to purchase from Mold Town Council once all businesses and service providers are able to open and the vouchers can be exchanged for goods or services at a number of local businesses; used to purchase weekly shopping, buy as a gift, enjoy a pamper or an evening out.

Businesses interested in signing up to the scheme or finding out more are asked to contact Joanna Douglass via email business@moldtowncouncil.org.uk or telephone 01352 758532.

Flintshire Council confirmed it has been surveying its town and primary retail centres and is currently identifying and implementing new arrangements for safe shopping.

Members of the business community have been encouraged to share their views, particularly around what equipment, information and support the council could provide to enable them to trade safely and effectively.

In the first instance all comments and suggestions should be addressed to Streetscene by telephoning 01352 752121 or contacting: customerservices@flintshire.gov.uk

On the First Minister's announcement, a Welsh Government spokesman added that the change is "at the heart of a comprehensive package of measures" to further unlock the coronavirus restrictions and move many aspects of daily life into the amber zone on the Welsh Government’s traffic light system.

The First Minister, who will also today announce the outcome of the three-week statutory review of the regulations in Wales, will also say the Welsh Government will review the requirement to stay local by July 6.