PAVEMENTS have been widened and one way systems implemented to make sure customers are safe when they return to Flintshire's town centre's on Monday.

Flintshire Council has welcomed the announcement today by First Minister Mark Drakeford that non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen from Monday as part of the further easing of lockdown restrictions.

But lockdown and social distancing restrictions are still in place, and people returning the High Street will have to get used to the "new normal".

A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: "We have been preparing for further relaxation of lockdown restrictions in the town centres and for more people wanting to come back to the towns to shop and to access services.

"Visitors will find a number of changes in many towns to help them to stay safe during their visit including signs, marked queuing areas, widened pavements and, in some places, one-way pedestrian zones.

"The social distancing measures put in place have been designed to help businesses trade effectively and to make the town centres as welcoming and comfortable as possible without compromising public health and safety.

"The town centre businesses that have been open to date have proved invaluable in supporting Flintshire residents during these very difficult times. Flintshire’s town centres have a wide range of shops selling a great variety of high-quality goods and services and we hope that residents will take the opportunity over the coming weeks to show their support for their towns and support local businesses.

"Working with our partners, we will continue to develop further appropriate measures and solutions needed to ensure the resilience and viability of Flintshire’s towns."