THE news to carefully re-open Wrexham’s non-essential shops has been welcomed by the council’s lead member for economic development, Cllr Terry Evans.

He said: “This is excellent news for our traders who have been understandably worried about their businesses since they were shut down in March. It means they can once again open for business and we have been planning for this event over the past few weeks.”

Despite the good news, he stresses that the lifted restrictions do not mean that the virus has gone away and asks that potential shoppers make use of retailers safely.

He added: “We have to bear in mind the guidelines that are still in place as no-one in Wrexham, or in Wales, can travel over five miles for non-essential travel which means numbers visiting are not expected to be extremely high in the first couple of weeks.

“This will give traders time to adjust to their new safe way of trading and be ready for when the five-mile restriction is lifted which is expected to be in July.

“We also all have to bear in mind that the coronavirus pandemic is not over yet and may not be for some considerable time so plans will be reviewed regularly amended where required to ensure public health is not compromised whilst visiting the town centre.

“The plans put in place take into account the safety of both staff and customers which remains a priority and we have been working with stores to make sure this can happen.”

Cllr Evans adds that the town centre will also “look different” and that a one way system will be put into place on Bank Street as “social distancing cannot take place in such a narrow street”.

He continued: “I would like to thank our traders and our own staff who have worked extremely hard to make sure the town centre opens safely for visitors and staff alike.”

Other changes the public are likely to see in the Wrexham town centre includes signage reminding everyone that Welsh Government coronavirus guidelines must be adhered to as well as social distancing signs and floor markings.

Social distancing wardens will also be patrolling the town at various intervals reminding visitors of the government guidelines.

All town centre cleaning will be updated in line with the council’s risk assessments and national emerging guidance and working practices may change in the future.

There will be click and collect parking on High Street and town centre car parking in council-owned car parks remains free until the end of September.

A spokesman for Wrexham Council added: “We received an indication from the Welsh Government that regulations will be introduced to Keep Wales Safe at work in retail giving further guidance on indoor retail spaces which means we will be able to open the General and Butchers Markets and Ty Pawb very soon.

“The Council are also looking at re-opening public toilets which will adhere to the guidelines and again, we hope this will happen very soon.”