SHOPS in Wrexham have re-opened their doors to the public after months of being closed.

The highly anticipated news that all non-essential shops in Wales will be permitted to re-open their doors from today (June 22), was confirmed by First Minister Mark Drakeford at the Welsh Government’s daily coronavirus press briefing on Friday.

Retailers will now be able to resume trading if they can take all reasonable measures to comply with the social distancing duty in Welsh law to reduce the spread of coronavirus and protect shop workers and customers.

Earlier today, the Leader took to the streets of Wrexham and spoke to a number of retailers and shoppers who shared their thoughts on the re-opening of the town, after the majority of shops being closed since March due to the virus pandemic.

Andrew Gallanders, owner of Bank Street Social, who is also the vice-chairman of the Wrexham Town Forum, expressed his joy at being able to re-open, despite the 'lack of support' that he has received from Wrexham Council.

He said: "I've been open since last Friday, which saw Christmas-like sales.

"I'm very excited to see Wrexham re-opening but I'm extremely disappointed with the council, as I've felt that they could've provided more support for the smaller businesses within the area.

"They have had 12 weeks to sort out the social distancing measures in the town, which they have only just done today with two signs informing the public that Bank Street is now a one-way system.

"These signs should have been displayed when the country went into lockdown, they could have done a lot more in my opinion."

Throughout the town, Covid-19 safety measures signs have been displayed to remind the public to keep to social distancing restrictions.

Two eager shoppers, Margaret and Paul Hughes, decided to make the most of shops re-opening by using public transport to visit the limited Monday Market, located on Queens Square.

They said: "We're extremely happy to now be able to get out and visit markets and shops.

"We've been stuck at home since lockdown so it's nice to be getting back to some sort of normal.

"We will do what we can to support the smaller shops, as they're the ones that will need the most help."

Vicky Murt, of the Beauty Box on Bank Street, added: "We're happy to be back open and to be able to get the shop up and running again."

One shopper, Alison Hughes, who enjoyed browsing the limited number of stalls at the Monday Market, welcomed the news which she states will have a 'positive impact' on her physical health.

She said: "It's great that we're getting our beloved town back.

"I suffer from Parkinson's disease and I'm just happy that I can get out more to walk around the town which is good exercise for me, and not to mention allows me to support independent traders."

Shopper, Eileen Williams, added: "It's just a relief really, as I've been rather isolated during the lockdown."

Owner of Sure To Please Tailors, Christine Roberts, spoke of her delight at being able to get her business up and running again.

She said: "I'm just glad and very excited to be back, as it gives people and businesses some sort of normality again."

Aaron Purvor, owner of Geckos on Bank Street, jokingly stated that he is glad to be able to re-open again as it allows him to not go 'bust', and also stated that there has definitely been a 'change' in the attitudes of shoppers, as they will 'think twice' before they go out to shop.

Ruth Rees, of Martin Rees Jewellers on Chester Street, added: "We are doing all we can to serve our customers as safety as possible.

"We are currently providing a limited service such as booking repairs, so please contact us before you visit."