TRADERS in Wrexham have celebrated the re-opening of the town.

Retailers were able to resume trading on Monday if they took all reasonable measures to comply with the social distancing duty in Welsh law, in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus and protect shop workers and customers.

The majority of shops have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Andrew Gallanders, owner of Bank Street Social, who is also the vice-chairman of the Wrexham Town Forum, he enjoyed a 'busy day' of trading.

Ruth Rees, of Martin Rees Jewellers on Chester Street, added: "We survived our first day being partly open.

"The lovely masks made for us by Paula Hamstead had their first outing but I wish my glasses hadn’t kept steaming up.

"We're looking forward to welcoming more customers for our gold buying and pawnbroking services on Thursday, between 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm."

A number of other retailers are still yet re-open but are expected to do so in the coming weeks, and will continue to keep the public informed via their social media platforms or by displaying signs in their shop windows.

The national chain, Primark, has confirmed it is set to re-open on Friday, June 26, at 9am.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, said: "After an incredibly tough few months, it really was fantastic to see people shopping safely and supporting local businesses.

"Although we’re not out of the woods yet and must continue to do everything we can to help beat this pandemic, today was a really important step for the town centre.

"The measures we’ve put in place seem to be working well, and will help keep everyone safe as more people return over the coming days and weeks.

"It’s really important that we all ‘shop local’ wherever they can.

"So please, come and spend your money in Wrexham.

"The traders need you, so let’s show that local people are supporting local businesses."

The council has stated that they have been planning the re-opening of the town centre for the 'past few weeks'.

The plans that have been put in place to protect the health and safety of both staff and customers include a one-way system on Bank Street due to its narrow size, social distancing signs and floor markings throughout the town, with social distancing wardens patrolling 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 also be click and collect parking on High Street and town centre car parking in council operated car parks remains free until the end of September.

The council are also looking at re-opening public toilets soon which will adhere to the guidelines.