A MAN was left feeling ‘shocked’ and ‘angry’ after being told he could not buy tin foil as it was deemed ‘non-essential’.

Chris Allen said he went into his local Home Bargains store in Buckley to buy tinfoil on Monday but was told by staff he could not purchase it.

The two-week fire-break lockdown, which will be lifted on November 9, includes regulations that stop supermarkets and other retailers that remain open selling 'non-essential' items.

This includes items such as clothes, utensils, toys and electrical goods - with the rationale behind the decision being to create a level playing field for retailers that remain open and those that have been forced to close.

It also aims to prevent people from spending more time in and making unnecessary trips to shops.

However, the move has largely been met with consternation.

Chris said the situation is now getting ‘ridiculous’ after he was denied buying the product on Monday.

He told the Leader: “I’ve never been so angry over tinfoil in my entire life.

“I walked over from my house as I wanted to stay local, as per guidance however once I got there I was told by a member of staff that tinfoil is deemed as non-essential, like it’s a luxury.

“I tried to speak with the store manager, as I genuinely believed that there had been a mistake somewhere.

“However, I was told that they had directives from the Government and their Head Office had issued this order.

“Putting the inconveniences aside, I haven’t been able to get any guidance from anyone representing our constituency in government.

“Calls have been made and emails sent, however no response. Whatever your political background, this is not right

“I managed to find some tin foil in Chester, but let’s face it, that defeats the point of the lockdown but I couldn’t wait until the Senedd finally comes to its senses.

“It may sound petty, at the moment however this situation will have graver consequences.”

Chris added: “The situation is getting ridiculous. To be honest, it’s not about the tinfoil but more what is the Welsh Government actually thinking? No guidance and no rationale.

“They are showing nothing but disregard and brinkmanship to the will of the Welsh people.”

The Leader previously reported that First Minister Mark Drakeford promised a review into the essential items only procedure.

On Tuesday, Welsh Government updated its list of essential items.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The sale of essential items only during the two-week firebreak is to discourage people from spending more time than necessary in shops.

“We appreciate how difficult and inconvenient these restrictions are for many, but they have been introduced for two weeks to prevent the spread of this deadly virus and save lives.

“We face a very serious situation; people are dying every day as a result of coronavirus. We need everyone to work together to make this firebreak successful if we are to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed and causing even more harm to people over the weeks and months ahead.”

A spokesperson from Home Bargains said: “Our stores and staff members in Wales are working tirelessly to serve their local communities during the current national coronavirus firebreak, taking every reasonable precaution to help prevent the spread of this virus. In terms of the sale of essential and non-essential items, we continue to align ourselves with the latest Government guidance available.”