“Our message is that Wrexham is safely re-opening for businesses to trade”

Plans to help support Wrexham’s evening economy as lockdown measures continue to be eased, have been unveiled.

The last month in particular has seen the biggest re-opening of services and facilities since the lockdown was imposed back in March, with the likes of schools, hairdressers, non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality beginning to operated.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants have also been told to prepare for 3 August, when it is expected they can open their doors to the public for the first time since March for indoor specific service. This will be subject to coronavirus cases remaining low in Wales and the success of the re-opening of the likes of outdoor hospitality.

To help support Wrexham’s early evening economy, there are plans to utilise the town’s High Street and adapt the road to help cater for the “new normal”.

It is proposed that the street is closed to traffic between 6pm and 6am (access to St Giles Church and emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times) from the Wynnstay to Old No 7 Bar and Grill and set out tables and chairs on the wide pavements.

Wrexham Council says the aim of the proposals is to make sure “people can enjoy themselves whilst remaining safe outside and supporting local traders and give a cosmopolitan feeling.”

The proposals featured as part of a town centre COVID-19 recovery plan backed by executive board members last week.

In order to do this landlords will need to apply for pavement (street café) licences and put in place safe practices such as security to make sure everyone stays safe – with a zero fee from the council.

There’ll also be a table booking requirement with table service and social distancing in place.

Drinking alcohol in public places in the town centre is prohibited, as part of the Public Space Protection Order. However the local authority say drinking in licensed premises and within the boundaries of street cafés is permitted.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said he hopes visitors will return to the town and support local businesses.

He said: “This is a really challenging time for businesses and to help Wrexham re-open for business once again safety is everyone’s priority.

“High Street will look very different if the proposals go ahead and we hope visitors will return to the night time economy and support those businesses who have been very badly hit by the lockdown.

“The town centre and Streetscene staff have worked really hard during recent times to put in measures to make sure the area looks good whilst keeping the safety of everyone in the town centre in mind and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the town centre. Council staff and North Wales Police remain on hand to help and advise and to make the High Street look different but ready for evening visitors.”

“I’d also like to take this opportunity thank traders for their hard work and to encourage them to engage with us as we move forward with safely re-opening businesses in Wrexham.

“Our message is that Wrexham is safely re-opening for businesses to trade and we have lots to do in the coming weeks and months to make sure it stays safe.”

Wrexham Town Inspector, Vic Powell, added: “I wish licensed premises the best of luck for their limited re-opening.

“I ask that licensees ensure that arrangements are within Welsh Government and local authority advice and guidelines.

“Officers will be on patrol locally with officers from Wrexham County Borough Council’s Licensing and Trading Standards teams and will be paying attention to licensed premises for support and compliance.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this re-opening for their planning and compliance with the regulations and legislation.

“I look forward to working with all our partners to ensure this re-opening is a safe and positive event.”