Wrexham town centre reopens to all as five mile restriction is lifted

Businesses across Wrexham town centre have reopened their doors with COVID-19 safety measures in place for shoppers.

Two weeks ago, 91 days after they were forced to close their doors, non-essential retail in Wales was given the go ahead to reopen as part of another another cautious step towards the “new normal”.

With the five mile journey restrictions lifted across Wales yesterday, Wrexham Council is encouraging the public to use to the town centre and help order to support local traders who have been hard hit by the enforced closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the measures implemented to help keep shoppers and traders safe, shops have taken extra precautions to ensure social distancing and hygiene are in place and the town centre will look different.

Wrexham Council have installed signs on the lampposts and the floor to help with social distancing.

A one way system has been put in place on Bank Street with access via Hope Street to Henblas Street.

There are also town centre wardens out and about to remind you to stay safe at all times.

Last week also saw the reopening of Tŷ Pawb, General and Butchers markets – all of which now have one way systems in place and social distancing reminders located around the buildings.

Only a limited amount of people will be allowed into the building at any one time and there will be a member of staff at the entrance act as a meet/greet and to give guidance. Hand sanitising stations have also been installed at the entrances to the buildings.

For those looking for public toilets, the facilities in Ty Pawb are now open, but will have restrictions on the numbers able to enter at any one time.

The toilets on Henblas Street have now also reopened with safety conditions in place and are open 9am to 4.30pm.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “It’s excellent news for the town centre traders who have rightly been very concerned for their businesses during the strict lockdown.

“Now is the time to re-open and for us all to give them our support. I have visited the town centre and markets and I am very impressed with the optimism of traders as they have been getting ready to welcome back customers old and new.

“Staff have worked hard in our markets and the town centre to ensure public and trader safety and we’ll be looking at further measures we can take to aid the recovery process as further announcements by Welsh Government are made about the businesses that are allowed to re-open.

“It’s important we all remain vigilant whilst out and about, Covid-19 is still amongst us and we do not want to see a return to lockdown now that we have made so much progress. I would like to thank everyone involved from traders to staff and the general public for their regard and attention to the health and safety of everyone visiting the town centre.”

For those visiting the town centre there is also free parking in all council operated car parks until the end of September.

However visitors are being asked to observe the time limits in force to ensure popular car parks do not remain full all day.

If you are using the car parks you should also observe social distancing when necessary whilst getting in and out of your car.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partners, Public Protection and Community Safety, added: “I’m particularly pleased that traders in Tŷ Pawb are able to re-open alongside the rest of the town centre businesses.

“They have a very loyal and supportive customer base who will, I am sure, be very happy to return and to see all the safety measures that have been put in place for everyone’s safety.”