Wrexham businesses gear up for reopening of town centre – but warning sounded over how long it could take

Businesses and council officials are gearing up ready for when Wrexham is allowed to re-open for trade.

However, a note of caution has been sounded over how long a return to normality could take.

Shops, cafes and other enterprises in the town centre have been hit hard since lockdown measures were put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in March.

The Welsh Government is set to review whether the rules could be eased on Friday with many local business owners hoping it will follow in England’s footsteps by allowing non-essential retailers to open.

Speaking at a virtual Town Centre Forum meeting held on Friday, Wrexham’s town centre manager announced a number of steps designed to make sure people feel safe to return.

Amanda Davies said it would include the introduction of social distancing wardens to remind the public of government guidelines, along with signs and floor markings.

A one-way system for pedestrians will be implemented on narrower streets, such as Bank Street, while click and collect parking will made available on the High Street.

She said: “The idea is that we will have some staff who will be very visible because they’ll have hi-vis jackets on to reinforce to the public that Wrexham town centre is safe.

“It’s very important to say this – they will not be there dealing with it in a harsh way – this is a positive action we’re going to put in the town centre just to remind people.

“We have to rely on the public and the shops to follow guidelines.

“When lockdown does finish, we need to be very careful and very aware that it will open slowly because some people will be confident to come back and others won’t.”

She added: “Ken Skates (Welsh economy minister) said that he’s expecting 60 per cent of people will be uncertain to return.

“Our role is not to expect an influx of loads of people straight away but to provide the message that if you do come into Wrexham town centre then you’ll be safe.”

During the meeting, traders raised concerns over whether owners of smaller premises could be prevented from re-opening due to the guidelines.

Ms Davies encouraged them to talk to the council for advice, including those who want to create seating areas outside their shops.

The local authority also revealed hand sanitiser bottles, one-way systems and manned entrances and exits would be rolled out in the town’s markets.

Wrexham’s Senedd member Lesley Griffiths was among those who attended the meeting held via the Zoom video conferencing platform.

She urged businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to make money once restrictions are eased in case there is a second wave of COVID-19.

She said: “I believe we’ve really got to make the most of these next few months before winter comes.

“We hope we don’t get a second spike, but we could so I think it’s really important that we look at how we’re going to rejuvenate our town centres.

“We’re very lucky that we’ve got pedestrianised areas and we’ve got wide streets in some places.

“Now is the time to make hay while the sun shines.”

Her views were supported by town centre forum chair Wayne Price, who said: “It’s obviously essential that us as businesses and the council work together to make sure it’s safe.

“If done correctly, it could be a promotion to say we are so much ahead of the Chesters and Shrewsburys.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme)

*Pictured: Wrexham town centre during lockdown