Welshpool reopens for business

There was a clear focus on safety first as Welshpool officially reopened its High Street this morning, almost three months to the day since Covid-19 forced the shutters down.

An easing of restrictions has allowed non-essential shops to open and while it was noticeably busier in the town centre, a majority of retail businesses remain closed.

However, those that were welcoming customers have implemented ample safety measures and several, like the Celtic Company, have used the down time to invest in order to present a fresh retail experience for the town.

“We’ve used the time to do a lot of work in the shop and we are really pleased with the end product,” said the shop’s owner, Rachel Bates. “It feels so good to be able to open again and we look forward to welcoming back our customers with our new safety measures in place.”

A handful of shops, including Brooks Cycles, Rikki Lloyd’s Family Butchers and Alexanders, have remained open throughout the pandemic to provide vital services alongside the major supermarkets and village shops who have also kept us going.

Wales is currently still observing the 2m social distancing rule but there is hope that the UK Government will make an announcement to ease it this afternoon or tomorrow (Tuesday), signalling an opportunity for Wales to do the same. An update on pubs is also expected.

PICTURE: Welshpool is back in business! Celtic Company owner, Rachel Bates, with colleague Amanda Callery this morning.