Category Archives: Coronavirus

Coronavirus

Facemasks to be worn again in restaurants and public transport

New covid guidelines will require Britons to wear facemasks again as a compulsory measure in light of the latest Omicron variant, Business in the News reports. 

According to the latest update from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, this will mean people will be required to wear facemasks in public including restaurants, communal areas, retailers and on public transport. 

The latest Omicron variant has originated in Southern Africa and there have been reported cases in Europe. Whilst the full symptoms and extent of the variant are not confirmed, it has been said that it is less susceptible to existing covid jabs and inoculations. 

Facemasks rules were relaxed during the summer when covid cases eased and the UK practically reopened to the general public. Whilst many continued to wear facemasks, this was not a compulsory measure, although the public is still encouraged to stand at least 6 feet away from another person, use hand sanitizers and hand wash stations where possible.

In schools, pupils will be required to wear facemasks in communal areas, unless they are exempt.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “The news of a new variant – the so-called Omicron variant – will have understandably caused concern for people across our country, including our teachers, wider education and childcare staff, parents, pupils and students.

“We are already taking targeted and proportionate action as a precaution while we find out more information about the new variant.”

He said the government will “continue to prioritise children’s and young people’s education and wellbeing” to make sure they can “continue to benefit from classroom teaching.”

Since lockdown measures began in the UK in March 2020, the country and its businesses have adapted and taken important precautions to limit the spread of the disease. From wearing facemasks, gloves, hand sanitizer and socially distancing, many communal areas or places of interest have made changes to keep up with protocols.

In restaurants, offices and gyms, you can often find protective screens between tables, treadmills or stations, with alcohol gel or hand stations in the entrances for any customers. Some outlets have upgraded their surfaces with more hygienic solutions, often mirroring those of hospitals. With more wipeable panels and hygienic surfaces, it is easier to clean away germs and with surfaces built under high pressure, they will typically gather less bacteria.

 

Conwy, Coronavirus, Transport

Railway communities offered cash support via £10k funding package

COMMUNITY groups near rural railway stations are on track for a funding boost.

Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership and Transport for Wales have united to support organisations building back from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They have launched a £10,000 scheme offering up to £250 to groups affected by the Coronavirus.

Community Rail Officer Karen Williams said: “We have launched this fund in partnership to support organisations directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic.

“Applicants will need to demonstrate how the grant will enable them to move forward as a sustainable community operation and how it will benefit those around them.

“The resilience shown by so many over the last 16 months has been incredible, and we wanted to reinforce that by making this funding available.”

The scheme is facilitated by Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) for community and voluntary groups within a five-mile radius of stations along the routes from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction to Holyhead.

Wendy Jones, Chief Officer of CVSC, said: “We are delighted to be part of this as we know a small investment can go a long way in supporting local community groups, especially now, when so many events that have been cancelled over the last 18 months can be supported to be held safely.

“CVSC administers other grant schemes that have funded similar projects such as fogging machines to clean equipment, safety signage, art projects, village shows and day trips to improve mental health and wellbeing, so the money can be put to very good use.”

The stations included are Holyhead, Valley, Rhosneigr, Ty Croes, Bodorgon, Llanfairpwll, Bangor, Llanfairfechan, Penmaenmawr, Conwy and Llandudno Junction, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Roman Bridge, Dolwyddelan, Pont-y-Pant, Betws-y-Coed, Llanrwst, North Llanrwst, Dolgarrog, Tal-y-Cafn, Glan Conwy, Deganwy and Llandudno.

To apply and for more information contact Philip Jones at CVSC on 01492 523843 or email grants@cvsc.org.uk.

Visit the website at https://www.cvsc.org.uk/en/funding/conwy-valley-and-north-west-wales-coast-community-rail-partnership-fund for full guidelines and application forms.

For more on Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership, visit www.conwyvalleyrailway.co.uk.

NOTES: Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership works in collaboration with Transport for Wales and is hosted by ​Creating Enterprise, a social enterprise which demonstrates a strong social value, investing in communities, volunteers and finding employment to bring about positive change across North Wales.

Coronavirus, Law

Legal eagle warns companies on controversial ‘no jab, no job’ employment policy

COMPANIES must be wary of implementing a ‘no jab, no job’ policy and mindful of other employment law factors that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edward Hughes Solicitors, based in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay, revealed they have been inundated with calls and emails from businesses unsure whether they can legally introduce a blanket rule insisting any potential employee has the COVID-19 vaccine.

Justice secretary Robert Buckland says it may well be legal in the future for companies to insist on new recruits having a vaccination, while Welsh Government maintains its stance that nobody can be forced to have it.

Richard Johnson, a partner at Edward Hughes, encouraged firms to clarify their position with staff and map the next steps forward, including up-to-date risk assessments.

“There are sectors where having the vaccine would be deemed vital to a role, such as care and health and beauty,” he said.

“But there may be other arenas where it is not as crucial – for example, someone who is working alone at home full time, or outdoors and away from colleagues – where there is less risk of contracting the virus.

“The pandemic has been unchartered territory for all industries and the landscape is something of a minefield at present, so we urge employers to take advice.”

Forcing existing staff to have the vaccine could be an even greater concern for companies, says Richard, and there are other circumstances to consider, including sick leave and absence due to ‘long Covid’, the need for regular welfare meetings, flexibility, and the possibility of tribunal claims for discrimination.

“A lot of organisations already comply with health and safety rules and will have implemented new social distancing restrictions in lockdown ahead of staff returning to the workplace – in whatever form that might take,” said Richard.

“Employers have a duty to ensure and provide a safe environment for staff, but a blanket policy would raise serious issues for those people who are opposed to having the vaccine for religious, ethical or medical reasons.”

He added: “There is a lot to be discussed and digested, and a long road ahead for companies wondering how they will tackle this problem in the months ahead.”

For more information and to contact Edward Hughes Solicitors, call 01745 343661 or visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes. You can follow them on social media at @QSEH_Solicitors.

Coronavirus, Economy & Jobs News, Law, Legal News

Spike in family members challenging Wills since onset of Covid pandemic

THE number of people making a will has increased dramatically since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.

That in turn led to a rise in family members contesting ‘lockdown wills’ as thousands of people of all ages across the country – notably the clinically vulnerable – rushed to get their affairs in order.

These factors, coupled with the added strain on mental health, having more time to reflect in self-isolation and health fears alleviated by Covid-19, all contributed to a surge in numbers.

Edward Hughes Solicitors, based in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay, has experienced this trend in past months.

There have been challenges from those who were left out of a will, or with questions over whether it was properly signed and witnessed, how much they were left and the deceased’s mental capacity at the time of writing the document.

“There are several contributing factors,” said senior partner David Jones.

“Many people are suffering financial hardship and there is widespread concern and even panic in some instances – which is understandable given the unprecedented situation we are in – among more elderly members of the community and retirees who want to secure the futures of their loved ones.

“To see a subsequent increase in people contesting wills is down to the challenges many are facing and, given widely reported issues around mental health and dementia, what the deceased frame of mind was when the will was signed.

“This is all unfortunate, but it is happening – as well as forgery and fraud of wills – so we try to be there to support clients who have any questions and avoid these disputes during what is already a torrid and emotional time.”

Last March, solicitors nationwide reported an immediate rise of more than 75% in will enquiries due to the uncertainty around the virus.

With lockdown rules in effect, they were forced to find alternative socially distanced ways to ensure correct procedure was observed, and PPE (personal protective equipment) and video conferencing became the norm.

But that in turn could lead to future probate battles in court, added David.

“Even where the intention and requests of the deceased seem clear, an estate could still be contested under law,” he said.

“This can be a complicated process so we urge anyone in this position to get in touch and, where possible, together we can work towards an amicable outcome for all concerned.”

For more information, visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes and follow them on social media @QSEH_Solicitors.

Coronavirus, Law

Double delight for North Wales law firm after most challenging period in its 70 year history

A LAW FIRM has achieved double success after one of the most challenging periods in its 70 year-history.

Like most organisations, Edward Hughes Solicitors – based in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay – was forced to close its offices to the public in the Spring when the global Covid-19 pandemic took hold in the UK.

Both practices reopened in July with strict safety and social distancing measures in place, and as court hearings and police stations slowly begin processing cases in person, they have returned to some semblance of normality.

In past weeks, the firm received more welcome news, having again secured the Lexcel Accreditation for Excellence in Legal Practice Management and Client Care.

Meanwhile, solicitor Ben Jones has passed the rigorous Court Duty Solicitor qualification and Criminal Litigation Accreditation.

That will allow Ben – who qualified as a solicitor 12 months ago – to represent defendants at magistrates’ court who have been charged with an offence and do not have or have not contacted their own solicitor.

He is the fourth member of the team to achieve the Law Society standard, which also includes Police Station Accreditation.

“I managed to submit all of the cases and finish the exams successfully, which was a relief as I had to do it online due to Coronavirus restrictions,” he said.

“Going before an examiner sitting as a Judge via a laptop at home was a strange feeling and certainly an experience I won’t forget, but it went well given all of the hard work I had put in and as a company we have been operating virtually for much of the year, so we I was well prepared.

“I now look forward to representing Edward Hughes Solicitors at the police station and magistrates’ court as a duty solicitor; it gives us more of a presence and resources on the ground when called upon.”

A former pupil at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, Ben added: “This first year as a qualified solicitor during a pandemic has been a real challenge but as a team we have got through it together, and I would like to thank everyone who helped me achieve what I have in past months.”

Reflecting on the Lexcel accreditation and strides made by the company in its seventh decade, senior partner and Civil Litigation Solicitor David Jones praised staff at both coastal offices for their dedication and support.

“Throughout the year we have risen to the challenges brought on by this crisis and managed to set new standards,” he said.

“This year the inspection took place in a different form – again with online reviews and virtually rather than in person – so huge thanks to our team for setting yet another benchmark, particularly Jane Watson, our Practice Manager.

“Realistically the changes made this year and impact of Coronavirus will be felt for a long time, and the legal profession will never be the same again.

“Like most industries we will adapt and aim to come back stronger; we are certainly in a position to do so and have had the opportunity to reflect on how we can do better – as a result we will be even more efficient going forward.”

For more information, visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes and follow them on social media @QSEH_Solicitors.

Construction, Coronavirus, Innovation, Local Government, Property

Ambition Board awaits final decision on future of billion-pound North Wales Growth Deal

THE transformational North Wales Growth Deal that will create thousands of jobs and boost the economy for generations to come is one step closer.

North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB) met last week and gave its support to move forward with the five programmes that make up the £1bn Deal, underpinned by £240million investment from both the Welsh and UK Governments.

These programmes cover low carbon energy, innovation in high-value manufacturing, agri-food and tourism, digital connectivity and land and property.

Progress is reflective of how the region worked together with UK and Welsh Governments to define a portfolio of investments, which once fully approved, will see work begin in 2021.

The Deal has now been submitted to both the UK and Welsh Governments for consideration, with a final decision expected before the end of the year.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, Ambition Board chair and leader of Gwynedd County Council, said this was a “major milestone” after years of hard work and collaboration between the region’s local authorities, colleges, universities and private sector representatives, with support from both governments and national stakeholders.

“The Growth Deal has been developed to deliver long-lasting positive investment and change that will enable economic and employment growth for the long-term,” he said.

“Over the next 15 years it will empower us to work together and take control of how we invest in our future. It is a unique opportunity to make investment decisions locally and demonstrate the value this brings.

“Ultimately, as part of a broader programme of investment, the Growth Deal will enable us to build a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economy for us all in North Wales.”

Driven by the Ambition Board’s Portfolio Management Office, based at Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction, the three main objectives of the wider Growth Vision for North Wales are to create up to 4,200 new jobs by 2036, support an uplift of £2bn-2.4bn for the economy over that same period, and deliver total investment of up to £1.1bn.

Portfolio Director Alwen Williams is confident the business cases put forward to both governments will meet these targets and spark a sustainable economic and social resurgence when the country needs it most.

“Our Investment in low-carbon energy projects enable us to contribute directly to the climate change emergency, not only helping to make North Wales a cleaner, greener environment, but also positioning ourselves as one of the leading UK locations within the low carbon energy sector,” said Alwen.

“Not forgetting our foundation economies in agriculture and tourism, we will help to enable and encourage diversification to improve the long-term future of these key industries, ensuring they have opportunity to thrive.

“We recognise and value our obligation to deliver the Growth Deal in a way that improves and enhances our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being and look forward to leading this important investment in our home and our region – North Wales.”

Askar Sheibani, chair of the Ambition Board’s Business Delivery Group, believes connectivity between communities is going to be key as momentum grows.

“The Growth Deal will invest in the region’s digital infrastructure,” he said.

“This is essential and underpins economic growth. Accessible and reliable high-speed fibre broadband and 5G capability throughout the whole of North Wales is essential.”

Jim Jones, chair of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, added: “A Deal that delivers on supporting business and productivity growth for both our home grown SMEs and the international businesses based in North Wales – in our key sectors of manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and energy – has the potential to make a once in a lifetime positive impact for us all.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart welcomed the positive steps made in past weeks, and said: “The UK Government is working to bring greater investment and job opportunities to communities across Wales and the latest steps in the North Wales Growth Deal represent real progress in achieving those aims.

“It is a huge opportunity to transform the region and help rebalance the Welsh economy and that is why UK Government is committing £120million to the deal. Working hand in hand with local government and business, we will continue to develop the Growth Deal and ensure it unleashes the full potential of North Wales.”

Minister for Economy and North Wales Ken Skates added: “I’m pleased to see the progress made on the North Wales Growth Deal, which has the potential to transform the region’s economy.

“This is now more important than ever in these very challenging times. I’d like to thank all the partners for their hard work in reaching this stage.  We’ll now work with the UK Government so we can progress the next steps as quickly as possible.”

For more information on the Growth Deal, follow @northwaleseab (English) and @buegogleddcymru (Welsh) on social media.

Coronavirus, Jobs, North Wales, Training News

Skills partnership and Welsh colleges unite to promote scheme for at-risk workers

LEADING colleges joined forces to provide furloughed, at risk and low-paid workers with an opportunity for change.

Coleg Cambria and Grwp Llandrillo Menai have united with North Wales Regional Skills Partnership to promote the Personal Learning Account (PLA) scheme.

PLAs give anyone over the age of 19 and living in Wales, in employment earning less than £26,000 or on  a zero hours contract, furloughed or at risk of redundancy, access to part-time courses that will enable them to find employment or switch careers.

Both FE institutions offer a range of qualifications in myriad sectors including engineering, construction, IT, financial services, digital, and tourism and hospitality.

Aimed at individuals wanting to study Level 3 and above, gaining higher skills online and – when it is safe to do so – in the classroom, it has already proven popular via a pilot project launched last year by Grwp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Gwent.

David Roberts, chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, said: “It is fantastic to see two of the UK’s leading colleges come together to encourage career progression and support at-risk workers when they need it most.

“This is a time of great uncertainty for so many people across the region; the PLA scheme gives them a platform to learn new skills and access first-class training and support.

“Working together is the only way we are going to overcome the challenges of this year, and this is a free, alternative pathway that will provide an opportunity for change.”

For those not eligible for a PLA, both colleges also support the Skills for Employers and Employees (SEE) project which provides businesses across North Wales with financial backing to raise employee skills and knowledge in a range of arenas from advanced manufacturing to energy and professional services.

Vicky Barwis, Vice Principal for Work-based Learning and Employer Engagement at Coleg Cambria, said:

“Ultimately, this partnership is about identifying opportunities, plugging the skills gap in North Wales and being there to support the many people who are at risk of losing their jobs.

“Whether that be because of the pandemic or other economic and personal factors, there are options available to help and support you in finding and achieving your chosen career.”

James Nelson, Executive Director of Academic Services at Grwp Llandrillo Menai, added: “By coming together we have made PLAs more accessible to people across the whole of North Wales.

“We hope those affected will capitalise on the funding available and it gives them some peace of mind at this challenging time for all industries.”

The partnership is supported by North Wales Economic Ambition Board.

For more information, visit www.gllm.ac.uk/adult-and-community/personal-learning-account (GLLM) or www.cambria.ac.uk/personal-learning-account (Coleg Cambria).

Visit www.northwaleseab.co.uk/jobs-and-skills/regional-skills-partnership for more on North Wales Regional Skills Partnership.

Coronavirus, Food and Drink, North Wales

Flintshire villagers unite behind community shop to support vulnerable and elderly

KIND-HEARTED volunteers and local producers helped a picturesque village through the first Coronavirus lockdown.

As the cold weather and dark nights descend – and tighter safety restrictions return – the team at Cilcain Community Shop hope residents continue to support the venture.

Treasurer Sarah Parr explained how everyone from school pupils to retirees came together to serve customers, prepare deliveries, and take orders from elderly and vulnerable householders when the pandemic took hold in March.

“During the first lockdown we were incredibly busy as there were a lot of people relying on us; there are quite a number of vulnerable and elderly in the village and we all look out for each other,” she said.

“The shop is open seven days a week, but the hours have been reduced and the delivery services continued throughout the summer.

“I’m sure they will be needed again in the months ahead as the nights grow darker and winter approaches, especially as we have seen more people going back into self-isolation and new travel restrictions.”

The store does have two permanent members of staff who coordinate the deliveries and orders, while volunteers carry out day to day tasks and serve the public from 8am until 1pm.

The post office provision has reopened, and there is a wider selection of food on sale to cope with increased demand.

“We use local produce to support those businesses, and the customers have stuck with them because they love the quality,” added Sarah.

“During lockdown we expanded our range quite radically because there were so many orders. We have bread from Henllan Bakery, Bellis Brothers Farm Shop in Buckley provided milk, Jones the Butcher in Denbigh all of our meat, and eggs were supplied by Ffrith Farm, based on Moel Famau.”

With more than 200 members, the shop has been pivotal in supporting families in Cilcain, and Sarah is confident they will not forget the service provided in the future.

“We experienced a big rise in custom during the Spring and even when restrictions were eased in the summer the sales were higher than in previous years,” said Sarah.

“As well as local trade we get a lot of walkers and cyclists passing through, which has been hit by travel restrictions, and we were forced to close the café, but given we now have a larger space in the village hall, thanks to our Village Hall Management Committee, people can come here and social distance quite easily while they shop.

“The team is amazing; we are so lucky to have a community like this who – when things became challenging – stepped up to help their neighbours.

“Everyone rallied around and supported one another when they needed it most, and the villagers won’t forget that.”

For more information, visit www.cilcaincommunityshop.co.uk

The second annual Taste North East Wales is taking place online this year after organisers Clwydian Range Food and Drink and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink, with the support of Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, decided to host a virtual celebration to ensure the health and safety of participants.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

For more on Taste North East Wales, follow them on social media @taste_blasu or email taste.blas@gmail.com.  Alternatively, visit the website: www.tastenortheastwales.org.

Coronavirus, Pets, Retail

PetPlace reveals plans for safe ‘Covid store’ and pumps £1million back into business

A PET retailer will roll out new branding after significant reinvestment following a lockdown sales surge and funding boost.

PetPlace has pumped the £1million it received from the Coronavirus Business Loan Interruption Scheme (CLBILS) back into the business.

The award-winning company, which has a headquarters in Mochdre and sites in Ruthin, Chirk, Abergele and Mold, will be redeveloping its Llangefni store to introduce a play park, coffee bar and cinema for dogs.

It will be their first ‘Covid store’ and designed with the health and safety of staff and customers in mind.

Measures will include new till screens, signage, trollies, wider aisles and the installation of revolutionary Record FlowControl – already in place at Abergele and Chirk – an automated system which monitors the numbers of people inside and only allows a shopper to enter when someone has exited the building.

Managing Director Sion Pritchard says PetPlace – which marks its 50th anniversary this year – will be fully-prepared should there be a second wave of the virus or a situation that requires staff to work from home or remotely.

“We are in a strong position and because we moved quickly – with the support of Lloyds Bank – safety measures were put in place in all of our stores and we were able to carry on trading,” he said.

“The Click and Collect service and deliveries really took off, with us shipping hundreds of products all over the UK every day.

“As a result, we saw a big rise in online sales which has enabled the business to get on the front foot and prepare for the future, starting with the rebranding of our 25,000 sq ft Llangefni store.”

PetPlace is also stocking innovative accessories, treats and food ranges, including Ruffwear and Waudog, and launched a new website during lockdown having unveiled a LinkedIn page in past weeks.

They have also partnered with North Wales names for store improvements, including Llanddulas-based Active CCTV, and Rawson IT, from Wrexham, who installed a cutting-edge cloud-based telephone system so staff could work from home during the pandemic.

Craig Davies, Managing Director of Rawson IT, said the advanced technology will allow them to control the multi-site business from their central office.

“The system will make communication a lot easier across all of the stores,” he added.

“We did the job remotely to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees and we are sure it will benefit PetPlace for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, Sion has the prestigious honour of representing Welsh firms and the pet retail sector when he joins the panel for Lloyds Bank’s virtual Big Conversation event on September 30.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of that and I am proud to have been asked,” said Sion, himself celebrating 20 years with PetPlace.

“It gives us the chance to tell our story, represent the industry and fly the flag for businesses in Wales who have faced significant challenges since the onset of the Coronavirus.”

He added: “These have been unprecedented times, but with the support of our loyal customers and hard work of dedicated staff we can confidently move ahead with a bright vision for the future focused on health, safety and wellbeing.”

For more information, visit www.farmandpetplace.co.uk and @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram.

Take a look at the new LinkedIn page and follow PetPlace here: www.linkedin.com/company/petplace-uk

Business News, Coronavirus, Retail

Town centre shops and hospitality firms unite to bounce back from Coronavirus lockdown

THE VIBRANT market town of Mold will be stronger than ever in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As has been the case in communities across north east Wales, businesses and residents have come together like never before; supporting local firms and food and drink producers, embracing online platforms and new service models, and looking after one another during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history.

As independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars reopen safely and securely, with strict social distancing measures in place, the town council has been busy behind closed doors promoting the town and its unique community.

Pre-lockdown, Mold was shortlisted for the ‘Rising Star Award’ at the prestigious Great British High Street Awards, and its vacancy rate was at a very low level in comparison to the national average.

Jo Douglass, Business and Regeneration Officer, revealed how COVID-19 has since impacted upon the high street and surrounding area.

“We have been in awe of the businesses, the way they’ve adapted to customers’ needs, changed their models and offered home delivery at no extra cost has been incredible,” she said.

“The support from the community has reflected that, people have wanted to shop local and as a result Mold has continued to be busy.

“The measures Flintshire County Council have put in place as restrictions have eased have enabled them to feel confident, there is a safety net in place and social distancing rules, as the health and wellbeing of the public is of course paramount.”

Some essential stores have even set aside after-hours time slots for shoppers who have been shielding to purchase their goods in an isolated environment.

“It’s fantastic customer service, people are able to go shopping on their own and can feel totally safe, which is great to see,” said Jo.

Jane Evans, Events and Community Engagement Officer, added a one-way traffic and pedestrianised system is in place to ensure space is at a premium.

And the ‘Totally Mold’ shop local voucher scheme launches this October, ensuring businesses continue to be supported.

“The vouchers can be given as gifts, and towards Christmas we will introduce other new ideas and special offers to build on momentum,” said Jane.

“It’s also for service providers, hairdressers, gyms, events, restaurants and not just retail, which highlights what a wide variety of businesses we have in Mold.

“If every adult in the town spent £5 a week in our shops rather than online that would equate to more than £2million a year for the local economy. People have already got behind it, they have been so supportive and as a result we are seeing green shoots of recovery after a challenging few months.”

The second annual Blasu/Taste North East Wales is taking place virtually this year after organisers Clwydian Range Food and Drink and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink, with the support of Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, decided to host an online celebration to ensure the health and safety of participants.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, via the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Visit Mold Town Centre Facebook page at www.facebook.com/moldtowncentre.mold/ for more information and latest information and updates.

For more information on Taste North East Wales, visit www.tastenortheastwales.org/ and follow the hashtag #keeplocalalive on social media.