The Vale of Glamorgan Council has introduced a range of measures in an attempt to keep visitors safe when visiting town centres, and to help businesses get back on their feet in the new normal.

Welsh Government gave the green light for non-essential retailers to open again from Monday, providing a welcome boost for many Vale businesses.

With more shoppers returning, Penarth, Cowbridge, Barry and Llantwit Major town centres have all seen changes to promote social distancing and have also “undergone a thorough cleansing programme”, the council has said.

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They say litter picking visits have increased, bins and benches have been checked and cleaned and more frequent road sweeping visits are taking place, as well as increased grass cutting.

To help people stay at a safe distance and avoid congregating, temporary signs offering guidance such as one-way systems have been put in place around Penarth, while pavements have also been widened on Windsor Road and Glebe Street with the use of cones to allow for social distancing.

Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: “The last few months have been challenging for everyone, but that has been particularly true for many business owners who saw their trade dramatically cease.

“Reopening non-essential retail outlets will be welcome news to many, providing a boost to the local economy and helping people get back to work.

“But this loosening of restrictions must be done cautiously and carefully.

"Coronavirus remains a very real threat so we would urge people to act responsibly and observe the safety measures we have put in place that help to allow social distancing when visiting town centres and resorts.”