There are more signs of normality returning to Newtown with the re-opening of shops and public facilities.

Since lockdown began Newtown’s public toilets have been closed and the Tuesday market has been restricted to food retailers only. With the easing of lockdown restrictions from the Welsh Government, Newtown’s public toilets reopened on Monday, July 6.

Mayor Cllr David Selby said: “I am delighted that Newtown is coming back to life. Businesses and shops are opening, and friends and neighbours can once again start meeting around our streets. Thank you to everyone working to bring life back to Newtown, carefully and following the correct guidelines.”

Newtown’s public toilets are reopened with the same opening hours (7am – 7pm) every day. People are encouraged to wash their hands at every opportunity when using the public toilets.

Cllr Selby added: “The Town Council is playing its part by re-opening the toilets in the Back Lane and Gravel Car parks and by ensuring that the street market re-opens correctly. Newtown is definitely open for business.

“The Tuesday market may look slightly different for a foreseeable future and the positions of traders may need to be adjusted to help increase space on the street. We hope you will come to support the traders on their return.”

The phased return to normality also continued with the reopening of the town’s branch of Greggs.

It opened its doors last Friday with new social distancing measures in place.

The store is open on a solely takeaway basis, with dining in-store still not possible.

Manager Russell Powell said: “It is great to be open again. It has been wonderful to hear the comments from our customers, they have missed us and we are glad to be back open for business again.

“We have been busy since reopening but not as busy as it would have been on a normal Friday and we have not had any lengthy queues.”

Customer Joanne Gethin from Caersws said: “It is great to have them open again.”