We’re all very well aware of what a difficult year this has been for everyone and particularly for local traders, who have endured a very tough time. Over the months since March, they have found themselves closed for long periods and then, when they have been allowed to open, operating within strict regulations.

That’s why we need to make sure that we support them as much as we can going forward, or risk losing the independent traders who make Barry so special.

As we make our way towards Christmas and the end of the year, I really want to encourage everyone who is thinking about doing their Christmas shopping to shop local. Many of us will have used online businesses during the lockdown when non-essential shops were closed but now we have the opportunity to get behind local businesses.

Having called into many shops in Barry over recent days, it is clear to see that all have appropriate measures in place to protect both customers and staff. This includes using hand sanitiser and having social distancing in place.

Please be assured that you can shop with confidence, from High Street to Holton Road, and from the Good Sheds to Cadoxton. Our local traders have gone above and beyond to create a safe environment and we really need to rally behind them during their time of need.