FLINTSHIRE Council is urging people to shop local to give local town centres a boost amid the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since the easing of the lockdown restrictions at the end of June, the council says "huge efforts" have been made to help businesses reopen and to get Flintshire’s town centres back up and running.

Local businesses care about the residents and communities that they serve and many have come up with innovative ways, or gone the extra mile, to provide their customers with what they need at this time.

And Flintshire Council says "we now need to show that we care about them" and "offer them our support" by shopping, spending and eating out locally to help local town centres recover.

A spokesperson for the authority said: "Social distancing measures are in place to ensure that people visiting our towns are not only safe, but are also able to feel comfortable and relaxed.

"When visiting our town centres please adhere to any social distancing measures in place, including one-way and queuing systems both inside and outside premises as well as across the public transport network.

"Key facilities and amenities such as town centre toilets are open and regularly cleaned and the current suspension of car parking charges is another reason why town centre shopping is an attractive proposition.

"However, we cannot be complacent and it is vital that we all follow the Welsh Government guidelines in order to protect ourselves and others:"

• If you feel unwell, you must stay at home

• You must keep a safe distance from other people

• You must wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and shops

• You should avoid touching surfaces and our face

• You should regularly wash your hands, especially before and after going out.

Cllr. Derek Butler, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Taking advantage of our high quality shops, hospitality businesses and leisure facilities not only injects some much needed money into our local economy but also reduces the impact on our environment.”