The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament, Paul Davies MS, has led calls to encourage the public to shop local in high streets to safeguard local shops and jobs.

Mr Davies issued the call as non-essential retail businesses re-open today.

He said:

“The UK Government has carried out every possible step to keep businesses afloat and navigate them through this wholly unprecedented period.

“Thanks to pressure from the Welsh Conservatives, the Welsh Government agreed for non-essential shops to re-open today, but that is not the end of the story.

“High streets are increasingly being pushed to the brink but collectively we can throw a life line by shopping locally to safeguard local shops and local jobs.

“High streets are not only the lifeblood of communities in Wales, but are also a key pillar of the economy – and, bluntly, should they collapse our vital public services will be hard-hit.

“It is very disappointing, however, that the Welsh Government has chosen to maintain its cruel 5-mile rule, meaning there will likely be a detrimental impact on the sustainability of high streets because people are being prevented from getting there.

“Notwithstanding this, if you can, I strongly urge you to get behind our high streets, spend the pound in Wales, and shop local.”