BUSINESS owners in a Flintshire town centre have described how they and their teams have coped with the challenges presented by the coronavirus and lockdown.

Many businesses across the region closed their doors as covid-19 precautions were stepped up.

But some continued to trade as best they could, with some reopening again over recent weeks.

The Leader spoke with traders in Mold town centre to find out how they have been getting on.

The Leader:

Carl Grech

Richard Howells, owner of the Olive Tree Deli, told the Leader he has adapted his business in order to meet the needs of his customers.

He explained: "In addition to antipasti, we now have bread, eggs, milk and we got in touch with Jones & Price and they now supply us with fresh fruit and vegetables.

"So we're now able to put together a really comprehensive box of shopping for our customers.

"With the support we've had from the Assembly and the council, closing has been - and still is - an option for us, if we want to.

The Leader:

Simone Ellis of Simmi Womenswear

"And if I felt there was a risk to my staff an customers I would do that, no question.

"But I feel we have enough controls in place to maintain the business in a safe way so we want to keep it alive and support the customers who have supported us.

"We've done our bit to future-proof what we're doing and so far it's worked really well.

"Sales are stronger than normal and it's been overwhelmingly well received - we're making an impact and I'm really chuffed about that.

"We'd like to say a big think you to Jones & Price, they have been fantastically supportive."

The Leader:

Mold High Street

Speaking of the town's business community as a whole, he added: "It's been fantastic. We've all been pulling together and promoting each other's businesses."

Carl Grech, of CJ's Butchers, told the Leader he continues to see very high demand from customers.

He explained: "I've seen nothing like this in my history of being a butcher.

"Even when I worked with my dad and grandad, I have never seen or heard of anything of this nature before.

"We're doing virtually triple what we normally do and we have queues up and down the precinct. "I don't know how we're doing it. Some nights we're out delivering until gone 10pm and everyone has been so grateful."

Simone Ellis, of Simmi Womenswear, said: "It's obviously been quieter in the shop because there's no footfall, but from the early days I have had quite a big following on social media and online so I jumped on that quick and changed the way the whole business runs. "It's gone from a shop to a delivery service so now I'm wrapping and sending gifts to customers.

"What I sell isn't an essential but everyone still has a birthday and this makes things seem a bit nicer, because people still want a bit of normality.

"I do think the businesses that are open and trading through this now - and are all trying to work together to help each other - will definitely be stronger when this is over."