NEWTOWN has continued its phased return to normality – with the reopening of the town's branch of Greggs.

Customers welcomed the return of the popular bakery which has opened its doors with new social distancing measures in place.

The store is open on a solely takeaway basis, with dining in-store 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 welcomed the reopening.

"I normally go to the Greggs in Shrewsbury, it is great to have them open again. Hopefully more things will start opening again now, I am missing the gym."

Keith Beddoes of Trewern also welcomed the opening of Greggs and underlined the importance of local independent traders alongside national chains.

"It is good to see Greggs open again and Newtown has some fantastic independent cafes like Evans' which has served the community throughout some very testing months.

"Hopefully more things start returning now and I would like to see the return of football soon."

Newtown resident Keith Tanner echoed the sentiments.

"I think more things need to be opening up now.

"It is great to have Greggs back open and I have also been happy to see card stores opening up again.

"Looking ahead I think people need to have football and sport back in their lives and from my own point of view it would be great if the Government let us know if we can start planning for civic events like the Christmas Lights switching on ceremony and next year's town carnival."