Commenting on the First Minister's U-turn regarding the opening of non-essential retail, Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, Russell George said:
"Non-essential retailers have been let down with this change of mind by the Welsh Government and I am concerned it's going to put jobs and livelihoods across Mid Wales at risk.
"Last month, the First Minister gave an indication that shops would be given the green light to resume trading at this review, but today he's bizarrely claiming he did no such thing.
"Today's change of mind reinforces the need for a clear long-term roadmap out of lockdown that helps protect jobs and cuts such confusion for families, workers and businesses in Wales.
"It is so frustrating for so many local businesses who had planned to open. Businesses in Wales have been closed longer than in other parts of the country."
After the announcement, Mr George spoke to Rachel Bates of The Celtic Company in Welshpool to gain her reaction.
Mr George added:
"I've spoken to a number of businesses following the announcement. Rachel Bates and her team at The Celtic Company in Welshpool are devastated because they had planned to open, and as Rachel said to me, she feels like it’s a kick in the teeth."
Responding to the announcement on Facebook, Rachel Bates said:
“We were ready to open, we felt like we were safe enough to open but we aren’t able to open!
"Both myself and my team are devastated to not be welcoming you in sooner. Our small independent businesses in Wales will be non-existent if the government continue to favour the large retailers at the cost of the small.
"I hope you can share this far and wide, and to all of those in small businesses in Wales today - I’m sorry, I feel for you but please come back fighting."
