Garden centres and shops in Barry today opened for the first time since before Christmas, as Welsh Government restrictions eased.

Supermarkets also began selling non-essential items once more, as shops that only sell non-essential items will remain closed until 12 April.

At Wild Botanic, the plant shop on Holton Road, owner Lauren Hay said she had been anxious to reopen.

"We're in a bit of a grey zone, as we're essentially an indoor garden centre," Lauren told Nub News.

"We can have six customers in the shop maximum, and we've got hand gel and a one-way system in place.

A click and collect system was previously in place at Wild Botanic, but now customers can purchase plants in-store now that restrictions have lifted.

"Buying plants is something that's better to do in-person than online," said Lauren.

"Being around plants and nature is good for your well-being."

Looking to in a month's time, when non-essential retail shops can open in Barry and the rest of Wales, Lauren called for more support for high-street traders.

"It would be great to have some hanging baskets or décor to make the street look nice for when everything opens again," she said.

Pugh's Garden Village in Wenvoe wrote on social media that they were "delighted" to reopen today.

"We advise that our safe shopping guidance is thoroughly read before visiting, safety of our customer and staff is as always number one priority."

The Orange Tree restaurant and The Works, located at the garden centre, remain closed.

At Wilko, Barry residents were today able to browse aisles of non-essential items that had previously been blocked off.

Staff at the homeware store said that it had been busier than in recent weeks and had more workers had be scheduled for shifts in anticipation.

"We didn't have queues but there has been a steady flow of customers in all day," one worker told Nub News.

"At the moment we've got 45 people in the shop, and we can have a maximum of 70. Customer have been buying all the items that they couldn't before."

Another worker described the increase of shoppers now that restrictions have eased: "Before now we'd have about 15 customers here at a time, and maybe in the late afternoon about three.

"It's good to have more people in because it keeps us busy. It's more exciting," she said.

Head of Barry Shop Local forum Councillor Sandra Perkes told Nub News: "It is positive to see that a cautious re-opening of the economy has begun, and though it can seem frustrating to some non-residential shops, we do recognise that Government guidelines must be followed in order to keep people safe.

"The Council has set aside a budget of £15,000 to continue its successful Shop Local campaign in the next financial year and agreed to earmark unspent funds for activities to support recovery.

"Additionally, the Council has made available a further £44,000 Covid-19 Recovery Fund which local groups, organisations and traders can apply to, for financial assistance from 1 April 2021."