More people walking around on Saturday morning during the first full day of our current lockdown than was evident most days in the heart of the previous lockdown and much more traffic, by far. In fact, where was all the traffic going? Where all these cars being driven on essential journeys?
Also, more shops open than during the previous lockdown. Co-op, Tesco and B & M were trading, as might be expected, but also:
Only Saturday October 24th was wet. On 24th, Dog Lane managed just seven cars. The day before (not during lockdown), it was at 44.
Castle Bell had blocked off part of its shop and was restricting business hours to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also, more shops open than during the previous lockdown. Co-op, Tesco and B & M were trading, as might be expected, but also:
| Shop | Open Now | Status Then |
| Ruthin Wholefoods | Yes | Yes |
| King's | Yes (with some restrictions) | Opened later in lockdown |
| Ruthin Décor | Yes | Yes |
| Well Street Pharmacy | Yes | Yes |
| Boot's | Yes | Yes |
| Post Office | Yes | Yes (restricted hours) |
| Costa's | Yes (for take away only) | No |
| Jus4Paws | Yes | Not immediately and on a few days a week |
| Farm & Pet Place | Yes | Yes |
| Castle Bell | Yes (with restrictions and only 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) | Not immediately |
| John Jones | Yes | Yes |
| Touch of Class | Yes | No |
Another interesting facet of this lockdown compared to the previous was the paucity in window posters announcing hours and closures. Last time, it was all so new to us and virtually all shops had some sort of announcement. This time, few traders actually bothered to display anything. Whether this was just acceptance or whether it was because they felt there was no need, we cannot tell.
King's was open but not selling anything deemed as non-essential
Meanwhile, we have taken a snapshot of the number of cars parked in the free-for-two-hours Market Street car park. This is out busiest and the one most appreciated by residents. There are times when this parking ground is nearly full. Our survey, however, was taken at 12.30 p.m. each weekday as a more representative period between the busier morning and quieter afternoon. This is the result over the past two weeks:
| Mon Oct 12th | 14 |
| Tues Oct 13th | 15 |
| Wed Oct 14th | 21 |
| Thurs Oct 15th | 22 |
| Fri Oct 16th | 20 |
| Sat Oct 17th | 26 |
| Mon Oct 19th | 21 |
| Tues Oct 20th | 24 |
| Wed Oct 21st | 30 |
| Thurs Oct 22nd | 26 |
| Fri Oct 23rd | 30 |
| Sat Oct 24th | 19 |
One of only a handful of shop notices. We counted only half a dozen similar ones