COWBRIDGE Chamber of Trade has responded to the government's latest lockdown restrictions.

The lockdown, brought in from midnight on Sunday morning came as a shock to everyone, but independent traders were given only a few hours to make new arrangements.

The Chamber told Nub News the following:

"Traders are devastated by the last-minute lock down and the further damage to their livelihoods.

"There is a real worry that some businesses will not survive as our High Streets keep suffering.

"We ask that people still try to support local businesses in the coming weeks, many like JRC jewelers and Tallia are offering a click and collect service or delivery to your house.

"We understand that the government are in a very difficult position but we are disappointed in the government's failure to perform more testing to help stop the spread of the virus and allow businesses to stay open.

"We hope for a more rational and less boom and bust approach from the government in coming months.

"These last minute decisions are causing people to panic and forget their social distancing risking further spreading of the virus.

"We also hope appropriate grants and support will be offered to businesses to allow them to keep trading and employing people.

"Many have bought stock they wouldn't have invested in had they known earlier, that they now cannot hope to sell.

"As businesses, we also ask the public to support us in staying open and out of lockdown in the New Year, by isolating themselves when they have symptoms or have been in contact with a positive case in the last 10 days.

"We hope all our customers do have a good Christmas and it's not to late to enter our Shop Local Cowbridge competition to win a luxury hamper from latest addition to the High St 'Awesome Wales'.

"The draw will take place on Christmas Eve.

"The Chamber would also like to thank Sue Freeland of Creative Cake Kitchen and Churches Together, Cantemus Choir and Cowbridge Library for their endeavors to support the High St with their High St trails."