Brecon is responding to the cost of living crisis in its own impressive way, as last week saw the opening of five new shops in the town.

Times are undoubtedly tough for businesses with stock prices and running costs on the rise. There are challenges facing high streets all across Wales but businesses in Brecon seem to be facing them head on, with more shops now being filled than ever before.

On Friday, Brecon welcomed the following shops which opened their doors:

• Hidden Jem Hair & Beauty by Jessie and Jaz opened in the Market Arcade.

• My Valley - The Eco Friendly Shop opened in High Street.

• Arts & Crafts Gallery by Simon Dave opened on the corner of High Street/Lion Street.

• Beacons Wholefoods opened their new shop on the corner of The Struet/High Street Superior.

• On Saturday, H & B Mercantile, which stocks antiques and vintage items for home interiors, opened in Ship Street.

Brecon Mayor Cllr David Meredith, along with Andrew Powell, Chair of Brecon Chamber of Trade and Tourism attended the official openings of the stores last week.

Mr Powell said: “I’m delighted to see some of our empty shops being filled in Brecon, helping to restore our vibrant market town.

“This will boost our local economy and help keep Brecon an attractive place to both visit and live.

“Projects are also under way to fill other empty shops here, which is great to see.”