A NEW tools and fixings shop in Conwy enjoyed its first day of business yesterday (January 31) after a ‘soft opening’ last weekend, which included a visit from the mayor.

The CRL Store, based on Conwy Morfa, opened to the general public after months of planning, designing and building.

The store is based within the Conwy headquarters of CRL Group, which was established in 1980 and is involved in building contracting, building hardware, tool and plant hire and more, at Unit 1A Tre Morfa Enterprise Park, Conwy Morfa, just off the A55.

The ‘soft opening’ on Saturday saw mayor of Conwy, Councillor Collette Ryan, cut the ribbon outside the store, while two representatives from the Conwy Mind mental health charity, as well as the whole CRL Group team, also attended.

The store has partnered with Conwy Mind as part of the ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ initiative, encouraging more people to discuss their feelings and feel comfortable in doing so.

Loren Taylor, service manager, said: “We are working with Conwy Mind to make the store a ‘safe place’, somewhere people do not feel under pressure, and not somewhere that is not specifically for help with mental health due to the taboos around it and people not wanting to admit to needing help.

“We have lots of advice leaflets and contact telephone numbers to guide people in the right direction if necessary.

“Of course, if people just want to come in for a brew and a general chat, they are always welcome.

“Councillor Collette Ryan was very impressed by the job opportunities that have become available from the expansion of the CRL Group and the opening of the CRL Store, and was very excited to have a look around what we have been working on.

“She also enjoyed a go on some of the plants we have for hire, and then ended the visit with cutting the opening ribbon across the door and sharing a glass of fizz with managing director Gary Taylor and general manager, Geoff Craven!”

Cllr Ryan added on her Facebook page: “CRL invited me along to open their amazing store; so impressive!

“Local lad Gary Taylor and family are creating jobs and economy for our community. Good luck and all the very best for the future.”

For more information, visit CRL Store’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CRL-Store-111582044754863, or go to CRL Group's website at: www.crlgroup.co.uk.