Shared Regulatory Services, the body attached to the Council that ensures businesses are abiding by Covid-19 restrictions, has issued 80 improvement notices in the Vale and nine businesses have been ordered to close altogether.

But some independent businesses have explained the frustrations of these regulations and processes.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council says it is working closely with businesses to keep people safe as non-essential retail reopens.

Last week Dave Holland, Head of SRS, said: "We're delighted that more businesses are now able to start operating again after an extremely difficult period.

"Strict measures are in place to protect customers and employees. We will do all we can to help all businesses operate in a safe manner.

"We aim to work in partnership with businesses, assisting them in complying with the regulations.

"However, where businesses refuse to follow guidance and persistently break the rules, we will not hesitate to take decisive action. This could involve closing premises until necessary improvements are made."

Gents of Brooklyn Barber Shop received an improvement notice on 15 April.

Tyron Casanova, from the barber shop on Windsor Road, told Nub News they had been visited nine times so far.

"We're pretty on the ball with everything, everything they've said to improve we have," he said.

"Every time we get a visit there's something different, and on the first visit we asked for something in black and white but we were told to just look online.

"We were told we weren't using the right disinfectant products but they wouldn't specify which one we needed to be using," he said.

Tyron suspects Gents of Brooklyn is being reported by an individual.

"Someone keeps ringing to report us to the council, so that's why they keep visting us" said Tyron.

"It's nigh on impossible and we're at the point now where they're either going to fine us or shut us down.

"We're following everything we're advised to, wearing masks, only working on appointments, we're socially distanced.

"But the inspectors keep coming in and finding faults, it's a nightmare.

"It's massively demoralising," he said.

Another Penarth shop received an improvement notice in April. The owner wished to remain anonymous.

They told Nub News their experience with SRS had been "fair" but there had been a couple of issues.

"All the PPE and cleaning products we use are correct," said the owner.

"When we are inspected it's productive and helpful. The first time they had some fair points and insight.

"Once or twice we've been told off because a customer isn't wearing a mask but we're never asked if there's been a reason for that, the inspectors just assume they're taking the mick.

"There's a notice on my shop at the moment, which is unfair though.

"I had a phone call because apparently seen one of my staff was seen not wearing a visor, but there was no proof.

"I rang my contact at SRS and was assured no notice would be issued without an inspection.

"The next day someone put a sticker in the window, to be taken down within 48 hours after an inspection, just over an apparent phone call.

"It's been a week and it's still there," they said.

The shop owner also told Nub News they had been threatened with a closure notice in response to the staff member allegedly not wearing a mask, before milder alternatives such as a fine were considered.

"I wasn't happy about that," they said.

"We're making a really good effort, it's very hard work making sure everything is completely right.

"We're going out our way to buy cleaning products, plastic aprons, we've put a big effort in the shop to make sure we're doign everything we're asked to do."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "Welsh Government guidance on the precautions necessary for close contact businesses has evolved over time, but since this sector last reopened the advice is clear.

"Customers are required to wear face coverings while staff are required to wear a Type II medical grade mask and visor. Safety guidance is constantly being reviewed so for the latest information business owners are asked to check the Welsh Government website or contact SRS."

The Council says it has been in contact with business owners throughout the crisis, helping them apply for financial support and providing guidance on how to operate safely when rules allow.

To protect the public, officers will also monitor businesses, offering advice on improvements that may need to be made and taking enforcement action if required.

For more information on how to operate a business safely, visit the SRS website.