News

Wales faces high street crisis with one in six shops empty

Published

3 years ago

September 3, 2023

WALES’ high streets face an escalating problem, with newly released figures showing that one in six shops are now unoccupied. Data provided by the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC) indicates that the vacancy rate has surged from 16.5% to 17% in just the second quarter of 2023, making it the second highest rate in the UK.

Andrew RT Davies MS, the Welsh Conservative Leader, voiced his concerns on the matter this week, pinpointing what he thinks are Labour’s shortcomings. “There is a crisis on high streets across Wales and Labour are failing to get a grip of the situation. Despite Wales receiving £1.20 for every £1 spent in England, Labour has been unsuccessful in growing our economy,” he noted. Davies is calling on the Labour Government to reduce the country’s soaring business rates, which stand as the highest in Britain. He also criticised other decisions, such as implementing a blanket 20mph speed limit, a road building prohibition, and the controversial £100m Senedd expansion, terming them as “economy-stifling vanity projects.”

The struggling state of retail in Newport, a city with more empty units than any other in the UK, brings the dire situation into sharp focus. Speaking to the BBC, one trader from 2022 described the melancholy of the situation: “I try to stay positive and plod on but I can sometimes sit all day and have one customer in. It’s lonely sometimes.”

However, Newport City Council counters that some of the vacant shops included in the report were due to “absent or disengaged landlords” and others were part of ongoing or recent developments, like the Newport Market, Market Arcade, and the Chartist Tower development.

Broadening the lens to a UK-wide perspective, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) data shows a decrease in footfall in shops by 1.6% from last August, with a sharper 0.9% drop on high streets. Surprisingly, Scotland was the only region to buck this trend, witnessing a 0.4% rise in footfall. However, Wales’ drop of 1.7% wasn’t as stark as Northern Ireland’s at 4.7%.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, attributed the dip in footfall to a gloomy summer, contrasting with last year’s sunnier weather which saw many shoppers hitting the streets. “This month, shopping centres bore the brunt of the decline, while high streets also suffered,” she remarked.

The WRC’s Sara Jones also echoed concerns, telling the BBC: “Retail plays a crucial role in our economy. Challenges from business rates, fluctuating energy prices, and local issues like antisocial behaviour affecting footfall only add to the problems.”

This grim picture suggests the need for urgent intervention to rejuvenate Wales’ high streets and keep them bustling with business.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

31 minutes ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

2 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle