News

Wales faces high street crisis with one in six shops empty

Published

1 year 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.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

14 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

15 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.