SMALL businesses in Llandudno town centre have slammed the council for failing to support them.
The latest business to close is the long established Bijoux Jewellers on Mostyn Street which was run by Dominic Moneypenny and his late wife, Michelle. The shutters have been pulled down with a notice blaming large companies, including retail parks, for destroying a once thriving Mostyn Street:
The notice said: “These faceless giant corporations are killing small independent shops, as well as your high street (just take a look down your local high street) and the councils are doing nothing to stop them.”
The news comes as Conwy County Borough Council prepare to meet businesses to discuss hospitality and tourism trade issues in Llandudno.
During the meeting organisations will be able to set out the challenges they face and suggest ways in which the council can address the issues.
Town councillor, Janet Haworth, is strongly opposed to the high business rates and called for them to be lowered.
She said: “It is the most important issue in Llandudno and this is why so many businesses are struggling and are closing. Business rates are too high, businesses need to be given continued support and it is not happening.”
Emma Barabelli, who owns the Little Deli on Mostyn Street, said small businesses need encouragement.
She said: “People don’t want to come to a faceless town, they come for the independent shops. I have applied for two things to be re-rated but the council wouldn’t do it.
"They need to be looking long term. If people can’t afford to pay they will have to close and then they won’t have any money coming in. It is short sighted of the council.”
Mike Learmond from the Federation of Small Businesses said support in the form of hardship provisions was available from the council for struggling businesses, but the development of large retail parks like Parc Llandudno were affecting small businesses and the local community.
He said: “We are encouraging local residents and authorities to use independent businesses. Around 83 pence of every pound spent in a local business goes back into the local community. When using big retail outlets, that money isn't put back into the local area."
The council’s tourism industry forum will take place next Monday between 3.30pm-5pm at Venue Cymru.
What do you think? Have your say below.