"Our worst nightmare has come true"

As motorists continue to be frustrated by Welshpool’s one-way system, a long-established local trader has given a stark warning of what could be awaiting the town’s independent shops.

 

The businessman, who asked not to be named whilst he is liaising with fellow shop keepers on what course of action to take, says his sales last week were 20 per cent down on the same week last year with some customers even ringing first to see how the traffic was before driving to town.

 

“Our worst nightmares have come true,” he said. “It was an awful week of trade for us and Tesco is not even open yet. It was half term, it should have been a busy week but it was a disaster. Unfortunately the stark reality has struck us that the one-way system will cost the town centre dearly. Traders are now very nervous. We have been sold out by everyone involved in this development and the future is very grim.

 

“I even had people – long time customers – ringing me up to see how the traffic was before deciding whether to come into town or not. Even when the system is finished I don’t think this will improve. There is also no incentive for new shops to come into the town centre.

 

“I knew it would be tough but never thought it would impact so hard and so quickly.”

 

The businessman added that there will be a meeting this week between the shopkeepers to decide a course of action. But in the meantime he has pleaded with the town’s residents to support their local traders.

 

“We really need the town’s help. The local shops offer a great level of service and they need the town’s support now like never before.”