South Wales Evening Post - 26 September 2005
The number one problem raised by nearly everyone is the cost and lack of parking in Swansea city centre. "Parking is too expensive in Swansea," says Diane Thomas who works at JT's The Warehouse.
"It costs £5 a day to park here so our customers say they are getting the shuttle to Cardiff for £3.50 instead and spending the day shopping there."
Sandra Williams agrees, adding: "Swansea really needs to address parking prices.
"With the price of petrol so high it really makes people think twice before coming into town to shop."
The city centre is also seen as rundown and grimy.
Allison Jayne Letheren, who runs bridal boutiques on Swansea's Caer Street as well as in Mumbles and Cardiff, said the city centre was run-down.
"I think it really needs a revamp and a good clean up, it's looking really grotty," she says.
Many of the panel believe that Swansea needs a new flagship store - like John Lewis or Selfridges as well as more independent shops.
"It would be great if we could get someone like H &M or Zara.
"And I think we need more for teenage boys," says Sandra.
"What we don't need are any more tanning shops, card shops or bargain shops."
Allison Jayne usually shops in London or abroad rather than at home.
"We need more independent shops like they have got in the Cardiff arcade ," she says.
"My friends don't shop in Swansea any more, they go to Cardiff because the shops are so much better."
