South Wales Evening Post - 26 April 2007
A Leading trader in Swansea's famous market has delivered something of a setback to claims that all is well with the city centre.
It is about to get a big multi-million pound makeover. And big name companies such as Lush and La Senza are poised to open outlets in it.
M &S is also giving its Oxford Street store a revamp.But market butcher Leigh Vaughan says all is still not well.
He maintains trade in the city centre is at its lowest ebb for 32 years and businesses face going to the wall.He also calls into question the talking up of the city centre by council leader Chris Holley.
Mr Vaughan said: "Speak to shops in High Street and shops in Oxford Street and they will tell you business is diabolical."
He said Swansea Market was quiet.
"The market isn't busy. We have had the worst three weeks that I can remember," said Mr Vaughan, who has been running his stall since the age of 17.
"You can keep blaming the ban on smoking, it could be the weather, or it could be anything but for the council to say the city centre is booming? It's not.
"It's not just the market, they need to encourage people to come into Swansea.
"There is a lot going on in the city, but they really need to address the retail section via free parking."
Mr Vaughan, chairman of the Swansea Market Traders Federation, warned that unless action was taken some traders could go to the wall.
"I dare say that in five years' time we will have a nicer city as I know the big picture is totally different, but unless they are careful there's not going to be traders able to survive."I see traders in this market, tremendous businesses, and they are hurting.
"The smaller businesses are not going to be able to survive the situation."I don't think the council realise the gravity of the situation," he said.
Swansea Council leader Chris Holley, said however that the city centre was the subject of much excitement at the moment and insisted there was plenty to remain upbeat about.
He added: "There is growing confidence in the area thanks to projects such as the flagship redevelopment of the former David Evans site and the amount of interest generated by the launch of our City Centre Strategic Framework.
"More than 200 requests for marketing particulars have already been received from developers across the UK, which will allow them to express their interest in the two major sites being put out to market.
"This illustrates the growing reputation of Swansea as a city where companies can invest.
"Work on the City Centre Core Retail scheme has also just started and will see £3.75 million being spent on improving the look of the city centre and introducing high-quality public realm with more street furniture and public art."
