Another blow to the trade in Pwllheli

Jan 15 2009 by Dion Jones, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

THE economic downturn has dealt another blow to trade in Pwllheli.

Earlier this year, the Herald reported that several shopkeepers had experienced a bleak Christmas trading period.

The town’s chamber of trade also highlighted a loss of at least 20 different businesses in the town in the last 18 months.

Despite the downturn, traders are reluctant to blame the losses solely on the recession.

In the past, the finger has been pointed at high parking costs as well as the emergence of several supermarkets in the town for the decline in shoppers visiting indigenous shops.

A spokesman for the Pwllheli chamber of trade said: “The amount of shops that have already closed since Asda came to town is quite worrying.

“Pwllheli used to be a vibrant town.

“Before, for whatever reason, one shop would close down and another one would simply take its place.

“I don’t think that’s the case now, many will just stay closed.”

Despite the apparent doom and gloom, Pwllheli has emerged as a key area in Dwyfor where ambitious developers are still hoping to invest in.

In December, property developer St Malo revealed proposals for a multi-million pound retail park near the town centre.

The plans included a provision for a food superstore together with non-food retail units and a surface-level shoppers car park and a road link between Cardiff and Ala Road.

St Malo chairman Glyn Pritchard-Jones said: “Residents and holidaymakers would no longer need to drive 30 miles or 45 minutes to Bangor and 50 miles 110 minutes to Llandudno as a bespoke retail facility on their doorstep provides a ‘carbon-neutral’ shopping solution.

“The development could provide a significant number of full and part-time jobs as well as provide an economic boost for the locality.”

Despite the optimism, many people remain sceptical about the plans.

Town mayor Evan John Hughes said: “I don’t think there is much hope of it being passed.

“For one thing, the area is on a flood plain which poses a big problem.

“I think the council will look at whether this type of development is really needed in Pwllheli.

“We have more than our fair share of big shops.

“I used to run a paint shop for 34 years at Penlan Street so I know what competition is like.”

“I am aware that some shops are going through a difficult time,” said Mr Hughes.

“However, I think that many shop owners in Pwllheli have a positive attitude and will persevere through the hard times.”