This Friday marks “Independents Day” and one regional AM is fully behind the scheme.
South Wales West AM Suzy Davies, who has already spoken out against homogenised high streets in Uplands’ own Costa-gate, said:
“The high street is about more than just shops: it can offer a mix of businesses and services, making it easier and more convenient to use and enjoy them.
“I am pleased to see that, in support Independents Day, Swansea BID are again coming up with new ideas to support our high street. Everyone hates parking charges so three cheers to BID for making it a Free Parking Friday between 10 am and 4 pm. I hope Swansea city centre businesses fell the benefit”
“I also like what BID has done with some of the city centre’s empty units. Decorating the windows to look like shops has proved a real hit, with some premises being taken over in a matter of days once independent businesses get the idea about what they could be used for.”
The Welsh Conservative AM added “Not all town centres have a Business Investment District though.
“Our policy, “A Vision for the Welsh High Street” calls for dedicated town centre managers to be able to work to revitalise our shopping areas. Along with scrapping business rates for smaller businesses, these ideas will give people the confidence they need to set up new businesses and also help to provide a varied high street for everyone.”
Mrs Davies, whose Swansea office is located in Uplands, went on to say “It is not just our major city centres that need support however.
“If you Uplands as an example, we have a great mix of independent shops and businesses at the moment. Our policies would give those businesses even more support and make it less likely that companies like Costa Coffee and Starbucks would move in.”
