Doubts raised over whether ‘disgruntled’ Wrexham market traders are receiving enough support to survive coronavirus impact

Doubts have been raised over whether “disgruntled” market traders in Wrexham are receiving enough support to survive the economic impact of Covid-19.

Stalls at the town’s three indoor markets were forced to close for the second time during the pandemic as part of the Welsh Government a two-week fire-break lockdown.

It follows figures being released by Wrexham Council highlighting a large reduction in visitors at the Butchers Market, General Market and Tŷ Pawb since non-essential retailers reopened in July.

The local authority is currently holding talks with traders over potential reductions in their bills.

However, a community leader has questioned whether enough assistance is being provided after speaking to business owners in Tŷ Pawb who were unhappy with the level of backing.

Speaking at a virtual meeting held yesterday, Gwenfro councillor Nigel Williams said: “What are we actually doing to help them through this difficult time as their landlords?

“The few I spoke to sounded a bit disgruntled, saying that they weren’t getting much assistance.

“They said they thought there was a meeting coming up which would decide on what sort of assistance we could give them.

“Has that happened and can you just let us know what we are doing to help Ty Pawb and the market stallholders please?”

A report published by the council shows the Butcher’s Market has taken the worst hit proportionately, with weekly average visitor numbers dropping from 8,365 in 2019 to 4,693 this year (43.9 per cent).

The amount of people going into the Tŷ Pawb market and arts centre has also tumbled from 11,860 to 6,665 (43.8 per cent), while numbers in the General Market have gone down from 1,445 to 835 (42.2 per cent).

It compares to a reduction of just under 26 per cent for the town centre as a whole, which is still attracting around 100,000 visitors a week.

In response to the concerns, the authority’s regeneration manager told members of the employment, business and investment scrutiny
committee a range of support had been offered to stallholders.

Council officer Rebeccah Lowry said: “We have considered what level of concession and support we can provide.

“We are very much trying to offer them some support in terms of the business team in how they can be resilient going forward and respond to the new challenges in the future to ensure they are still surviving.

“It’s not just about the concession because we could give them the concession and no support.

“There could still then be a business in March which hasn’t been able to survive so we think it goes hand in hand.”

Officers said the council had also allowed traders to vary their opening hours to encourage more business, particularly during the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

But Cllr Marc Jones, whose ward includes some of the town centre markets, said he felt the report did not provide enough information on the actions taken by the authority.

He stressed it had a key role to play as a landlord in helping stallholders to get through the pandemic.

He said: “The figures are really difficult reading, but we have three paragraphs dealing with something which is key to us as landlords and not really any detail.

“I know you’re in discussions with them and I would like to see a more comprehensive update on the plans for the markets going forward in light of Covid.

“Those kind of figures aren’t sustainable for any trader long term.

“The markets, the night time economy and the hospitality sector really defines the town centre. We need to show our public support.”

Ms Lowry acknowledged the footfall figures made for difficult viewing, but said the report was meant to serve as a general overview of the situation in the town centre.

She said: “It’s brutal and it’s been a real challenge, particularly for those that you’ve mentioned.

“I absolutely agree and as an officer, that is a priority.

“As a town centre report, every element of this could potentially be a report in its own right and I appreciate that.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter