Crickhowell, the Welsh town whose high street was named the best in Britain at the Great British High Street Awards in 2018, is now facing significant challenges, with some business owners saying it is “dying on its a**e now, basically,” according to the Express.
While the town still boasts many independent shops, traders report a decrease in trade of at least a third since a Co-op supermarket opened in 2024. Issues such as a lack of free parking, roadworks, inflation, and the rise of online shopping are taking their toll.
Independent traders feel the squeeze
Ray Grenfell, 79, has owned Grenfell and Sons for 39 years. He told the Express that the business was “doing so well [but], like everybody, it's suffering at the moment.” He described recent roadworks that closed the street, saying, “Everything the council does they seem to do against you without thinking.”
Mr Grenfell added: “We need a free car park at the top so people can park and not worry about it and additional car parking so people working can park without blocking the street.”
Shop worker Annie Chamberlaine, 62, who has lived in the town for 31 years, praised the community spirit. “It has a lovely charm about it. People who come once, they always come back; it's one of those places,” she said. “People are always really friendly and very helpful - they go out of their way to help. We look after elderly residents.”
Florist reports dramatic change in trade
Florist Debbie Davis, 51, who has owned her shop for 19 years, said she has suffered a noticeable drop in footfall. Her trade has “dramatically changed” as customers shift to buying online and many in her profession now run “cottage industries” from home.
“The biggest thing for us here is [needing] free parking for people,” Ms Davis said. “You're already competing with your rates, insurances and all other bits and bobs. You're always battling against all of that.” She did, however, note that small business relief in Wales, which provides eligible premises with a 100% discount on rates up to £6,000, is a “massive help”.
Pete Saxon, 79, a landlord for 50 years who has run the Britannia Inn for 12 years, attributes the town's success to the friendliness of business owners and making shops “look good”. He said Crickhowell benefits from about 30,000 visitors during the Green Man festival, adding: “We wouldn't survive if it wasn't for tourists.”
Mayor acknowledges parking and roadworks issues
Mr Saxon also expressed concern about his annual electricity bill, which has hit £60,000, and noted that things have not been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Gone are the days of the pubs being packed every night and calling last orders,” he said.
Crickhowell's Mayor, Paul Evans CBE, said there are “no vacant shops” in the town and business owners are showing resilience. He acknowledged that the arrival of the first chain supermarket was “certainly controversial” but that “the worst fears of those who did not welcome it have not been realised.”
Cllr Evans said there is “undoubtedly insufficient parking in the town to cope with peak demand when commuters, shoppers and tourists coincide”. He added that Powys County Council, which has direct authority over parking, “has not been particularly proactive in helping us find one”. He also noted necessary roadworks on the A40, saying, “Unfortunately you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs, or resurface a trunk road without stopping traffic at some point.”
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said it recognises the challenges faced by businesspeople. They added that through initiatives such as the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme, the council is supporting investment in town centre regeneration and promoting business support schemes including grants, advice and rate relief.
A spokesperson for Co-op said: "As a community retailer, Co-op is committed to backing Britain's high streets and we're proud to serve the residents of Crickhowell. A mix of businesses in a town centre helps attract residents and visitors by providing more choice, and our store helps locals shop conveniently, delivering quality, value and added services close to home."
