“The business rates are higher down here than elsewhere in the town too, it’s all accumulated and is getting difficult.” Jayne Bell, who part owns new store Style Boutique with Linda Smart, said: “It’s been a difficult financial period, and a terrible December, but that’s for a multitude of reasons. “It started when the local lockdowns began in neighbouring areas. We were getting a lot of visitors from Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, but that all dried up – and it’s never really got back since.
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel “In the summer I could understand pedestrianising the road because it meant hospitality traders could utilise the space, and people were out there and it was good, but now no-one’s coming, and the closed road is affecting our trade.