Survey reveals Merthyr facing "High Street Blues"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 6th Mar 2009

A worrying picture is being painted by the initial results of an extensive business survey being conducted by Lib Dem councillors in the effects of the recession on Merthyr Tydfil small business.

For the last month councillors Amy Kitcher, Bob Griffin, Gareth Lewis and Kevin O'Connor have been distributing questionnaires and talking to owners of independently-run shops in Merthyr town centre, gauging their views on issues such as the recession, the banking crisis and business support.

Releasing the first results from their on-going survey, Amy Kitcher said, "Conditions in the town centre are tough for many local traders - and shop workers are sharing the pain as well. A third of businesses have already had to lay staff off or are planning to do so and two-thirds are having to cut staff hours."

Every single business has reported that their turnover is down, with 80% also saying that profits have reduced.

All of the shops have said that the government's bail out of the banks has had little or no effect no their business and half of them have seen their bank charges increased considerably.

The majority of shops support Lib Dem proposals for free parking for shoppers on Saturdays; an idea that was defeated by Labour and Independent councillors in a recent council meeting.

Merthyr Lib Dem Economic Development spokesperson, Councillor Bob Griffin said, "We have been working hard to put forward ideas to the council, such as free parking, better signs to the town centre and making it easier for struggling businesses to get rate relief. Sadly, the Independent run council have been so far unwilling to implement our proposals. We will continue to put pressure on the council to get action for local businesses."

Amy Kitcher shows Vince Cable MP the survey responses

One thing that local businesses all seem to agree on is the impact of the government's temporary cut in VAT. A massive 95% say that it has either had no impact, or is actually increasing their running costs. It is becoming increasingly clear that the government's position is out of touch with what businesses actually need.

Merthyr Lib Dems are continuing to run the survey in shops and other small businesses across the Merthyr borough. Businesses can also complete the survey online at www.merthyrlibdems.co.uk

The final results - and a local action plan - will be launched by Kirsty Williams AM, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats at a Business Breakfast hosted by local councillors on the 26th March.