Support for Carmarthenshire market and business traders

Carmarthenshire County Council business tenants, including market traders, could be offered a further rent concession to help them deal with the impact on trade due to level four Coronavirus restrictions.

All non-essential retail premises have been closed across Wales since December 19, however several indoor and outdoor markets stalls selling essential items have continued trading in Llanelli and Carmarthen throughout the current lockdown.

Lack of footfall in town centres has had an impact on trade in the market halls, and next week the council’s Executive Board will discuss how they can further support traders.

The council, which operates both indoor markets, offered its tenants free rent between April and June 2020 during the first national lockdown, and offered a 25 per cent concession on rent from July to September to traders who demonstrated that their turnover was affected.

Traders have also been supported by a range of Welsh Government grants, which have been distributed as quickly as possible to businesses affected by the October firebreak and the level four lockdown.

Cllr David Jenkins, Executive Board Member for Resources, who has responsibility for markets, said: “We are proud of our markets and the vibrancy they bring to our town centres. As with all other businesses, it has been sad to see the impact of restrictions which has resulted in some of our stallholders having to remain closed, and others trading with very limited footfall as people have followed the national advice to stay home.

“We are committed to supporting our traders, demonstrated by the significant rent reductions we have offered to help them survive through the Covid-19 pandemic. We will continue discussions next week to see what additional help we can put in place.

“We look forward to seeing the wide variety of stalls back open once more when restrictions are lifted. We sincerely hope that people will continue to support our traders and keep the Carmarthenshire pound circulating locally.”

(Lead image: Carmarthenshire Council)