Monmouthshire retailers have been left shocked and aggrieved by the County Council’s latest decision to charge for displays outside of business premises.
Introduced on Monday 25 June, after only four working days’ notice, traders who wish to exhibit items including goods for sale, chairs, tables and greenery will be subject to this latest levy.
Business owners in Monmouth, a thriving market town attracting locals from the surrounding area and tourists nationwide, have taken to social media to register their concerns and appeal for support against this new policy. A petition via change.org has been signed by over 2,100 people and this number is increasing by the hour.
David Davies MP has also contacted the Leader of Monmouthshire County Council requesting the matter is reviewed as the displays in question “add to the unique charm and beauty of the town.”
Cara Worgan-Ball and Donna Sayce Allen, owners of The Chop Shop, Church Street, Monmouth say, “Church Street has always had a real buzz, has been a hive of colour and is definitely a focal point of our town. The vibrant displays undoubtedly attract customers to the street.
“High Streets across the country are suffering due to the huge hike in business rates, the increase of internet sales and out of town shopping centres. Monmouth’s quaint streets and squares have always offered something a little bit different hence our fight against this to help local businesses maintain their unique personalities.”
Phil Munday, of Munday and Jones greengrocer, established in 1988 has had no choice but to remove his attractive display of produce, “Displaying my produce outside not only caught the customers’ eye and drew them in to explore my offering, it also allowed me to serve those who can’t easily access my shop.
“I will obviously continue to provide our unique, lively service but I feel deeply saddened that this short sighted County Council decision is making this harder to achieve.”
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