A new report has called on local councils and Welsh Government to free up public spaces to allow shops, pubs and cafes reopen safely and comply with the new social distancing rules.

 

The Federation of Small Businesses Wales (FSB) Report called ‘Open for Business: Repurposing Public Spaces for Economic Recovery‘ has looked at possible solutions to help smaller businesses in Wales which could mean utilising public spaces including Bangor High Street, to ease them out of lockdown.

The FSB Wales says many businesses fear they may be unable to reopen and make a profit under social distancing rules due to the size of their premises and the nature of their business.

Under the recommendations tables and chairs from cafes and even pubs and potentially stalls and gazebos from shops could be used in pedestrianised areas. The report highlights that planning and licensing laws would have to be eased to allow this to happen and “While the Welsh weather poses a challenge, other countries in colder climates are adapting, and the solutions may be able to drive further business locally.”

The FSB have listed a number of suggested locations – including Bangor High Street, Caernarfon’s Maes, Llandudno seafront and Wrexham town centre.

Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “This report calls for some radical thinking from Welsh Government, local government as well as community and business groups, but we live in a time that requires us to think very differently and challenge convention.

“We need to engage and empower decision makers, small businesses and communities to take the action relevant to those communities, in order to temporarily take over public spaces and give those firms a better chance at reopening safely and successfully.

“This effort will require unprecedented levels of local engagement and the development of meaningful and action-led conversations. Some of these may be challenging but only through local engagement, can we chart a way forward for our towns.

“In towns across Wales, there are opportunities for open spaces to help us reopen businesses whilst protecting staff and customers and complying with social distancing rules.

“We urge the Welsh Government to work with local authorities and to take action on planning regulations where this may be required.

“This is an opportunity to empower businesses and community groups to work together within their local area and revolutionise the way we use public spaces as a temporary measure to help those local businesses that are so vital in our communities. However, the experience of doing this will also be important to ensuring the long-term health of our towns.

“The decisions that are made in the coming weeks are critical, and will be the difference a firms’ ability to survive, or not. We hope that we can work with Welsh Government and local authority leaders across Wales to give local businesses the best possible chance and help our communities to re-grow. “

Commenting on the report, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “Supporting our town centres as they recover from the effects of the pandemic is a central element of our economic recovery.

“This report is an important contribution to that work and I hope it will encourage all parts of Welsh society to work together constructively to reimagine our town centres both in the immediate and longer term.

“I have set up the Ministerial Town Centre Action Group that meets today for the first time to get to grips with exactly these issues, and I am very pleased that FSB Cymru has accepted the invitation to join this group.”

The full report is available to read here:
https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/open-for-business.html