Businesses fight for their existence (From Barry And District News)

Businesses fight for their existence

BARRY businesses are battling to stay open at the top of Holton Road because they say their council tax rates are too high.

The average life of a business at the top the town's main street in the Bassett's Arms area is six months and the other shops are struggling to stay afloat.

A petition has been presented to the Vale of Glamorgan Cabinet cabinet members asking for a reduction in council tax.

Estelle Tipples has run the Peach Bowl for two-and-a-half years, but she is finding it very difficult to make ends meet.

She said: "We pay high rates. It is not fair because at this end of town there is not enough business to support everyone. A lot of my custom comes from people going to the post office across the road because people will pop in to do some shopping when they pick their benefits up.

"The post office is set to close, so that will affect my business. I started here as a worker and took over the shop from my employers. I know a lot of businesses only last six months because they cannot afford to operate here.

"It is unfair that the big supermarkets are getting help to set up their shops and we get no help at all. They may create jobs, but they are not paying great wages. I think the town should be promoting the small businesses."

Castleland ward councillor Barry Shaw said: "I have given my full support to the petition. I know that the businesses at the top of Holton Road are lasting six months and then being forced to close. The Waterfront businesses are taking all the custom away from the small enterprises."