Traders 'wrap' CoCo proposal (From Campaign Series)

Traders 'wrap' CoCo proposal

4:30pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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A PLAN to wrap the blighted CoCo building at the top of Caerphilly Town has been greeted with little cheer by shop owners.

The proposal to erect hoardings and building wraps on the face of the rundown building on Clive Street have been submitted by Caerphilly County Borough council's Urban Renewal Section.

The council intends working in partnership with the building owners Ludlow Street Investment Corp and a signage company to bring this scheme to fruition.

The proposals are aimed at minimising the negative visual impact this building has at the entrance to the town.

Debra Hale, who closed her shop Route Clothing on Clive Street last year after 20 years but still owns the building, is not convinced by the proposal. She still has shops in Abergavenny and Blackwood shops open and said she would still be trading in Caerphilly if the top of town had been developed.

She said: "This is just a short term proposal and it won't help traders. Something needs to be done for the whole area and putting wraps around CoCo will not make much difference to the traders.

"Before the talk about the plans for the shopping development eight or nine traders left Clive Street and the whole area is becoming a ghost town."

Zoe Williams from the Hair Gallery on Pentrebane Street, which is below Clive Street, said: "We just need something to be done to help the traders, which will attract customers."

Councillor Lindsay Whittle, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "I know there has been considerable concern among residents and traders in Caerphilly about the impact the rundown condition of this building has on the town, which I have shared.

"The council is continuing its efforts to progress redevelopment in this part of Caerphilly even in these difficult economic times. This area of the town is very important to the council."

Jeff Cuthbert AM said: "There has been an application submitted to the Welsh Assembly by Caerphilly borough Council for funds for the town.

"Both I and Wayne David MP will do to press Caerphilly council to get something done."

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