Wrexham market traders rent cut by 25%

Wrexham council has temporarily cut rents for market stall holders by 25% in a bid to help them during the winter slow-down.

The rate cut will apply throughout January until March at the town's three indoor markets and 27 council-owned shops.

Previous initiatives to try and boost business have included free parking.

Asian vegetable trader Evelyn Clutton urged people to shop locally and support the markets.

She said: "The council is trying their best to help each one of us.

"I know they have not been great in the past, but they are trying."

Wrexham town centre manager Isobel Watson said the council introduced free parking in some areas last year after concerns from traders.

She added: "This is the next step and it's just to help the traders through the January-to-March, very difficult trading period.

"We have gone through Christmas, we've had the sales, but now we're given this hard period."

Councillor Rodney Skelland, lead member for regeneration and corporate governance, said: "There are no grants available for the retail sector and so to be able to reduce the rents over the short term whilst we continue to discuss the best way forward will ensure that the next steps taken are those wanted by the traders."