Dodrefn Cymru blames bypass for closure
What is said to be the largest furniture store in North Wales is to close, with the owner blaming the opening of a bypass decimating passing trade. Dodrefn Cymru in Tremadog, Gwynedd will close on Friday with three staff being made redundant.
Owner Liz Whitehead says the closure is because of the A487 bypass that opened last September.
'The decision to close is mainly due to the bypass. We are in negotiations for another shop in Porthmadog as we need to be down there, but at the moment the three staff will lose their jobs.'
She says the bypass is having a negative impact on Tremadog. 'We waited a bit to see if people would go back to their old routines and for trade to pick up, but it didn't. There is no passing traffic in Tremadog. The bypass is good for residents but not for businesses and I don't think we'll be the only ones affected here.'
Gwynedd Council says an action plan has been developed but it is still to be fully implemented.
'Tremadog has benefited from funding secured through the Visit Wales' Tourism Infrastructure Support Scheme and the European Union's Rural Development Funding through the Experience Gwynedd project. This has allowed better marketing opportunities. Interpretation boards showing visitors where the main attractions and services are, and gateway features on the new roundabouts are being installed,' says the council.