Can you believe that at 9 a.m. today Tesco in Rhuthun was exactly six months old?
I don’t think we can blame this month’s heavy rain, floods, storms and fallen trees on Tesco but what is the state of Rhuthun/Ruthin at this anniversary?
On the one hand, the town is looking well; better, in fact, than in some 15 years. But there have been many changes. A number of shops have come and gone (with the emphasis on coming). What we don’t know is whether any closed because of a general post-Tesco downturn in trade. Except for the closed Reebee’s fruit and veg, blaming Tesco (and car parking). Reebee’s florist stays open, though.
But is Rhuthun’s relative health a hallow prosperity? Will it stay that way?
Tesco must be pleased with itself, too. So pleased, actually, it wants to expand and is to challenge the county council’s planning committee following its refusal.
Here are the town changes we recall in those six months (are there any more?).
This list does not include those shop units already vacant (e.g. Celf a Chreft). It’s also fair to say that the food shop shake out occurred in the two years after Lo-Cost (now Co-op) opened. That’s how long it took.
St Peter’s Square
Alton Murphy (opticians) Vacant
Elsa Frischer (art/stationery) Alton Murphy (opticians)
Clwyd Street
Celebrations Gourmet Food (bakers & confectioners) Pam’s (sandwiches and take away food)
Fix It (computer maintenance) Key Properties (estate agent)
Reebee’s (fruit & veg only) Vacant
Tanzaro/Caffi-y-Bont (café) Vacant (but will be occupied tomorrow)
Fever (clothes) Ragazzi (clothes)
Upper Clwyd Street
Vacant (formerly Bee Hive) Nancherrow (sandwiches and take away food)
Jan Bargiel (surveyor) Changing Networks (mobile phones)
Julie’s Bric-a-Brac M I Financial Services
Well Street
Vacant Crown House café
Vacant (former antiques/bric-a-brac) Nelson’s (café/soft furnishings/gifts)
David Williams (pharmacy) Well Street Pharmacy (official change of name)
Wine Cellar (off licence) Oddbins (off licence)
Elysium (part of Juice Bar) Now not named (part of Juice Bar)
Castle Mews
M I Financial Services Vacant
Vacant (formerly Da Vinci’s restaurant) Panda Garden (take away restaurant)
Vacant Amber Bridal
Vacant Mococo (jewellery)
Wernfechan
Josephine’s (hair/beauty) Vacant
I don’t think we can blame this month’s heavy rain, floods, storms and fallen trees on Tesco but what is the state of Rhuthun/Ruthin at this anniversary?
On the one hand, the town is looking well; better, in fact, than in some 15 years. But there have been many changes. A number of shops have come and gone (with the emphasis on coming). What we don’t know is whether any closed because of a general post-Tesco downturn in trade. Except for the closed Reebee’s fruit and veg, blaming Tesco (and car parking). Reebee’s florist stays open, though.
But is Rhuthun’s relative health a hallow prosperity? Will it stay that way?
Tesco must be pleased with itself, too. So pleased, actually, it wants to expand and is to challenge the county council’s planning committee following its refusal.
Here are the town changes we recall in those six months (are there any more?).
This list does not include those shop units already vacant (e.g. Celf a Chreft). It’s also fair to say that the food shop shake out occurred in the two years after Lo-Cost (now Co-op) opened. That’s how long it took.
St Peter’s Square
Clwyd Street
Upper Clwyd Street
Well Street
Castle Mews
Wernfechan