Plaid calls for urgent improvements to Swansea’s ‘shabby’ High Street

‘First impressions count – the current condition is a sad reflection on the city’

Plaid AM Dai Lloyd has called on the Welsh Government to work with Swansea Council to deliver further regeneration to Swansea’s High Street.

The Swansea-based AM has raised the matter with Welsh Government Minister Rebecca Evans at the Assembly.

Crime is an issue in the area and business owners state that they have to deal with drug addicts and alcoholics on a daily basis.

Speaking prior to posing his question to the Minister at the Assembly, Dr. Lloyd stated:

“The High Street in Swansea is a key gateway to the city for visitors as they arrive by train at Swansea station, and the area has benefitted from some Welsh Government regeneration funding over recent years.

“However, despite some investment, we are still faced with a row of deserted, crumbling old buildings in the area.

“Among them we have the historical Palace Theatre still dominating the area. The building has been empty for a number of years, and is falling into disrepair. It simply does not give a good impression of the city, and the issue needs to be tackled.”

Dr. Lloyd added:

“The High Street in general needs to be a focus for the Labour Welsh Government and Swansea Council. As the key gateway for visitors to the city, Swansea needs to up its game. First impressions count, and the current condition of the High Street is a sad reflection on the city.

“We need to see firm action from the Welsh Government and Swansea Council to bring about the full regeneration of the High Street. As the regional capital of South West Wales, the Labour Welsh Government needs to identify this issue as one of national importance, and provide the necessary funding to deliver change.”