Carmarthen traders warm to plans for town's winter wonderland

TRADERS in Carmarthen are relishing plans for the town to host a winter wonderland extravaganza.

The idea was raised by town traders on the Carmarthen Town Strategy Group last month.

There are hopes the event could echo the success of similar wonderland events in Swansea and Cardiff.

Estimates show that the attraction helps to plough around £7 million into Swansea's economy each year.

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If plans go ahead the event could be staged for up to two months between early November and mid January.

Traders said the plans were a good idea.

Owner of Magpies gift shop in King Street, Andy James, said: "Anyone who's been to the winter wonderland in Swansea at Christmas will have seen how busy that is, and the knock-on effect that it's had with some shops in Swansea.

"If we could have that sort of effect in Carmarthen then its bound to benefit."

Veronica Cooling, owner of Nomads clothing and gift shop in Nott Square, said: "I am quite happy for the ice rink, and the fairground rides or anything that doesn't take anything away from local businesses."

Peter Owen, owner of Owen Sports in King Street said: "I think its an excellent idea and it's about time we came into the 21st century for the kids.

"Wether it will bring any more retail business into the town is a bit of a question mark."

No firm location has been confirmed but the Quay could be an option.

Susan Anderson, manager of Waverley health stores in Lammas Street, said she welcomed it but feared traffic problems could arise.

She added: "Anything that is going to generate more business will be great. It could cause a nightmare though with parking and traffic congestion and then nobody will benefit."

While not on the same scale as Swansea, which features a large Ferris wheel, ice rink and fairground rides, it is hoped the event will bring a boom to winter trading in Carmarthen.

Further talks on the wonderland plans are expected to take place tonight (Wednesday) at the Carmarthen Chamber of Trade and Commerce.