TRADERS, politicians and businessmen and women have delivered their wish- list of ideas designed to turn around our city's fortunes.

The Post has approached six prominent figures in the city to come up with six ideas which will bring business back to Swansea, asking them if they could change one thing tomorrow, what would it be?

Among the ideas were free parking, regenerating High Street and an increase in the number of police on duty.

Conservative leader on Swansea Council Rene Kinzett said the evening economy could be boosted if more effort was made to keep the centre open after five or 6pm.

He said: "I think the city centre is dead after 6pm, and we need to breathe new life into the place, making it more welcoming for those who cannot use city centre shops from 9am to 5pm due to their own work commitments.

"I would support early evening leisure promotions and encourage shops to stay open later, fund car parks to stay open later, improve lighting, and develop late-night transport."

Parking was an issue that David Taylor, of the Sheep Shop in Castle Street, picked out. He said: "I think parking is a problem.

"Why not have free parking, or park for the whole day for £1?"

Paul Braithwaite, general manager of Aspers in Salubrious Place, said: "Wind Street has become the central hub for a night out due to the great variety of pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and entertainment venues on offer.

"However, as in any city, this increased traffic of people brings its own problems, with a large number of people flooding onto the narrow streets.

"I appreciate the police and council are looking into all options to make Swansea safer, but I believe a more high-profile police presence would help create a feeling of security, so people can enjoy all the city has to offer on a night out."

Labour Group leader on Swansea Council David Phillips said the city needed to be regenerated — starting with High Street.

He said: "The area around the station has to be a priority. Also, we should consider greater incentives to retail business. But to put in some special pleading, as a cyclist, I would suggest a much safer cycleway into, through and around the city centre, together with safe cycle-parking, secure storage and changing facilities."

Andy Moss, of Moss Bros, on Oxford Street, agreed with councillor Phillip's view that the centre needed to be regenerated, in much the same way as a near rival.

"I have been working in Cardiff for the past five years. They are regenerating the centre. It will put Cardiff into a different league. I get the train most days, and when you walk down High Street it doesn't do anything for customers of Swansea city centre.

"The whole area needs to be regenerated. They have made an effort with the old David Evans site, and it is empty."

However, Mr Moss said there were signs that, despite the centre needing some work, shoppers were still heading to Swansea.

He said: "The footfall I get in Oxford Street is still really good."

South West Wales Media managing director Blanche Sainsbury agreed that the gateway to the city — High Street — needed to be improved in order to entice people to visit, and then return.

She said: "Most of our visitors from West Wales see Swansea as the regional shopping area, but when you come into the city along High Street, it is just not a nice area. We need to do some work regenerating that area.

"There is a danger that, if that is the first and last impression of Swansea visitors get, the next time they will bypass Swansea and carry on to Cardiff."

However, council leader Chris Holley responded by saying the council wanted to improve the centre, but was being held back.

He said: "The quickest way for us to regenerate the city is for the Assembly to give us the opportunity to do something about business rates, and also give us the ability to vary rents in the centre and Enterprize zone. Out of town shopping centres should charge to park and use that fee to subsidise the city centre."