A market town that was once crowned Britain s Best High Street has lost its battle to stop a national chain from opening the high street s first non-independent store.
Residents in Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons are used to independent shops proudly lining their high street and reacted with fury at plans to open a Co-op in the picturesque Welsh town.
Families were out in force to protest the proposal that would bring the first national chain to the high street, with more than 100 objections being lodged with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
But despite months of outcries from locals, the British food giant has won its David vs Goliath battle with planners to set up their own shop in the beautiful Welsh hills.
A VEHICLE caught ablaze was the reason for a road closure in the Brecon Beacons earlier today. The A470, running through one of Powys’ most popular beauty spots, is now back open following the incident earlier today (April 10). Motorists had been asked to avoid travelling to the popular Storey Arms area of the Brecon Beacons this morning following the incident – which can now be revealed was a vehicle on fire on the RAC Bends stretch of the A470. Police and other emergency services were on the scene and the road had been closed completely just before 11am. But, just after 1pm, Dyfed Powys Police said that the road was back open, with one lane remaining closed.
TWO highly regarded London chefs have revealed their plans for opening a restaurant and wine bar in former Barclays bank in a Powys town. James and Emma Faulks, who have worked in the capital for the last 20 years, including at their own restaurant for the last 10, recently moved to the Hay-on-Wye area with their young family. A planning application submitted to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority revealed the pair want to turn the old Barclays bank in Hay-on-Wye s Broad Street into a new restaurant. Plans showed the restaurant will also incorporate food-related retail, and the application includes new signs and a small extension.
A NEW cafe, which feels the border town it s in is on a knife edge, wants to be able to extend its opening hours to ensure its viability. The Cosy Cafe is gearing up to open in Hay-on-Wye s High Town, but is having to ask the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority if it s allowed to change its opening hours. The new cafe is hoping to open its doors next month, but current planning conditions means it can only open to customers between 9am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am and 5pm on Sundays. But consultants said in a design and access statement submitted with the planning application said these hours need to be extended as otherwisde the financial viability of the business would be harmed.