Down the dimly lit and depressing Brackla Street arcade, Dragons Indoor Market remains one of only two occupied shopping units. Not for long, however, as low footfall, spiralling business rates and lack of financial security will mean that soon, the entire centre in Bridgend will consist of empty shop fronts.
The shop is filled with artisan crafts and local produce, but shop owner Kim Whitehouse is despondent. Her store initially thrived when she opened it 18 months ago, but the closure of Poundland, Iceland and Wilko in the town centre has reduced her customers to “zero”, and she has decided to close.
