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Businesses blame big slump on flood defence work

BBC Jenny Morgan smiling at the camera as she sits near a wall of wooden slats. She has dark brown hair with blonde highlights which is framing her face. She has a white t-shirt on with a black leather jacket.BBC
Jenny Morgan says the summer was "non-existent" for her business, Full of Graze

Independent businesses in a seaside village have said they are concerned for their future after a "significant" drop in footfall following major flood defence works.

Restaurants and cafes in Mumbles, Swansea, believe the slump in visitor numbers is because of work to protect properties along the coastline.

Jenny Morgan, owner of Full of Graze, said the work was needed, but it was "abundantly clear" to businesses that "significantly" fewer people were visiting.

Business owners and councillors are calling for further support from Swansea council, which called the £25m scheme the biggest investment in Mumbles for generations, which would draw more people and benefit businesses for years to come.

Ms Morgan opened her business in 2021, but said last summer was "really tough".

"Financially, August was our worst month. The six-week summer holidays are usually really busy but this year it was non-existent," she said.

She believes the main issues were the loss of parking due to construction work, and noise pollution.

"It's evidently quieter down here. We speak to so many regulars who say they actively avoid the area because they can't park and it's just quite unpleasant.

"I get it's going to be beneficial in the long term, but at the moment it's really tough. It's definitely worrying that if things continue like they are, I'm not sure we have a future."

Mumbles beach, with lots of rubble and machines working near the shore. Buildings are above the shoreline next to the road
Swansea council says the £25m scheme is the biggest investment in Mumbles for generations.

She would like to see more support from the council.

"I think the opportunity to apply for grants to support the businesses affected during the time, and maybe an incentive like free parking to draw people back in would help."

Part of the finished new wall along the promenade in Mumbles, with sun glinting off the metal handrail, and the beach, sea and pier in the background
Part of the finished wall along the promenade in Mumbles

The original sea defences were built in the 19th Century, and have been frequently maintained and repaired over the years.

But the council said they became defective due to their age and erosion.

The project, funded by the Welsh government, was originally due to end this year, but it has now been moved to 2025.

'It's temporary, but the bills come anyway'

Giuseppe Catalano, a chef at Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita, smiling at the camera. He is wearing a white chef's outfit, and standing in front a cabinet with a sign saying La Dolce Vita, and a variety of bottles, glasses and other drinks containers
Giuseppe Catalano, a chef at Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita, says footfall at the restaurant is down since the work began.

Giuseppe Catalano, a chef at Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita, said footfall was down by some 60% since the work began.

"It's scary because you see the business going down," he said.

"We are an established restaurant, and we know it's just temporary but the bills, the rent, the taxes, they come anyway."

The restaurant has been open for nine years, and this year has been the quietest he remembers.

"I understand the work is needed and it'll be nice by the end, but it's affecting the business.

"Mumbles is lovely for the sea view, but there's no view anymore, and it's not just our business, we speak with everyone around here and it's affecting the area."

Local councillor Francesca O’Brien smiling at the camera near the Mumbles seafront, where a large digging machine is working on the beach
Local councillor Francesca O'Brien says there's been a "perfect storm" of issues which are having an effect on businesses

Local councillor Francesca O'Brien said there was a "perfect storm" of issues having an effect on businesses, including cuts to bus services and limited parking.

"Although the work will look fantastic in the future, businesses are worried about the here and now," she said.

"We've been asking for two things, to improve the bus service in Mumbles and most importantly the support for businesses."

A council spokesperson said it recognised "the genuine concerns raised by businesses, but this work is essential to prevent flooding of businesses and homes, while the enhanced promenade will make Mumbles an even more desirable destination, benefiting business for many years to come".

The spokesperson called the £25m the biggest investment in Mumbles for generations.

"During the work hundreds of public parking spaces remain in Mumbles, with some new spaces created at the roadside.

"The council has worked closely with the contractors to do all we can to minimise the inconvenience of what is a major infrastructure improvement."