Ranger team up to five for Christmas rush

Swansea's City Centre Ranger team is up to five in time for the Christmas Rush.

James Harry and Damien Edgell have joined Matthew Bowen, Adrian McGrath and Alec Dubens in their role as the eyes and ears of the city centre.

The role of the City Centre Rangers includes customer service, referring troublemakers to the police and reporting problems such as broken paving, discarded rubbish, vandalism and graffiti.

They're also tasked with helping set up city centre events and ensuring they run smoothly.

The rangers cover a zone stretching to Westway and Dilwyn Street in the west and from Mansel Street to Alexandra Street and High Street in the north. They also work as far as the River Tawe to the east and to the coastline in the south. Additional areas of coverage include the Quadrant and Parc Tawe shopping centres.

James, age 30, is originally from Three Crosses on Gower. He has a lot of experience in security and was most recently a security officer at WH Smith in the Quadrant.

He said: "Among other things I hope to draw on my experience within the security sector to reduce street and retail crime in the city centre and to improve communication between businesses and the numerous partnership bodies that exist within the city.

"Building good relationships is fundamental to improving the city centre for businesses and customers alike. I'm also looking forward to the challenges that working day to day on the front line in a dynamic and diverse city centre can bring."

Damien Edgell, age 23, is from the Hafod area of the city and was previously a development worker with Funky Dragon- The Children and Young People's Assembly for Wales.

He said: "Having come from a youth work background I will be looking to use the skills I have gained in a positive way to engage with young people who come to the city centre."

Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: "It's important the visitor experience in Swansea city centre is as positive as possible and the team of City Centre Rangers helps to ensure the area is kept clean and safe.

"The team is a useful point of contact for any member of the public who has city centre related queries and questions and their assistance will prove invaluable to many people as we approach the busiest shopping period of the year."

Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development, said: "The City Centre Rangers provide an important link between shoppers, traders and the police and the city centre runs more smoothly because of them.

"They make a contribution to ongoing efforts to ensure Swansea city centre extends as warm a welcome as possible to all visitors."

Have a look at www.swanseacitycentre.com for more information about the city centre.

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Cynon Valley Car Dealership Prosecuted

A car dealer who sold two vehicles that were deemed un-roadworthy has been fined nearly £6,000 in an important case.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards officers were contacted by a consumer who had bought an MGF and a Mercedes Vito from Mr Auto in Canal Road, Cwmbach, in April last year.

Following the sale, the customer had a number of quality issues with the vehicles he had bought, but did not get the response he expected. Although both vehicles were sold with MOT certificates, the consumer was concerned as work that had allegedly been carried out by Mr Auto had not been.

He arranged his own independent MOT check on the vehicles and they both failed. The customer immediately complained to Trading Standards and a consultant engineer was called in July 2008 to examine both vehicles.

The engineer found a number of issues, including longstanding corrosion, and he deemed both vehicles to be unroadworthy.

Throughout the investigation, Tahir Kareem, director of Mr Auto, insisted both vehicles were roadworthy at the time of sale and the problems, including corrosion, had developed since the sale.

Mr Auto Ltd was charged with two offences under section 5 (3) of the General Product Safety Regulations and denied both offences when he appeared at Aberdare Magistrates’ Court this month.

The court heard evidence from the Trading Standards investigating officer, the engineer and the MOT inspector who issued the MOT for the MGF before it was offered for sale.

The engineer told the court the corrosion was, in his professional opinion, of a long-standing nature.

Defence argued that a pre-delivery inspection of the Mercedes had taken place immediately before they sold it. They were unable to produce paperwork relating to this and, instead, relied on the MOT issued to the MGF by a garage also in Mr Kareem’s ownership.

Mr Auto was found guilty on both offences and fined £2000 on each of the offences, £1000 costs, £750 compensation to the consumer and £15 victims surcharge,.

The bench reported they felt Trading Standards had produced a thorough case and statutory defence had not been established. They confirmed they believed both vehicles were unsafe when they were sold.

David Jones, Head of Community Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “This is an important case as it once again shows how committed we are to protecting the public and why that work is so key to safety.

“The customer did the right thing by reporting their concerns to us immediately so we could take matters further. Both vehicles were deemed to be unsafe and it does not bear to think about what could have happened if they had failed as a result.

“As well as protecting the customer and the wider public from the dangers of unsafe vehicles on the road, it is also about the rights of the consumer to get what they pay for – and upholding the law against those who have a duty of care to protect their clients, in this case Mr Auto.

“We have a team of dedicated, expert officers who are on hand to advise any business on their legal responsibilities and we urge them to make contact to prevent cases such as this. We will take enforcement action where necessary, but we remain committed to prevention as well.”

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Conservatives win review of Narbeth rates hike

Civil servants have promised to review the 200+ % rates hike in Narberth after a public meeting called by local AM Angela Burns.

The South Pembrokeshire AM invited the Valuation Agency Office (VAO), who set the rates, to meet Narberth’s traders on Monday.

Seventy business people turned up to hear the VAO’s Brian Jones agree to look into the situation in the town.

“I was delighted that Mr Jones agreed with my suggestion to look into the town’s exceptionally large jump in rateable values,” said Mrs Burns.

“The meeting agreed to form a group of about six traders from all parts of town and covering a number of different types of business who will now collate evidence to give him.

“He has promised to review this in the next few weeks and he will hopefully return in early December to give us his findings.”

Shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels in Narberth have seen their rates bills increase on average from £3,800 to £12,000 in the latest revaluation.

The traders also agreed to collect a petition calling on the Welsh Assembly to take action.

“We need to get a petition together quickly that sets out just how grave the concerns are among the traders of this town,” said Conservative Parliamentary candidate Simon Hart who also attended the meeting.

“The VAO has fundamentally got its maths wrong,” said Gordon Barry from Narberth’s Chamber of Trade.

The two-hour meeting at the Old Courthouse was also attended by Pembrokeshire County Council’s head of revenue services and head of economic development.

Michael Hughes who runs the Tom Hughes clothes shop in Narberth is facing a 310 per cent increase in his rates bill. He said: “I also have a shop in Carmarthen where my bill is £350 per square metre. But in Narberth the bill is £450 – it’s absolutely bonkers.”

Mrs Burns has lobbied local government minster Brian Gibbons to increase the rateable exemptions and extend rate relief and she encouraged traders to write to him as well.

“In Northern Ireland the revaluation has been postponed and in England more rate relief will be available for smaller businesses,” she said. “We need similar help in Wales, especially in towns like Narberth which have been singled out for ridiculous rises.

“We have set to work straight away on collecting the evidence for the VAO and hope to hold another meeting in early December.”

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Benllech Bottlewatch scheme

The first fixed penalty ticket has been issued to an individual who supplied alcohol to youngsters in Benllech on Anglesey.

Since the introduction of a scheme aimed at tackling under-age drinking was introduced in Benllech on Anglesey in July this year, a man has been issued with a fixed penalty ticket for supplying youngsters with alcohol.

The 21-year-old local man was fined £80 last week after being caught buying alcohol from the Spar store and supplying it to under-aged youths.

This is the first ticket to be issued in Benllech under ‘Bottlewatch’ - a partnership scheme that involves marking of bottles and cans, which are sold within local shops, with a unique tamper proof sticker. Officers who catch youths drinking in public places can then trace the items via the sticker to their point of sale and take appropriate action.

Bottlewatch was initially launched in Holyhead back in June 2008 as a pilot scheme, and because of its success it was rolled-out across the Island in July 2009.

PCSO Iona Beckmann said: “Because of the hard work and effort of the staff at the Spar store, who contacted police after witnessing the man supply the alcohol to the youngsters, we were able to issue him with a fixed penalty ticket.

“This is the first ticket that has been issued in Benllech since the introduction of the Bottlewatch scheme. We have excellent co-operation from the local stores and this should serve as a warning to those who buy alcohol for youngsters.

“When we seize bottles and cans from youngsters, we will know where they have come from and can then carry out the necessary enquiries to locate who is responsible for the purchase.”

She added: “North Wales Police are committed to tackling under age drinking and tackling anti-social behaviour or other type of crime associated with under age drinking.”

Anyone with information regarding the supply of alcohol to under-aged youngsters is asked to contact a member of their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Council considers Tesco plan for Risca

Caerphilly county borough council's Planning Committee will consider a major planning application for a new Tesco store in Risca this week (Wednesday 11th November).

The committee will determine the application for a new development on the former Foundry Site off Newport Road in Risca. The proposals include a large supermarket, a petrol filling station, a new footbridge linking the town centre to the site as well as landscaping, a new riverside walk and flood alleviation works.

Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC cabinet member for regeneration, said, "Officers of the council have worked extremely hard to bring about the regeneration of Risca and projects like this can bring about substantial community benefits. The planning committee will look carefully at this application and give full consideration to the proposals before any decision is made."

The plans for the 7.7 hectare site include a store area of 1.02 hectares and 761 car parking spaces.

If the planning application is approved, a legal agreement will also lead to the creation of a 'Tesco Express' store in the former Palace Cinema building. The development would help breathe new life into the historic building, which is located in a key position in the centre of Risca High Street. The Palace site has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years and the whole community is keen for the building to receive a much-needed facelift.

The application will also need to be referred to the Welsh Assembly Government for them to consider whether the development involves planning issues that would warrant taking responsibility away from the council. A number of conditions would also need to be met before the final green light is given.

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Mick Bates AM puts himself in the shoes of a shopworker

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates put himself in the shoes of shopworkers trying to decide whether a young person is old enough to buy alcohol.

The event in the Welsh Assembly was part of retail union Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign. This year the campaign is focussing on the difficult decisions shopworkers face on a daily basis when trying to decide whether someone looks old enough to buy alcohol or other age-restricted goods.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick Bates said:

“This exercise made me realise just how hard it is to tell the age of a young person. Shopworkers have to make that on-the-spot judgement all the time. Refusing to serve someone who is underage is often a flashpoint for abuse, both physical and verbal, but even asking for ID is often enough to make many people kick-off at the shopworker.

“On the other hand, if the shopworker serves someone who is underage, they are liable to an £80 fixed penalty notice, with repeated breaches incurring a court appearance or a fine of up to £1,000.

“Shopworkers aren’t paid huge amounts and they are in a difficult position of having to guess who to challenge. I hope that shoppers in Montgomeryshire will be patient with shopworkers and produce ID if asked.

“I am also asking the Government to look at whether the balance is right on this issue. I believe that there is too much responsibility on the shopworker and not enough on the person who is attempting to buy underage. I want there to be a high profile campaign making it clear to youngsters that it is illegal for them to attempt to purchase alcohol underage. I also want to see local retailers display that information prominently in their stores.”

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added:

“We are delighted that Mr Bates is supporting our campaign on behalf of shopworkers in Montgomeryshire.

“We want to raise awareness of this issue amongst young people at schools and colleges, so that they know to carry proof of age when buying restricted goods.

“We want employers to understand the pressures that their staff face and to support them with simple reporting systems, prompt response when a threatened worker calls for help and banning persistent offenders from stores.

“In addition, Usdaw is campaigning with the Government. We are asking them to introduce a single, national proof of age card, to make it easier for workers to check the person’s age when needed.

“And we want to see a change in the law to make it an offence for an under age person to attempt to buy any age-restricted product or for an adult to proxy purchase any age-restricted product. This would make things simpler and fairer, allowing the authorities to take action against purchasers as well as sellers.”

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Denbighshire premises pass fireworks sales test with flying colours

No premises sold fireworks to underage youngsters during test purchases carried out by Denbighshire Trading Standards.

14 premises were visited in the run up to bonfire night and all refused to sell fireworks to youngsters taking part in the undercover operation.

Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Safeguarding Communities said "The results of the operation show that retailers are acting responsibly by refusing to sell fireworks if they believe the customer to be underage.

"It is our duty as a council to protect the well-being of young people and to make sure that retailers are fully aware of the law. We will continue to carry out test purchases of fireworks and other age restricted goods, to make sure that people follow the law and will take action against those that fail to comply."

Any member of the public concerned about the sales of goods to underage people should contact Trading Standards on 01824 706057.

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Chepstow women’s bid to save local business

Four Chepstow women have joined forces to put together a show that will revitalise retail businesses in the town.

A councillor and local businesswoman; the manager of the town’s department store; a council officer; and a member of a local Women’s Institute are working to give businesses in Chepstow a chance to show the high quality of shopping that’s available.

The group consists of Debbie McCarty, the council’s Area Services Office for Monmouth who is also chair of Tutshill Women’s Institute; Sally Turner, who manages Monmouthshire’s Leisure Centres; and Dee Griffith who runs Herbert Lewis; and Jacqui Sullivan, Councillor for the St Mary’s ward in Chepstow, and also owner of Artists Corner.

Councillor Sullivan said:

“We want to put Chepstow on the map and show what it has to offer. We think with the help of people in the town we can beat the economic downturn and get people shopping locally.

“It’ll be a night to remember, full of music, fashion shows, shopping and entertainment.”

“We have secured a venue in the Leisure Centre that will hold plenty of people and we’ve booked a number of acts that will help us to celebrate business in Chepstow.”

“Tutshill Women’s Institute will be coordinating a fashion show that will see local models sporting locally available clothes.”

“We’ve managed to find a fantastic compère in Karl Daymond – Chepstow’s critically acclaimed opera singer, who will also make a special appearance as his alter-ego the Rt. Mdm. Rhondda Tannoy and giving us some hints on what ‘not to wear!’

“We’re all working really hard to make a lasting impression on visitors to Chepstow and residents here. “

Debbie McCarty of Tutshill Women’s Institute (WI) said:

“I've got involved with this as a WI member, and one of our campaigns is to get people to ‘shop local’. Our members wanted to do a fashion show and we heard about Jacqui's and Dee's idea we decided to join forces to make it one big event.”

The Chepstow showcase takes place on Wednesday 18th November from 5.30pm - 10pm.

Tickets are £6 each, which includes free entry into a grand draw.

For more information about the showcase contact Jacqui Sullivan 01291 627393 or email Dee Griffith at Herbert Lewis on dee.griffith@herbertlewis.com.

read more... “Chepstow women’s bid to save local business”

Successful test purchasing operation in Meirionnydd

North Wales Police has carried out a successful test purchase operation to clampdown on underage drinkers in Meirionnydd.

The operation was carried out in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bala, Dolgellau, Barmouth and Tywyn on Friday, 23rd October and targeted 18 premises that sold alcohol - each of them passing with flying colours.

PC Dewi Wynne said: “I am extremely pleased that all premises refused to sell alcohol to the underage volunteer who helped us with the test purchase.

“This goes a long way in proving that local retailers want to work with the police to stop the problems associated with underage drinking.

He added: “We hope this good working partnership continues and shows that by working together we can target problems that can affect our communities.”

North Wales Police welcome any information from anyone who may have information regarding premises that are selling alcohol to underage people or areas where young people consume alcohol.

Anyone with information can contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Bargoed's big idea is still a reality

Caerphilly county borough council is keen to assure traders and shoppers in Bargoed that negotiations are still underway to secure an anchor store to front an exciting new retail development that will help regenerate the whole town centre.

News emerged last week that that the town had been unsuccessful in its bid to attract Welsh Assembly money to help kick start the scheme, but the council is keen to stress that hopes are still very much alive for the development to proceed.

The council is working with developer Simons to get a major supermarket on board.

Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC Cabinet Member for regeneration added, "Traders in Bargoed can be assured that we are working hard to drive this ambitious scheme forward. We recognise that this development is key to Bargoed's future success and we are hopeful that we can secure a major name in the near future."

Chris Newsome, Development Director of Simons Developments said, "Despite the recession Simons is delivering on town centre developments, such as Carmarthen, where construction is well under way. The credit crunch has created problems for all town centre developments, however, the financial climate does appear to be improving and there is still strong interest from several foodstore operators in Bargoed. "

The company will present its proposals for moving the development forward to the council and Welsh Assembly Government before the end of the year.

read more... “Bargoed's big idea is still a reality”

Pembrokeshire’s popular car boot sales hit by tax blitz says AM

The Labour-Plaid Assembly Government is conducting a revaluation of local business rates and inspectors have been told to take into account any car boot sales held regularly on premises such as pub car parks according to Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

Any popular sales could be targeted and the owners of their venues hit with higher business rates.

That could mean higher costs for organisers of the regular sales at Withybush and Carew, as well as pub landlords running occasional sales in their car parks.

“Government guidance has instructed pub car parks to be singled out in particular for revaluation so the Government will be charging struggling pub owners for diversifying their business,” said Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

“Such higher taxes will inevitably be passed on to customers in the form of higher admission charges and more expensive goods.”

The Welsh Conservatives have called on the Government to postpone the rates revaluation which will see rates bills rise next spring.

"In the depths of a recession, car boot sales are more important than ever to help households raise some cash or give people a chance to buy second-hand.

“They also help the environment by reducing the amount of unwanted items thrown into landfill.

“Labour now wants to tax people who use car boot sales to kit out their homes."

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St David's opening will put Cardiff on European stage

The opening of the new St David's shopping centre this Thursday will provide Cardiff with yet another world class facility which will enhance its global reputation and significantly boost the economy of the city.

The 1.4 million sq ft centre, is a joint venture with the St David's Partnership, which boasts the largest John Lewis department store outside of London and is also anchored by Debenhams and Marks and Spencer.

It is estimated that some 27 million shoppers will pass through the new centre over the next 12 months, attracting more than £250million of new annual spending to Cardiff’s city centre each year.

St David's is predicted to become one of the UK's busiest shopping centre developments, establishing Cardiff as a top European retail destination.

The Leader of Cardiff Council Rodney Berman, said: “Like everyone else I have watched St David’s take shape over the last three years. Now we have reached the opening day I feel a sense of immense pride that Cardiff Council and the St David’s Partnership have between them delivered such a wonderful development for the people of the city and those who visit it.

"In terms of what this development will bring to Cardiff, £250million of new annual spending each year speaks for itself. There is no doubt that St David's is going to provide a huge economic boost for the city.”

While unemployment in Wales is on the up, St David's, once fully occupied is estimated to create around 4,000 new jobs, in addition to the hundreds of construction jobs that have already been created as part of this development.

The St David’s Jobs’ Team has already helped to facilitate 1,300 people into work to date, with nearly 16,000 people registering on the ‘www.stdavidsjobs.com’ website.

Councillor Berman said: "The website has been an incredible success and we’ve so far helped around 60 retailers with their recruitment. We have had a lot of positive feedback from them about the high quality of service and support the St David’s jobs team has given.”

The opening of St David’s will also coincide with the extension of opening hours across the city centre, with the new development as well other areas of the city such as Queen’s Arcade, extending their opening hours until 8pm during the week.

To encourage this St David's will offer Cardiff's first ever 24 hour secure car park, with 2,000 spaces above the shopping centre as well as thenew car park underneath John Lewis which will be able to accommodate a further 500 cars. The two new car parks will allow shoppers to park for only £1 after 5pm until 6am.

Councillor Berman said: “We want to create a more European-style family friendly evening culture in Cardiff life so that when 5pm comes people don’t just head home.

”Instead they may choose to stay in the city centre a little longer and enjoy what Cardiff has to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, theatre, cinema and other evening entertainment. By extending shopping hours the economy in Cardiff will be given another boost with more people using the city centre at all times of the day.”

Another major benefit St David's will bring to Cardiff is the rejuvenation of the area surrounding the shopping centre, with landscaping, planting and paving taking place to completely transform the pedestrian environment in the city.

In addition to the huge investment by St David’s Partnership, Cardiff Council has spent in excess of £3m on improving many of the city centre public spaces including Hayes Island; St John’s Street; Park Place; Charles Street; Bute Terrace; Bridge Street; Barracks Lane; Cathedral Square and the junctions to Queen Street, Duke Street and St.Mary Street.

This has included replacing surfaces and adding street furniture such as, trees, lighting, seating and litter bins.

Councillor Berman added: "This is a significant investment by Cardiff Council and these improvements to the public spaces surrounding the development will make a huge difference to the overall appearance of the city centre.”

read more... “St David's opening will put Cardiff on European stage”

Merlin in Carmarthen

Carmarthenshire councillors have agreed to allow a Carmarthen shopping complex to be renamed after Merlin - to boost trade at a difficult time.

Zurich Insurance Ltd had applied for planning permission for new signs rebranding the Greyfriars Shopping Centre as Merlin’s Walk/Maes Myrddin and to put two metal arches and a wood-carved statue of Merlin within the shopping centre.

The centre was originally named Greyfriars after the Friary which formerly stood on the site of the Wilkinson store during the Mediaeval period up until its dissolution from 1538.

County Council officers had recommended rejecting the scheme as being unsuitable for the town’s Conservation Area and as incongruous with the Mediaeval history of the site, with no historical link between Merlin and the Greyfriars site.

But members of the planning committee yesterday were keen to help traders at Greyfriars by enabling the centre to be rebranded to raise its profile.

Local member Cllr Arwel Lloyd, who addressed the planning committee, said: “This is an attempt to improve the image of the centre. Carmarthen is called Merlin’s town but there is nothing visible to connect it with Merlin.
“We as the people of the town are grateful to the developers for coming up with this.”

Planning committee member Cllr Steve Dunn said: “As a local member I would like us to approve the application.”
He said after the meeting that it was important to support all areas of Carmarthen town centre and that the planned changes for the Greyfriars shopping centre would help to revamp that area.

Following the meeting head of planning Eifion Bowen said: “The issue was one of balancing historical fact or myth.
“The planning committee felt that using the mythology was justified in this instance for the rebranding of the centre to assist in difficult economic times.”

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John Lewis Cardiff open its doors

John Lewis Cardiff has officially opened its doors, with queues of shoppers descending on Wales’ newest, and largest, department store.

After months of anticipation, the shop opened its doors at 09:30am on Thursday 24 September, giving shoppers access to over 350,000 products across four floors and 170,000 sq ft of selling space.

To officially mark the opening, a ribbon was cut by John Lewis Cardiff managing director, Liz Mihell, and pupils from St Mary the Virgin Primary School, who buried a time capsule in the shop in July.

Liz Mihell says: “Our opening is the culmination of a lot of hard work and preparation, so we’re delighted to have reached such a landmark occasion.

“Ever since work began on the shop we have been made to feel extremely welcome by people across Wales. Cardiff is a growing and vibrant city and to be a part of such an exciting time in its history feels very special.”

Crowds waiting outside the shop were treated to entertainment from a samba band and jugglers, while John Lewis rickshaws dropped people off at the new shop and models acting as living mannequins in the city centre showcased the new and exclusive fashion brands on offer. Inside the shop, Cardiff Arms Park male voice choir performed to entertain people as they browse.

The 280,000 sq ft shop, which is the principal anchor for the landmark St David’s development, has opened a month ahead of the rest of the centre. It is the second largest in the John Lewis Partnership and the largest branch outside London and will feature fashion, furniture and homeware products.

Over the past few months passers-by have seen the shop take shape from the outside, with the installation of external signs and a large glass prow sitting at the end of the Hayes.

Liz continued: “Having lived in Cardiff for several months, I’ve felt a growing sense of excitement from the people of Wales, so we’re extremely proud to now share with them the John Lewis shopping experience for the first time.

“We were delighted to welcome shoppers at our opening celebrations. There will be much to see and enjoy through the weekend, with entertainment continuing until Saturday.”

Shoppers were among the first to experience John Lewis’ new womenswear concept, with Cardiff the first John Lewis branch to showcase a new look for the fashion department. This includes a designer area, contemporary fixtures for jewellery and accessories, a denim wall and a feature ceiling. The concept has no defined walkways, allowing shoppers a sense of discovery.

Womenswear brands include Stella McCartney Lingerie, a new and exclusive brand for Cardiff, along with Elie Tahari, Mulberry, Tanya Sarne for John Lewis and Les Petites. The store will also houses menswear brands such as Ralph Lauren, Belstaff, John Smedley, Zegna Sport and Hackett.

In a another first for John Lewis, shoppers were able to browse for products on Johnlewis.com from computer access points on the shop floor and while enjoying refreshments in the Espresso Bar. The opening also saw the unveiling of the largest John Lewis Espresso Bar, which features 129 covers, as well as the 293-cover ‘Place to Eat’ restaurant on the third floor.

A 200 metre-long queue formed outside the shop from 7.45am, and the first customer was Chris Scott who was presented with a bunch of flowers before she raced to the Laura Mercier counter for a make-over.

The first purchase of the day was recorded on the Lancôme beauty counter within minutes of shop opening, and the tills kept ringing all day, chalking up over 12,000 transactions.

Home electrical items were in demand, with 21 large screen TVs, 10 Sebo vacuum cleaners and one £3000 fridge being sold. Amongst the best selling items were Liz Earle beauty products, Ralph Lauren menswear and bed linen. The John Lewis Value range mug (£1) and pairing knife (£1) completely sold out.

The new concept womenswear floor proved extremely popular with customers, with Phase 8 and Oasis selling well. Lingerie was a big hit and John Lewis lingerie advisers recorded 41 bra fitting appointments. Cardiff shoppers prepared for the winter months with ladies boots a sales highlight.

The home department traded well with fourteen carpet and floor covering estimate bookings, four fitted kitchen planning appointments and six curtain measuring appointments.

Hungry shoppers took time to relax in the Place to Eat and Espresso bar, eating and drinking their way through nearly 300 scones, 100 welsh cakes and 3000 hot drinks.

John Lewis Cardiff managing director Liz Mihell said: “Opening day was fantastic and it was great to see how excited customers are about our new shop. Sales exceeded our expectations, finishing more than 20 per cent ahead of our target for the day. Many customers told us how delighted they are John Lewis is finally open with one commenting ‘It used to be that you had to have a cathedral to become a city now you have to have a John Lewis!’.”

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Supermarket prosecuted for food safety offences

A zero-tolerance policy on breaches of food safety laws in Neath Port Talbot has resulted in a supermarket being hit with fines totalling £12,000.

The Council prosecuted Gwaun-cae-Gurwen branch of CKs Supermarket Ltd following an inspection in July 2008.

The Environmental Health team were alerted to the failings following a complaint from a member of the public.

Supermarket manager Franklyn Fairclough pleaded guilty to six offences on behalf of CKs Supermarket Ltd at Neath Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 23.

Justices were told that following the inspection last year it was discovered that the store was not kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition, equipment and fittings were not adequately cleaned and a system to prevent cross contamination and ensure that food unfit for human consumption was not sold to the public was not in place.

They were also told by Council prosecutor Iwan Davies that an adequate food safety management system was not implemented and that staff had not received adequate food safety training.

Defence barrister Craig Jones said since the inspection staff had received food safety training from a reputable company and the store had been cleaned by a specialist company. He also indicated that consultants had been employed to develop a food safety management system.

Magistrates fined the stores a total of £12,000 with costs of £1,172.42 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Ali Thomas said: "The authority takes breaches of food safety laws extremely seriously and will use the full force of the law to bring those who flout these laws to justice," he said. "The Environmental Health team will investigate thoroughly any complaints received by the public.

"Maintaining good food hygiene practices is of paramount importance to limit the outbreaks of food poisoning.

"

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Welsh Leek Week October 1st - 7th

Next Thursday sees the start of the 3rd Annual Welsh Leek Week – when Wales biggest Leek Grower, Really Welsh, and some of its key trading partners get all excited about our national vegetable.

“We introduced Welsh Leek week back in 2007” reports Richard Arnold of Really Welsh, “to shout about their fact that Welsh Leeks were back in stores, and our reliance on Dutch, or even Spanish imports was over. But things have moved on now, and our harvest started in August this year, not October – but we still think it’s worth continuing to celebrate in October, as directly drilled leeks start to crop, and there in chill in the air, all of which seem to add to the to the leek eating experience”.

“Sadly we’ve yet to get all retail outlets as excited as we are” notes Arnold, “with only Tesco 100% committed to having Welsh leeks throughout the season, so if you shop elsewhere for the moment at least, you will probably be picking up English, or worse still continental leeks that have travelled a few hundred miles just to get here”.

Photograph: Charlie Lightbown Leek farm manager salutes the Welsh Leek harvest

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Marks and Spencer to open at Festival Park

The new Marks & Spencer outlet store at Festival Park will open its doors to shoppers on Thursday, 1 October.

Mayor of Blaenau Gwent, Coun John Williams MBE, JP will officially open the store together with Miss Wales 2009 Lucy Whitehouse. Glyncoed Comprehensive School will entertain guests.

The new store will create 35 new jobs and will offer a wide range of products including womenswear, menswear, beauty and home.

Coun Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council said:

“This is more positive news for the regeneration of the area. I am confident that signing up Marks & Spencer will bring more visitors to Festival Park and will help boost our local economy.”

The first 100 customers will receive a goodie bag. The first 200 shoppers will receive a further 10% discount when spending £35 or more.

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Gwynedd businesses get top marks in test

Not one of the 19 Gwynedd retailers approached during a recent test purchasing exercise sold tobacco, butane and knives to a 15 year old volunteer.

Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards team has been working closely with local businesses to reduce the incidents of illegal sales of age restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco, knifes, butane lighter refills, aerosol paints and age restricted DVDs, videos and games. To address the problem that sales staff have in determining the exact age of young customers, retailers are being encouraged to introduce a ‘Think 21’ policy.

Gwynedd Council’s Portfolio Leader for Public Protection, Councillor John R Jones said:

”These results are excellent and show what can be done when everyone is determined to prevent illegal sales being made. I congratulate those involved in this test purchasing exercise and urge all retailers who sell age restricted goods to follow their good example.”

Any retailers who would like advice on preventing illegal sales of age restricted products and the “Think 21” policy should contact Gwynedd Council Trading Standards on 01286 682728 or e-mail: safmas@gwynedd.gov.uk

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A Handbag?

Further to our story on Monday about John Lewis' marketing campaign placing out-sized objects around Cardiff, we though we would have a look - this is what we saw.

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Giant models arrive in Cardiff as part of John Lewis marketing campaign

A photocall with a difference took place on Cardiff’s City Hall lawn this morning (September 14) at 10.30am to mark the countdown to the opening of John Lewis Cardiff on September 24.

Supersize versions of some of the shop’s merchandise will be popping up in the city over the next two weeks. A giant handbag, a chair and a blender ranging from 10ft to 15ft tall will appear on Churchill Way, Working Street and City Hall Lawn between September 14 and September 28.

The first installation of a 15ft chair took at City Hall lawn on Monday morning and Cardiff Council Leader Cllr Rodney Berman and John Lewis managing director Liz Mihell were there to see the first superstructure unveiled at 10.30am.

The huge models have been designed to bring John Lewis products to life as part of the marketing campaign for the new Cardiff shop. Motorists won’t be able to miss the eye-catching structures which illustrate the diverse assortment of products available in John Lewis.

The models have been created by Cardiff company Specialist Models who also produce props and sets for Dr Who and Big Brother.

Cllr Berman said, “Council Leader Cllr Rodney Berman said, "Cardiff is eagerly anticipating the launch of John Lewis and I am sure the unveiling of these fantastic structures in the heart of the city today will only heighten that anticipation.

"The structures clearly show that something big is happening in Cardiff and we are delighted that we are going to be home to John Lewis's biggest shop outside Oxford Street.

"It also demonstrates that despite the current economic climate Cardiff is a city which continues to see investment and the creation of high quality jobs showing just how desirable a place the Welsh capital has become to work, live and visit."

John Lewis Cardiff managing director Liz Mihell said: “The Cardiff shop will be the largest John Lewis outside London, so it seems appropriate to mark the opening with supersized products.”

The structures will be installed at Churchill Way (handbag), Working Street (blender) and City Hall Lawn (Chair) from 7.30am on September 14.

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