Traders 'burdened' by rising business rates in Oswestry
Traders say they are being burdened by rising business rates in a market town with a host of firms claiming they are struggling to cope.
James Evans, of Halls Commercial, said the ever increasing costs of business rates are putting the final nail in the coffin for traders.
He has called for them to be abolished and free parking to be introduced in town centres to help traders at a deeply troubling time.
In Oswestry only a small amount of shops are empty, but businesses are still struggling to get by with business rates.
Ian Follington, of Oswestry BID, believes the rising rates are a hit on small businesses, and he wants to make sure people are getting their moneys worth.
He said: "From a business stand point I do have sympathy over business rates.
"It is especially hitting businesses in the retail sector, although I do think the £12k rate relief is a good thing.
"But it is a painful load for businesses to carry.
Struggle
"There is a bigger picture and a bigger debate when it comes to business rates.
"It is a burden on small businesses when you're paying £1,000 per month rates when you haven't sold anything yet, it is tough.
"I think the bigger debate is about the value businesses feel they are getting for their rates, and that is an area we want to get moved involved in to make sure the councils provide what they should do to make the best of it."
One long standing businesses that is feeling the pinch is Petworld, based on Red Square.
It now pays £1,200, up from £900 a few years ago and Ken Malcolm, who owns the store feels it is unfair.
He said: "We're established and do good trade, but it is still a lot of money to find every month.
"Our rateable value went up by £10,000, but you struggle to query it, it is so hard to question the government or argue it.
"We're established and we find it hard, so small businesses must really find it difficult, it is quite a burden."
