A CARD and gift shop that has been trading in Colwyn Bay for more than 20 years has now closed.
Wood's, situated on Sea View Road, closed in September. Then owner Neil Wood felt there was "little support" for independent shops like Wood's and that "crime, theft and antisocial behaviour" was putting customers off the town. He said that footfall had dropped over the years and the town had become "an undesirable place to shop."
Neil has now handed the keys back to St David's Commercial. The premises will be available for lease soon.
Neil said: "It has been a busy few weeks at the shop sorting everything out but I can confirm that the stock and shop fittings have gone to a new shop / enterprise that is opening on Abergele Road. They will be stocking Welsh cards, gifts... they will basically be carrying on where I left off.
"It was important to me that the service Wood's provided remained as local as possible so my customers will still have a shop they can get a Welsh card from or a Welsh gifts and souvenirs etc [this will be the premises on Abergele Road], the only change will be the location and myself."
Neil, who is part of and G-string, has started giving beginner guitar lessons.
He added: "I'm hopeful this will be the start of something great in the area. I will also be seen at the new shop / enterprise providing my free time to help other people maybe less fortunate than myself who don't have access to music equipment or any knowledge of guitar."
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Neil's next gig is at Pont-y-Pair Inn where the band will co-headlining the Oktoberfest weekend.
Neil added: "I would like to thank all my customers over the years and I hope they support the new shop on Abergele Road like they have done with me."
St Davids Commercial in a short statement today (October 2): "Available Shortly - Lock Up Shop premises situated in a prominent position between Station Road and the precinct in Colwyn Bay, opposite the Railway Station.
"New three year lease - £800 per month. Viewing 'By Appointment Only'."
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