A CLOTHING shop chain has quit Abergavenny claiming that landlords are making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to operate in the town.

Robert Price runs the Wardrobe shops in Ystrad Mynach and Treorchy, but its Abergavenny branch closed at the weekend.

Mr Price said: "We are seeing a massive drop in customers coming to Abergavenny yet rent for premises has gone up to an extortionate level.

I could open another two shops for what it costs in overheads for the one in Abergavenny."

The Wardrobe on Frogmore Street had been open since Summer 2004 with Mr Price paying £14,000 a year in rent.

Gerry Young of Miles, Young and Co Estate Agents said that the cost of renting a shop in the town centre has risen by 30 per cent in the last few years. The prime locations can cost up to £30,000 per annum.

He said: "The larger chains will pay whatever they have to for premises but the smaller traders open the shop as part of their lifestyle.

"They often have families so have to make it work. They won't pay the fancy rents and a lot don't realise how difficult trading conditions can be here."

Mr Young said that his agency gets around 10 enquiries for rental premises in the town a week while that number used to be over 30.

Roger Powell runs Powell's Floral Occasions on Frogmore Street added: "We've been here 20 years and all the smaller shops are disappearing. We can't compete with the big chains and supermarkets."

Abergavenny Chamber of Trade former president and member Ian Shackleton said.

"It's all about what the market can stand though and there is only one empty shop in the town.

"But it's a shame that an independet trader has gone. We need as many as possible, it's what makes Abergavenny different to other towns."