We’ve just returned from two nights in Chester, a town we have always loved visiting.
I couldn’t wait to get there, a change of scenery after being cooped up in Llandudno for six months.
However, what I saw there shocked me.
There are way more shops closed down there, than in Llandudno.
Any of the smaller shops are doing no business, and are closing early.
The shopping areas are quite depressing.
The large stores like Next and Debenhams are piled high with merchandise, but it’s all old ranges... very few browsers, and queues of people returning things, not buying them. That’s because you can no longer try on clothes in stores. This is totally unsustainable.
The doorways are full of homeless folk, or piles of bedding awaiting their return.
Zombie like folk with drug problems are very prevalent in the streets.
All the little bars, and large chains of bars are either closed down permanently, or closed by 9.30pm.
The little cafes and tea rooms which are open still, have very little on offer, as it’s too expensive to waste it.
The only saving grace, a superb meal in a half full Piccolino’s, restricted due to Covid... and surrounded by bars, all closed down!
I’m not sure whether this in post Brexit Britain I’m seeing, or Covid Britain, or a mixture of both... but I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit.