Three years ago it was named one of the prettiest places to do Christmas shopping by The Times newspaper and was praised for bucking the trend of struggling high streets. But business owners now say it's the "toughest" and "quietest" they've known trading in Cardigan, the historic market town widely recognised for its "independent vibe". The town in Ceredigion is dominated by small, independent businesses - with shops, cafes and restaurants saying increasing operational costs and a downturn in footfall are making it harder than ever for them. One shop owner says he took just £4 in a day, while an artist closed the doors on his high street gallery last week because of business rates. Many people across Wales have been in touch with BBC Your Voice ahead of the Senedd election to say they are concerned about the state of the economy, with many feeling the effects of rising costs and prices.
