IT'S LARGELY been 'business as usual' for Mold's high street traders despite concerns the Arriva bus driver strike could affect town centre footfall.

With some people relying on Arriva bus services to get into town to shop, the Leader visited Mold on Wednesday (November 17) - the fourth day of strike action by around 400 Arriva drivers in North Wales - to find out what sort of impact it's had.

Wednesday is market day in Mold, and it appeared to be as busy and bustling ever - despite the bus driver strike.

The Leader:

We spoke to various market traders who told us that there hasn't been a noticeable decrease in footfall - if anything it was better on Wednesday than in recent weeks.

Traders, including Omeda Crafts, Hashel Olives and Little Welsh Pantri, all said it was busier on Wednesday than it had been for a while.

Theresa Ankers, owner of Little Welsh Pantri, said: "It's been pretty busy, whether it's because of the recent closure of Prestatyn market - meaning more people are coming from that way - I'm not sure.

"But thankfully we certainly don't appear to have had a drop off in trading."

Staff in the Vaughan Davies designer clothes shop said it's been a quiet few days, but Jane Davies women's wear across the street said it's been very much business as usual.

Another shop on Mold High Street is The Counselling Hub charity shop.

One of its volunteers said that while there hasn't been a noticeable drop in footfall, she had spoken to a few customers last week who said they wouldn't be able to shop there until the bus driver strike is over.

Bethan Gee, manager of the Rubens cafe, said it's been business as usual - but that one of her staff members is facing difficulty getting into work at the moment due to the lack of a bus service.

Joanna Douglas, Mold Town Council's business and regeneration officer, said: "Any disruption of the bus services as a result of the strike action will undoubtedly be a concern for those traders whose customers use the bus service for their journey into Mold.

"For those dependent on bus services but still want to shop local then the newly launched Totally Mold Vouchers can be bought over the telephone 01352 758532 (option 3) or online by visiting www.totallyMoldvouchers.org.uk."