Fashion store falls Prey to parking costs.

Byline: By Phillip Nifield South Wales Echo 

Upmarket fashion boutique Prey is pulling out of Cardiff after just a year, blaming high parking charges and the disruption caused by building works in the city.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Bath, will shut its doors in the Morgan Arcade before Christmas.

John Sanglier, director and co-owner of the company, said: "We are terribly disappointed. It probably started with building works with the St David's 2 development, then the closure and demolition of the multi-storey car parks and that was followed by the huge cost of parking in Cardiff.

"We had customers living in Pontypool telling us they would rather come to Bath than drive into Cardiff and pay the huge prices to park. Paying pounds 12 a day to park is an outrage. The final blow was the closure of St Mary Street (to private traffic) which stopped people being dropped off to shop and having to carry items some distance to the car parks.

"I've been sent a penalty notice for driving in the street to deliver and collect goods from my shop. Enough is enough. We can't justify carrying on.

"Cardiff has got some beautiful arcades. I think it could do with shops like ours and the Morgan Arcade is a lovely location," he added.

Its closure is the latest to hit the arcades around the old David Morgan store with Tweedle & Pip and Lazarou hairdressers among the departures.

Paul Williams, the city centre manager, said: "I am disappointed because key to Cardiff's success is having a wide retail offer so that people are encouraged to shop here.

"It is sad after such a short period of time it is not viable for Prey to be in Cardiff. Perhaps when St David's 2 is completed the company may consider looking again at Cardiff."