IT’S not all doom and gloom!

That’s the message from a family-run Ammanford business who are bucking the trend of the town centre’s apparent decline by moving their shop into Quay Street.

The town’s premier street has suffered recently with traders complaining they have been hit by a fall in shoppers caused by Carmarthenshire county council’s £1m regeneration project as well as rising parking charges.

But Andrew and Gemma Cloke, who run Treats in High Street, say they were so encouraged by trade over Christmas they are now expanding into bigger premises formerly occupied by the Magnolia Tree on Quay Street.

“I know some people can’t help but focus on the negatives, but this is a really positive time for us,” Gemma told the Guardian. “It’s not all doom and gloom out there.

“Traders really need to look at what they’re doing to push their businesses forward. It’s down to us to offer customers something that little bit different and encourage them to come to shop in Ammanford.”

Treats home and gift shop opened its doors in September offering “a range of quirky and contemporary home products and gifts”.

“I understand why some people in town are looking at the black side, but we are very excited about the future,” said Gemma. “We’re really looking forward to moving in to Quay Street.”