Shop scaffolding finally down almost six years on

Before and after: The scaffolding has finally been removed after being put up in 2018

What goes up must come down - eventually.

After more than five-and-a-half years, scaffolding has finally been removed from a row of city centre shops and cafes.

First put up in about November 2018, the scaffolding has seen prime ministers Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak come and go - and Sir Keir Starmer arrive - as well as the Covid pandemic.

Delays and complications investigating a potential defect on the building's tile-covered walls saw the scaffolding become part of the furniture along Princess Way and Castle Street in Swansea.

It meant that businesses below were partially obscured with a metal skeleton and netting to prevent the possibility of tiles falling on to the street.

Footfall has already been improving, according to staff at one local retailer.

"Some people were saying they didn't know we were here, although we have been for eight or nine years," said one.

Perry Oktay, from menswear shop Slater, said he had been told that the buildings will also be pressure-washed so "then it'll be looking brand spanking new".

The absence of scaffolding will also mean the shop can finally address a ground-floor drainage issue which could not have been done any sooner.

The company which organised the work, Quantum Swansea LLP, previously acknowledged it was a difficult period for tenants, while Swansea council said it had been liaising with the firm to try to get issues resolved.