BOLD NEW ideas to save failing high streets in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd are being sought.

The decline of high streets is a concern for many people in the region, but Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig are trying to tackle this issue using “creative solutions”.

The closure of Kerfoots department store in Porthmadog earlier this year, which had been running for 144 years, highlighted a difficult economy for local businesses with less footfall, online shopping and high business rates all making life difficult for business owners.

Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig are now looking for three communities to work with to trial new and innovative ideas that will increase the number of visitors to the street, that will in turn increase the number of visitors to the area and increase spending in the local area.

Some of the ideas that can be piloted are art installations, street furniture, street signs and activities, such as performances or a digital carnival.

The idea should be an attraction that draws visitors to the area and will help show what the street/area has to offer.

A spokesperson for Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig said: “The High Street used to be the focal point for communities all over Wales.

“It offered job opportunity, a place for small businesses to thrive and was the driving force for the local and regional economy.

“Today the local high street is challenged by the huge increase in online shopping, shopping centres and large supermarkets.

“All these factors have had a detrimental effect on our High Street which has contributed largely to the decline around town centres across Wales.”

Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for economic development said: “Today users are looking for a range of experiences on our high streets, from shopping to leisure to entertainment to health services. Today our high streets should offer a unique experience that people can’t find anywhere else.”

An example of the benefits of ‘thinking outside the box’ can be found in Portugal where hundreds of colourful umbrellas were placed high above the streets as part of the art festival AgitÁgueda.

Every July since 2011 this art installation has attracted thousands of people to the area after pictures of the umbrellas were shared online.

This has been an extremely popular idea which has been recreated on a street in Liverpool recently.

Other ideas include new facilities to draw visitors and locals in.

In London many Smart Benches, which are solar powered, have been installed around the city.

As well as offering a place to sit, it has multiple phone chargers built in, free WiFi and lets you make a charity donation through a contactless payment.

Carwyn ap Myrddin, Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig project office, said: “The street/area will be expected to develop innovative and exciting projects that will highlight what makes their area unique.

“You will need contacts within the community, especially within the business community and volunteers that are ready to commit time to coordinate and implement the plan.”

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 01766 515946.

Submissions must be entered by 7 January.