The Swindon businessman who managed the Tented Market in its final days has spoken out about the state of the town centre.

Nik Hayward oversaw the 53-unit Tented Market for seven years until it closed in August 2017 after 24 years of trading.

The building on the corner of Commercial Road and Farnsby Street has remained empty ever since, though two applications approved in 2020 will revamp the site with new flats and shop spaces.

The indoor market's low cost for renting spaces proved attractive for budding entrepreneurs who could become their own boss with just a deposit and valid ID.

Nik now manages the Lazy Frog smoking accessories shop which started in the market before moving to Havelock Street.

Nik said: "They need to sort the Tented Market, it’s an eyesore.

"The rent from greedy landlords is a big problem, they should really be more flexible.

"You can’t charge £70,000 for a shop rate now, no-one will take it, because the rates will cancel out any profit the shops actually make.

"Swindon is a black hole, there’s no vibe here. The town is a mess now and has not recovered from the lockdowns. As an independent trader, it’s a nightmare.

"People just go online now rather than make the effort of shopping in-person, we see thieves and drunks and people shouting which puts visitors off.

"There is only so much that businesses can take – I can see more going."

This comes after the inSwindon Business Improvement District announced it will be closing at the end of March, blaming a loss in revenue caused by a lack of levies from buildings being used as shops or businesses.

Nik added: “inSwindon talked a lot but not much was really done to promote the area, there’s not much effort to bring people into the town centre and support retail.

“It used to be run really well but it seemed to be winding down, so news of its closure was not a surprise.

"They needed to generate money and relied on the bigger shops for their levy, but all the big shops seem to be going.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen now. The council can’t run what they have at the moment, let alone this – that was the whole point of the BID.

“The Christmas markets were a good idea and the Premier Inn hotel that’s being built will be nice, but shopping is better in the Outlet."