The Central Western Daily ran a story last week stating Canowindra was being hit with force by recession and the main street had fallen quiet.

Several business people have strongly refuted that story and said people in Canowindra are actually in a better financial position now.

“We are paying less on mortgages and petrol, so people are actually better off right now,” Tony Kelly a businessman in Canowindra’s main street and spokesperson for the Bendy Street action group.

However Belubula Butchery owner Toby Newcombe said his profits have been cut by 25 per cent and believes other businesses in town have too.

“I know of two dress shops that closed down and if you ask other shops I believe that is what they will say,” Mr Newcombe said.

Bob Craven of taste Canowindra said the town is going ‘gangbusters’ at the moment and there should be no talk of doom and gloom.

“Business is up 40 per cent from March 2008 to March 2009.

Canowindra is host to 300 people with the 100 mile dinner, I don’t think organisers would be putting on this huge dinner if we are a ghost town,” Mr Craven said.

Mr Craven said he didn’t think the story reflected the experience or spirit of the town.

“Canowindra is busier now then it has been, we have I reckon about ten new shops that have opened.”

Mr Kelly said the Bendy Street Group have major plans to beautify the town.

“Why would we want to upgrade the town if it was not going forward?”

Mr Newcombe said he can understand why some tourist attraction businesses are still getting people through the door, but it is harder for those that just cater to the local community.

“We can’t put on shows or functions and bring in money that way. We have been here a long time and I do believe the town is quiet.

“I just told the truth and I reckon if you ask the pubs and other shops they will say they are down too,” Mr Newcombe said.

The Canowindra News contacted a hotel and grocery store and both owners said they were too busy to actually talk at the time.

Mr Kelly said annually business is usually slower in January and February, but things are following the trend and picking up.

“Generally people go on holidays in February and it is slower after the Christmas rush, but all indications show things will pick up again.