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Headline: MS hopes to show off 'icon' of a market to boost town

The potential of Neath town centre will be on display when a senior Welsh politician takes up the offer to visit the town centre.

Julie James, Cabinet Secretary responsible for Transforming Town Centres has said she'll "definitely" take up the offer from regional MS Sioned Williams.

Ms Williams, whose office is on Alfred Street in Neath, asked the Cabinet Secretary how Welsh Government's strategy is supporting grass-roots businesses, and invited her to "see the vast potential and the great icon that is the historic Neath market."

Ms Williams survey into the future of Neath town centre gained nearly 400 responses, and while it revealed concerns that residents had following the closure of Marks & Spencer, it also showed the immense amount of pride people had in their town centre.

Ms Williams has been working with business owners in the town not just to hear more about the challenges they're facing, but to find ways of overcoming those challenges.

The Plaid MS for South Wales West, said: "It's always worrying when so called 'anchor stores' shut, and concerns about the future of Neath town centre really came through in my survey into the future of Neath town centre - launched in the wake of the news of Marks & Spencer closing.

"However, in a relatively short space of time, we've gone from people spreading rumours that Neath market was also going to close to it once again being celebrated as a vital part of the character and economy of the town centre.

"I'd like to offer my thanks and congratulations to the market traders, who have themselves delivered and supported lots of exciting events and activities designed to draw people in, such as Love Your Local Market Fortnight, Diwrnod Shwmae Su'mae, a Pumpkin Hunt and Santa's Grotto every Saturday until Christmas.

"There's a responsibility on Welsh Government to ensure the plans they have support this type of on-theground activity. They must also ensure their Town Centre Strategy helps to update and make energy efficient older, iconic buildings that are crucial to town centres' prosperity and identity, such as Neath general market.

"I'm delighted that the Cabinet Secretary has accepted my invite to Neath town centre, and I'm looking forward to showing her the vast potential and the great icon that is the historic Neath market."

Caption: South Wales West MS Sioned Williams in Neath market, which she says has vast potential and is a 'great

Published: December 9, 2024 | South Wales Evening Post (Swansea, Wales) Page: 6 | Section: News