SIONED WILLIAMS MS recently welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government to Neath Market, following her invite to Welsh Government in December last year.
The request came off the back of Ms Williams’ survey into the future of Neath town centre, which gained nearly 400 responses, and revealed how much locals value their historic market, albeit with concerns over its future.
Ms Williams had also been in correspondence with Neath Port Talbot council over their plans for the future of the market.
On Thursday 3 April, Ms Williams and Mandy Gunter, the Chair of the Traders Association took Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant, her officials together with the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, and council officers on a tour of the market to meet traders, hear their concerns and gain their views about what improvements were needed.
During the visit the Council confirmed its commitment to continue working with traders and other town centre businesses to develop a plan for the market, and Ms Williams pressed the Cabinet Secretary for financial support from Welsh Government to help deliver that plan.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “Neath Market is not only historically significant, but plays such an important role in attracting footfall to the town centre.
“I know how much it’s valued by the community, and how many feel that, with more support, it could have an even bigger contribution in ensuring the prosperity of Neath and its local businesses.
“That’s why I felt it so important to get Welsh Government, Neath Port Talbot Council, and traders all together so that all are aware of what needs to be done, what can be done, and – crucially – how we get it done.
“I am grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for coming to Neath following my invitation and I was pleased to hear that Neath Port Talbot Council are in the process of working with traders, neighbouring business owners, and people who shop in the market to develop a plan.
“However, intentions require investment, and with local authorities under significant financial pressure, we need to make sure that Welsh Government understands the importance of the market and why its future must be secured and its potential developed.
“The market is a central part of the town’s identity, and I have been calling for years for the funding to be made available to realise its full potential.
“I will keep campaigning to ensure everything is done by the Council and Welsh Government to support and celebrate the ongoing contribution Neath Market makes to the local economy and to the vitality of the town centre.”
