SIONED WILLIAMS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, who in September wrote to Neath Port Talbot Council with concerns raised about the future of Neath Market, has received confirmation that plans to close the market are “totally incorrect.”
In a letter addressed to Sioned Williams MS, the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, confirmed “the importance of Neath Market to the Council’s current and future regeneration proposals for the Town.”
Ms Williams, whose office is just 200 metres from the market, has welcomed the steps taken by the Council to establish an internal working group that will consider short and long-term funding options.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “Historic Neath Market is at the heart of Neath and should be the jewel in the crown of our town centre. I shop there on a weekly basis, and from my recent survey into the future of Neath Town Centre, which had 400 responses, I know that both local people and visitors to the town value it too.
“That’s why it was so important to seek reassurance from the Council that they are prioritising the market in their plans for the town centre, that they are exploring every opportunity for grant funding to update its appearance, and that they are doing all they can to promote our wonderful market to potential new customers and traders alike.
“I’m so glad to hear of the Council’s commitment to the future of Neath Market and the work they have been doing with the market traders since my letter, to establish ways of working together.
“Our market is not only historically significant, but its importance in attracting footfall to the town centre is more crucial than ever given the closure of Marks and Spencer in May. I look forward to seeing the results from the work detailed by the Council.
“I will keep campaigning to ensure everything is done by those in power to support and celebrate the contribution Neath Market makes to the local economy and to the vitality of Neath town centre.”
