Insulted (From Free Press Series)

Insulted

ANGRY Pontypool traders who claim they have suffered during on-going building work outside their premises say that a letter from Torfaen County Borough Council has added insult to injury.

After suffering with Crane Street building work at least six of the town's independent businesses signed a letter to the council asking for discretionary rate relief - a form of discounted business rates.

But they were left stunned by a response from Torfaen council's finance department which questioned their businesses' value to the community.

The letter stated: "In considering the tax payers we have to ask what benefit does your business bring to the wider community and what would the impact be in the community if your business ceased to exist."

The council refused a refund on the grounds that any financial relief would be funded by tax-payers - but traders were angered by the letter's tone.

It stated that: "In the case of your business it is considered that it would not be reasonable for the council taxpayers of Torfaen to meet your financial losses as there are other similar organisations trading in the area who would be able to provide the service to the community."

Owner of C&J Chip Shop Colin Woolvin said: "How can they justify turning round and saying we are just not important, because that is the way it came across in the letter." Head of Revenues and Benefits, Colin Wilmott, said that the council was obliged to consider the council taxpayers when making these decisions.

Butcher Paul James said: "My business has been in Pontypool for the last 16 years, and I thought it meant more to the town, I am the only High Street butcher here now, but this letter seems to suggest we are unimportant."

Teri Diston from Buzz said: "D certainly doesn't stand for diplomacy.

"We offer different services from Tesco and Wilkinson and we were under the impression that the regeneration was about partnership between old and new traders."

Torfaen council declined to comment on the tone of the letter, maintaining that their duty is to the council tax payer.

Mr Wilmott said: "The Local Government Finance Act says that we can offer discretionary relief to businesses for hardship. But this can only be done after considering council taxpayers who have to pay for the relief.

"Pontypool is a busy town centre with a large choice of shops. The building work is temporary and once completed will increase trade."