Look at our town now (From Free Press Series)

Look at our town now

The Link is a pedestrianised area intended to join together the new Tesco store and Crane Street. The central circular area also provides the town's first communal meeting space. There are plans to stage carol concerts, Christmas markets, holiday entertainment and more there.

ITV PRESENTERS Lucy Owen and Jonathan Hill added a touch of glamour to the official opening of The Link - Pontypool town centre's new mini-arena at the top of Crane Street.

The event marked the latest stage in the economic regeneration of the town centre.

The Link is a pedestrianised area joining the new Tesco store and Crane Street. The central area also provides the town's first communal meeting space. There are plans to stage carol concerts, Christmas markets and entertainment there.

Wonderbrass, Demi Holborn, the Dil Caddick Roadshow and others who kept the small crowd entertained before a small fireworks display marked the opening with a bang.

Council leader Bob Wellington said: "Our goal is to see 100 per cent occupancy of retail properties. That goal feels closer than ever."

Councillor John Marshall, chairman of the Pontypool Regeneration Committee, remarked how positive it was to see big-name traders in the town.

He added: "We have to be grateful for our smaller businesses. They have suffered over the past 42 weeks.

"I like to call Pontypool market the jewel in our crown so I would ask all shoppers to go to the market and take a look at the wide range of stores there."