Residents trade on optimism for future (From Free Press Series)

Residents trade on optimism for future

GLORY days could be on the horizon again for Pontypool as the final piece of the regeneration jigsaw was celebrated with the opening of Crane Street - but is everyone so optimistic?

Pontypool has seen a great deal of change over the past year; first the new Tesco Extra store was built, then Crane Street brought more well known names to the town.

The multi-million pound regeneration plans came about after Pontypool started losing out to neighbouring Cwmbran.

Earlier this year, the Free Press revealed that the number of empty shops was down to just 16 empty premises out of a total of 146.

Amid the upheaval caused by building work, independent traders were left feeling aggrieved as their profits nose-dived in order to make way for major chain names.

The verdict seems to be that the town's make-over has attracted more visitors and is beginning to regain a little sparkle, but after the upheaval caused by the renovations some are left with tempered enthusiasm.

Butcher Paul James has traded in the town for over 16 years and has yet to see his trade pick up after the struggle he faced while Crane Street was being developed.

He said: "I am still hoping trade will pick up. I don't think it's all negative, but the car parking situation in town really needs improving. If people don't want to use Tesco then they really struggle to find a parking space anywhere else. But having said that there are definitely more people in the town."

Despite initial problems for traders and shoppers while the regeneration work was underway, there seems to be little doubt that more people are being drawn to the town and traders are cautiously optimistic.

During the redevelopment, traders had reported losses of thousands of pounds as shoppers were deterred by all the disruption. CJ Fish Bar owner Colin Woolvin was one of those, but he now has hopes that trade has picked up.

He said: "I am happy business is finally picking up."

The town's independent traders regret losing out financially, but hope that the short-term loss will give way to a long, bright future and shoppers in the town are aiming to get their Christmas presents in the town.