WHILE recent National Assembly of Wales figures highlighted plummeting average footfall figures across Gwent, one Pontypool business is bucking the trend.

After spending eight-months trading in Pontypool Indoor Market, 62-year-old Adrian Snellgrove made the leap to a high street location on Osborne Road, Pontypool.

His business, ‘Adrian’s Hook and Line’ specialises in retailing angling, shooting and archery equipment and has been trading successfully since August 2015.

Mr Snelgrove — a former foundry man who helped build London Underground carriages — lives in Cwmbran and has 50 years experience in gun repairs and 20 years experience as a trader.

“This sort of business is always rare and since the move I found it different but better in many ways. I have footfall all the time along here because of the nearby post office," he said.

“I also have good parking facilities by the building with free parking and you can also park outside if you have a blue badge.

“For any new businesses wanting to invest in Pontypool I would advise them too.”

Fellow trader Steve Harris, of Pontypool Indoor Market's Saving Vinyl Music, describes the move as a “success story”.

"Anybody that sells good quality products will always get on well and Adrian is an example of that,” he said.

“His shop is also one of the few shops in the area of its type and I think we're similar in that we fit a niche market. Now on the high street with a good variety of stock he has made a good go of it.”

Despite a roaring trade, Mr Snelgrove still believes that Pontypool needs a lot of work to restore its high street and subsequently, attract investment.

Citing lost trades including a lack of a shoe shop and gentleman’s outfitters, he added that Pontypool is “crying out for a good restaurant”.

“If we want to lift this town the thing we have to do is attract investment. If we want that we have start at the roots and actually clean up the place as investors see these things,” he said.

“There is enthusiasm up here and the chance for young businesses to grow but the town should be looked after a lot better.

“The local authority have the authority to instruct building owners to clean up but they don’t use it.”

He added: “If it wasn’t for my particular circumstances I wouldn’t be here but this is my last bus stop.

“It has been successful up to now and I hope it will be in years to come. I plan to keep going as along as I can”.

Do you have something you want to shout about? We want high street businesses across Torfaen to get in touch and tell us your story.

Call Chris Binding 01633 777251 or email cbi@southwalesargus.co.uk.