PONTYPOOL’S only fishmonger has opened for business at the indoor market.

Cockles and Caviar stated trading in early July and its offer of fresh fish, cockles, crabs and jellied eels already has customers hooked.

Business owner Rebecca Butts, 31, from New Inn, has worked as a fully trained fish monger for nine years but always wanted to open her own business in her home town.

She explained: “I have worked for other people for years but now my children are in school I decided it was time to strike out on my own.

“Most indoor markets I visit have their own fish monger and I always thought it a shame there was nothing in Pontypool. A lot of people I know travel all the way to Newport to buy their fish, so I knew this could work, and now that the market has been renovated it is an ideal location.”

She was supported by Torfaen EFFECT, a panel of volunteers drawn from the local businesses community, voluntary organisations and the public sector, who offered her free confidential business support and advice. She is already hoping to expand by developing partnerships with local restaurants and ultimately take on more staff, offering employment.

She said: “The reaction so far has been brilliant. I get customers who come in every day to see what is on offer, or for cockles and oysters which they eat there and then, and lots of people who work in the town are placing weekly orders for collection.

“The market traders have also been brilliant. They are very friendly and welcoming and have been able to offer me lots of good advice.”

Councillor Lewis Jones, executive member for regeneration, said: “It is fantastic to see a fishmonger back in Pontypool Indoor Market. We now have a really diverse range of products and services available at the market."

The refurbishment of the market has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Heads of the Valleys Programme through the Welsh Government, Pontypool Regeneration Partnership, Heritage Lottery Fund and Torfaen County Borough Council.

Anyone interested in trading in the market can contact the market supervisor on 01495 742757 For more information about Torfaen EFFECT contact Jayne Skyrme on 07534 511575 or info@southwalesbusiness.co.uk