BUSINESS in Trevethin received a needed boost this month after a shop keeper has announced plans to expand, creating two new jobs in the process.

Mike Gulliford, owner of Glenview Stores in Trevethin, has extended the shop to make room for more fresh fruit, veg and frozen foods, a decision that has been welcomed by the community.

The entrepreneur took over ownership of the shop three years ago and also operates a newsagents and florist, employing 15 people across his businesses, all from the local area.

The business-owner said: "We aim to keep costs as low as possible for local residents. Our prices are better than local supermarkets, and now we have more room for fresh and frozen foods it means that people who live locally won’t have to travel far for their shopping.

“There aren’t a lot of job opportunities out there for local people, particularly young people. By expanding the store we can afford to take on two new members of staff, giving two local people an opportunity to work."

“All of the work on the extension has been done by local tradesmen, and this really has been a community effort," he added.

Trevethin recently hit the headlines after being named in Dr Mark Lang's 'Deep Place Study' which explored various social elements of Pontypool and its surrounding areas from housing to health.

Trevethin was named as a poverty hotspot in the report, with a 53 per cent poverty (compared to the national average of 23 per cent) rate and 75 per cent of children under the age of four living in deprivation.

Executive member for regeneration at Torfaen council, Cllr Lewis Jones, welcomed more jobs in the area and said “It's great to see another business expanding here in Trevethin."

“Trevethin has had some negative press recently but there are businesses expanding, the local garage has recently reopened, there is a new social and sports bar, and Trevethin shops are doing really well, so there is a lot for the local community to be positive about," he said.

“Mike and his family also do a huge amount for the community. Not only do they employ a lot of local people, they sponsor the local football team and whenever we have bad snow Mike is out knocking doors making sure everyone is ok."

Local resident, Betty Brown added: “I use the shop every day. Now that the shop is selling vegetables and more frozen foods I won’t have to get a bus to do my shopping.

"The staff are brilliant and if there is something you won’t that they don’t have they will get it in for you.”

The new extension was formally opened by the deputy leader of Pontypool Community Council, Janet Jones.

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