AM opens ‘shop office’ in town
ASSEMBLY Member Vikki Howells has opened a new ‘shop front’ office in Aberdare town centre – the first ever politician to do so.
The Cynon Valley AM is now based at 27 High Street, having moved her former office above a hairdressers’ in Mountain Ash town centre.
The office is next door to Bradley’s Coffee Shop and near Aberdare Library, and is being run by her office manager Jackie Fox, who lives in Mountain Ash, and Robin Lewis.
People wishing to speak to the AM will need to call in advance and make an appointment.
To mark the grand opening held a Macmillan coffee morning in support of the charity’s Big Coffee Morning – and the event was supported by many local residents and a range of Cynon Valley-based groups and organisations.
The event was attended by many local groups, including Cynon Taf Housing, South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Aberdare Business and Tourism Association, the Women’s Institute, Ignite UP and Accessible Wales, and was supported by Welsh Hills Bakery. The AM, elected in May, said: “I vowed during the Assembly election campaign to set up a visible constituency office on a high street in Cynon Valley and I was delighted to find very suitable premises in Aberdare.
“My great grandparents ran a fruiterers and florist at the top of Canon Street for many years.
“I can now look out of my office window and see the shop they once owned.
“Just as they provided a vital service to the local community I intend to provide the same.
“I am grateful to the many groups and individuals who baked cakes and came along to support the opening of my office, and raise over £300 for Macmillan’s work supporting local people affected by cancer.
“I have used local businesses and tradesmen to refurbish my new office, which now provides me with an accessible base at which residents of Cynon Valley can always contact me. I will also be holding surgeries throughout my constituency.”
The office will be open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
Vikki Howells can be contacted on 01685 881388, or Vikki.Howells@ assembly.wales.