‘It’s getting like a ghost town...’
Fears for town centre after Poundstretcher shuts:
ABERDARE town centre “still has plenty to offer” despite fears it’s turning into a “ghost town” following the closure of Poundstretcher, it has been claimed.
It comes after it was announced the large discount store on Cardiff Road will close on September 3, with many calling it a sign the town has been “forgotten”.
Poundstretcher sells a huge range of items from food and drink to gardening equipment at reduced prices.
Many people on social media have said the latest closure leaves the town in a sorry state, but Rhondda Cynon Taf council is adamant the town centre is doing well.
It comes after a number of other recent town centre closures including banks – HSBC closed last year and NatWest is set to close next month.
Commenting on Facebook, Allyson Harding said: “Aberdare is forgotten while Merthyr Tydfil is thriving – you can’t blame people going because they can’t get what they want in Aberdare.”
Leighton Baller added: “Aberdare is on the verge of becoming a ghost town. It’s sad when I see Merthyr growing and expanding. What does Aberdare have? Another barber shop and more double yellow lines.
“People are reluctant to come because it’s impossible to park cheaply and close to the town centre.”
Paula Paxford said: “Aberdare was always known as the queen of the valleys. Now it’s more like valley of the lost queen.”
Maureen Griffiths wrote: “It’s getting like a ghost town with all the shops closing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
A spokesperson for Poundstretcher said: “The current lease on our premises in Aberdare comes to an end shortly and as we’ve been unable to agree suitable terms for its renewal unfortunately the store will be closing on September 3.
“We are currently consulting with the eight members who work for us in Aberdare to see whether there are any opportunities for them to re-locate to other stores”.
Responding to the news of the store’s closure, a Rhondda Cynon Taf council spokesman said: “High streets across the country face a number of challenges in the digital age and this is why the council is committed to supporting traders through a range of events, initiatives and investments – all aimed at bringing people and business into our town centres.
“Since investing £8m to regenerate Aberdare – which included improvements such as the redevelopment of Library Square and improvements to key properties such as the New Market Tavern, Aberdare Constitutional Club and the Old Town Hall and other commercial premises – the council has continued to support town centre traders to access grants while a number of businesses also benefit from support provided by the Welsh Gov- ernment in the form of rate relief. Over the last 18 months, on top of annual events such as Aberdare Festival, the council has attracted thousands to the town through events such as the Tour of Britain and Armed Forces Day.”
He also said the council had reduced parking charges after feedback from traders, while also including other incentives such as free Wi-Fi
He added: “The decision taken by Poundstretcher should not detract from the fact that Aberdare town centre still has plenty to offer.”
Giving her reaction to the closure, AM Vikki Howells said: “I will be sorry to see the loss of Poundstretcher. My first thoughts are for the staff and I would urge Poundstretcher’s management to do all it can for them.
“Aberdare still has more than 150 independent businesses including a thriving cafe scene and many smaller retailers. All create jobs, keep money within the local economy and many sell similar goods to Poundstretcher for similar prices.”
Ms Howells said she had recently held a meeting with the Aberdare Chamber of Trade and MP Ann Clwyd, to talk about how they could create an environment “that best supports local stores”.
She added: “If we want our town centres to thrive, it is important we use them and I would encourage all residents to support their local high streets.”
Ann Clwyd MP said she was “very disappointed” at the news.
She added: “It is important for people to have the option of purchasing goods at knockdown prices. On top of the proposed closure of the job centre in Mountain Ash and some of the banks in the constituency, the loss of further jobs is a blow to the community.”