It’s so tough for small businesses

I ATTENDED and helped along with many others from the Maesteg League of Friends, Maesteg Town Council and its councillors the annual fete on Saturday, June 17, in Maesteg Market Square.

It was a beautiful day and there were a variety of stalls and activities to suit all ages. The atmosphere was intoxicating. The community had come together to enjoy themselves and help to raise funds for Maesteg Community Hospital.

Many others, from a variety of organisations, helped to create this community activity, which brings people out to enjoy the entertainments.

However, this wellorganised community event overshadows what has been going on in our town. Our inside market traders have been asked to leave without the courtesy of being consulted over BCBC’s future proposals for the town hall.

Many of our shops, banks and small businesses are closing. Many people around the town feel Maesteg is going downhill.

I hear the Labour Party believes small/medium businesses “are the backbone of the economy”. If this is the case, why are small/ medium-size businesses closing in Maesteg and Bridgend?

Is it something to do with an increase in rent and rates? Please inform me on how you build a local economy which has been through difficult times in recent years by putting small traders out of business? Steve Jones Garth, Maesteg

A council spokesman has responded, saying: “Bridgend County Borough Council has no involvement with rents for commercial premises, and does not set business rates as these are determined by the Valuation Office Agency. However, businesses will soon be able to apply for reduced rates as part of the Welsh Government’s high street rates relief scheme.

“As regards Maesteg Town Hall, the proposal will prevent the structure from becoming unsafe, which would mean the closure and loss of the entire building. The council and Awen want to ensure that Maesteg can remain a market town by retaining the newly refurbished outdoor market area, which also hosted the annual fete that Mr Jones describes as being a huge success, while using the town hall interior to provide all-new and enhanced facilities that the entire community can benefit from for years to come.

“We can assure Mr Jones that the indoor market traders were consulted with, and that all efforts are being made to ensure that those who wish to move into the outdoor market can do so as smoothly as possible.”