Town helped by trader scheme

A NEW scheme to help local people launch successful businesses is “breathing new life into Merthyr Tydfil” by letting start-ups use vacant buildings rent-free.

Merthyr Tydfil County Council’s Meanwhile programme, which started in 2015, has given 13 premises a new lease of life, while also helping turn one of the most historic parts of the centre – Pontmorlais – into a haven of independent shops.

The latest four businesses to open include a microbrewery and a dance studio, which were launched as part of the innovative scheme giving new traders business support and short-term rentfree accommodation in empty buildings.

Council leader Kevin O’Neill said the town centre was continuing to grow a culture of niche independent stores enhancing Merthyr Tydfil’s vibrant and varied economy.

“The Meanwhile scheme has supported a wide variety of businesses and I’m extremely proud of the achievements the council has made in our support for these budding entrepreneurs,” he said.

Now a number of businesses are flourishing in the town.

Twin Taff Brewery is the brainchild of twins Darryl and Daniel Williams, whose garden-shed hobby has blossomed into Merthyr’s first town-centre specialist microbrewery, in Star Yard, Court Street.

Meanwhile, Dance with Simon has been set up by Simon Pearson, who specialises in ballroom, Latin, freestyle and street and has been teaching dance in the area for more than 15 years.