Preseli Pembrokeshire’s Assembly Member Paul Davies has spoken in the Welsh Assembly about his concerns about the future of the local town centres.
Mr Davies highlighted a report which revealed that Milford Haven was one of two towns in the UK with the highest number of empty shop units.
And he called on the Welsh Assembly Government to make specific funding available for the regeneration of such centres.
“The number of shops that have closed is higher in Milford Haven and Holyhead than anywhere else in Britain, according to the 2009 Experian report,” he explained.
Mr Davies has met the Milford Haven Future Forum (is that its name?) which is attempting to turn around the town’s fortunes.
“I have worked with a steering committee in Milford Haven that is looking to try to improve some of the empty buildings in the town,” he added.
“For example, the committee has been investigating the possibility of holding some kind of review of these empty buildings.
“I want to know what the Assembly Government is doing to help town centres in places like Milford Haven to improve local economies,” he asked. “Is there any specific funding available from the Government to conduct such reviews?”
Mr Davies is also concerned about the future of Haverfordwest town centre following the news that some major names are moving up to the Withybush Industrial Estate and other big chains are moving into the town.
“I am most concerned to hear of long-established businesses such as the Welsh Bakery saying they fear for the future with the arrival of cheaper big brands.
“All credit must go to the Haverfordwest Chamber of Commerce who has just set up an excellent new website to encourage people to the town centre.
“We must all make an effort to support our town centres or they will become nothing but a façade of empty shops.”
Check out www.haverfordwestshopping.co.uk to find out how to support the town.
