Pre-election pledge to support Mid Wales businesses
Plans to regenerate town centres across Mid Wales have been unveiled by politicians in a pre-election pledge.
The announcement was made at an event in Newtown, ahead of the local government elections on May 4, with the Welsh Conservatives also pledging a range of measures to support local businesses.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies AM joined Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies and AM Russell George, together with businesses, to discuss economic issues including business rates.
Plans announced included councils pledging to source goods and services locally, providing more free parking in town centres, introducing a more flexible approach to business rates, improving transport links with town centres, and prioritising sustainable high street development in the planning system. Mr Davies said: "Sadly, the Welsh high street is in decline but we have a plan to boost footfall and to regenerate town centres.
"Welsh Conservatives are the party of business and we want to see bustling high streets and thriving local businesses across Wales. Conservative councils will tackle the big issues affecting the economy throughout Wales."
Russell George, who is also shadow economy secretary, said: "A Conservative-led council would tackle those issues head-on.
"We believe in innovation and entrepreneurship but here, in Powys, not enough has been done by the council to drive forward regeneration efforts. We would rejuvenate our high streets and town centres through measures that include more free car parking in council car parks.
"The Newtown bypass also presents huge opportunities to boost the town centre – but the council needs to have a coherent plan to ensure that local businesses are supported."
Mark Barnes, Newtown's Powys County Council candidate, added: "The challenges facing our town centres are substantial, and the local economy needs a shot in the arm to prevent further decline.
"We have made regenerating Newtown a key priority, and a Conservative-led council would introduce a range of measures to boost the town centre. We would increase free parking in council-owned car parks and boost a growing Powys by using local businesses for council contracts."
