Presteigne and Norton Town Council's new year message

As we head into the New Year, it’s to be hoped there is a general upturn for everyone in the Presteigne and Norton area as things have clearly been tough in the past couple of years.

The cost of living crisis and rising household costs have affected everyone and so this inevitably impacts on the local community in the sense that people have less disposable income. This means fewer nights out, or cutting back on expenditure in the local shops and so the whole of the local economy soon feels the pinch, not least because those businesses are also facing rising costs.

Presteigne is lucky – the number of committed individual retailers helps ensure the High Street remains vibrant and, while some business owners have told me there are not making a lot of money, they are surviving. Where possible, and I appreciate it’s difficult, they deserve our support and I am sure they’ll continue to receive it. A number of those businesses have taken up the offer of grants to spruce up their shop fronts this year and there is no doubt the High Street looks better for it.

I travel the country for my job and it is, perhaps, only when you head to some of the bigger urban conurbations that you fully appreciate what we in Presteigne and Norton. I wish you all a very Happy New Year and let’s hope it a better one for all of us.

Councillor Trevor Owens, Mayor of Presteigne and Norton Town Council.