Bangor in Gwynedd is to receive a share of a £1 million investment to revitalise its struggling high street, which locals say is "covered in dog poo". Some £654,000 will be allocated to efforts to spruce up the city.
Funding announcement
Welsh Assembly Member Siân Gwenllian, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, announced the £1m investment on Wednesday (August 12). She said the past few years have been hard on high streets due to changes in shopping habits and a lack of government help for businesses to adapt.
Ms Gwenllian said the new fund would breathe new life into high streets and help local businesses thrive. The Plaid Cymru politician said large chains would not be brought into towns, but arts centres, medical hubs and adult-learning facilities would increase footfall.
Local reactions
Md Mustakim Raza, who runs Bangoor Tandoori, welcomed the task force announcement but urged the government to act. Mr Raza, 36, said there are multiple issues in Bangor, including business rates, which he wants to see decreased, and parking.
He told the BBC: "Cleanliness - we have problems with dog poos everywhere. No cleaning. Nothing."
Nigel Pickavance from the Bangor City Regeneration and Vision group told the broadcaster Bangor has been overlooked and the money is a "pittance" or "peanuts" compared to what is needed.
Political response
Francesca O'Brien, Reform Wales' Shadow Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, said: "While Plaid Cymru announces yet another taskforce, people are still waiting for the basic improvements that would make a visible difference to their communities.
"Reform Wales would ring-fence funding to fix broken benches, damaged paving, unsafe steps and other everyday eyesores quickly and properly, restoring pride in our town centres and making public spaces safer and more accessible."
Related government plans
News of the task force came in the same week Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to give councils more powers to block new betting and vape shops in a bid to save the UK's "hollowed-out high streets". The PM wants to scrap the so-called "aim to permit" rule, which limits the ability of local authorities to prevent betting shops and 24-hour slot machine venues opening in their area.
Planning permission will also be required for outlets selling e-cigarettes as part of efforts to give local communities a greater say under the proposals. He added: "High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This Government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain."
