Council pledges support for its town centres

"Promoting our town centres is a priority for Caerphilly county borough council and we are working hard to protect the local economy, especially during this difficult economic climate" that was the message from Cllr Ron Davies, Caerphilly County Borough Council's cabinet member for regeneration as he launched a new strategy this week.

A document called 'Town Centres – Unique Places' puts local town centres at the heart of every community and shows how the authority maintains its support for the retail and service sectors through its Town Centre Development Manager.

Town Centre Management within the Caerphilly county borough covers the three principle towns of Caerphilly, Bargoed and Blackwood and the commitment to these areas is a key priority for the council.

"This new strategy sets out the principles and vision for the future of town centre management," said Cllr Ron Davies. "The document will be at the forefront of a product portfolio to help attract further investment into town centres and to give a clear signal of their importance to both the community and visitors to the area."

The strategy takes a holistic approach to integrate all the elements that make a town unique. The effective management of town centres will lead to an improved environment, which will attract additional visitors and encourage further investment.

The council's Town Centre Development Manager, Andrew Highway, explained that town centres are playing an increasingly important role within the community and can help people establish a sense of place in these uncertain times. "Every town centre is unique and combines a diverse offer of shops and services in an environment that tells the story of a community. The attraction of a town's distinctive architecture, public art and landmarks can add value to the shopping experience and it is these qualities that make our town centres unique places", said Andrew.

"This model of town centre management has been widely recognised by councils and town centre partnerships in other areas of the UK as an example of best practice in Town Centre Management. We have featured Caerphilly County Borough Council's approach to town centre management as an example of best practice in Town Centre Management and an excellent example of how to manage smaller centres," said Simon Quin, Chief Executive of the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM).