Welsh Conservatives will on Friday announce plans to regenerate town centres across Wales.
The announcement comes ahead of local government elections on May 4, with Welsh Conservative councils pledging a range of measures to support local businesses and regenerate Welsh high streets.
The announcement will take place at an event in Newtown, Powys, on Friday, April 21.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives – Andrew RT Davies AM – will join Russell George AM, Glyn Davies MP and local businesses to discuss economic issues including business rates.
They will also announce plans that Welsh Conservative councils across Wales would:
· Support local businesses by procuring goods and services locally
· Provide more free parking in town centres
· Introduce a more flexible approach to business rates
· Improve transport links with town centres
· Prioritise sustainable high street development in the planning system
Speaking ahead of the event, Andrew RT 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.
“We will support the many businesses who’ve been hit by Labour’s failure to reform business rates, and we will ensure that our councils support the economy by procuring goods and services locally.”
Montgomeryshire AM and Shadow economy secretary – Russell George AM – said:
“A Conservative lead 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.
“Plans for a Newtown Bypass also present huge opportunities to boost the town centre – but the council needs to have a coherent plan to ensure that local businesses are supported.”
Newtown Powys County Council candidate, Mark Barnes, said:
“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, boost a growing Powys by using local businesses for council contracts, and make clearing our streets from litter a priority.”