Spring Newsletter 2008
Spring 2008 finds us in an uncertain financial climate with dismal news on spending patterns both in the UK and America and the inevitable backlash which this is likely to have on retail spending. These problems with the overall monetary system are, of course, beyond our control. This letter comes to say we hope that the end of this financial year inspirers you to rise above this larger current dilema and to continue to make our Town and district a vibrant, colorful, interesting place in which to shop and trade.

There are positive moves we can make to improve our situation. As your representatives we continue to attend Town Centre Forum Meetings which give us the opportunity to put your concerns to Councilors and Officers of the County Council. We also make representation between these meetings where members alert us to particular problems. One which we are currently investigating is concerned with the CCTV system and we are hopeful that the questions with regard to a recent incident will give us a clearer pattern of whether this system is working well. When business is tight, as at present, even a small number of broken windows and thefts can make or brake a Town's resolve and we have historical concerns over the staffing levels with CCTV because the number of cameras was increased without the relevant increase in monitoring officers.

We have attended several recent events where we can track National trends in business including the B2B Event in Llantrisant where we made a point in liaising with Dai Davies, Regional Representative of the Federation of Small Businesses and the newly formed South Wales Chamber of Commerce who have pledged continued support over our representation at Assembly level over Planning Policy Guidelines which have such a power to influence growth, or otherwise, of more and more supermarket applications. Our outreach organization Wales Action for Sensible Planning has won the respect of all those wishing for a more considered approach to these matters.

We are still negotiating over the matter of the proposed Tesco extension (approx. 70% of additional space) with a link road which was, according to the original planning application "brought up to design capacity" by the original application. The documentation of this original application is currently lodged in Aberdare Library for public scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act and we are applying for an extension of time for it to remain there. Should any retailers wish to view this documentation and bring us their observations we will be glad to have the extra input.

We are hoping to ensure that the new South Wales Chamber of Commerce keeps at least one permanent place at negotiating tables for a representative on behalf of the Valley's Chambers of Trade and we have the support of all Chambers in Rhondda Cynon Taff to continue with this negotiation on their behalf.

We have put forward a clear strategy to the new Town Centre Art Liaison Officer, Helen Malia over initial moves to give this Town a new identity and to give customers a clear reason to come here and restore the status of Queen of the Valleys to us. This Town still has much to offer and could be greatly improved with some political will and good use of the funding which has recently been secured by the Council. Your input over ideas is vital. Come forward with any suggestions so that they can be appended.

In order to show a willingness to help with current thinking towards a responsible approach to the Planet we urge you to continue to recycle where possible and to use plastic bags responsibly.

In order to ensure that we can continue to represent your fears and aspirations we urge you to put your annual subscription onto a Bankers Order to save time in collection of fees. We have a new keen Treasurer. Graham has a history of good fundraising ideas through the Aqua Diving Club where he is also Treasurer and we are fortunate that he is willing to give us his valuable time. Should any member wish to scrutinize the constitution we can supply a copy.

Thanks for your support in 2007