Sainsbury’s withdrawal from Bargoed

Letter sent to the Rhymney Valley Express in response to Sainsbury’s withdrawal from the Bargoed Retail Plateau Scheme

Bargoed Chamber of Trade along with all others who have an interest in and worked so hard for so long in supporting the regeneration of Bargoed are dismayed that yet again a short sighted approach has delayed matters again. What Sainsbury’s have given up is the opportunity at Bargoed to be strategically positioned within a massive large catchment area where their nearest stores are as far away as Cwmbran & Cardiff.

It is amazing that despite being part of the initial expressions of interest, the speed in which they stepped in following Asda’s withdrawal and the business models at their disposal coupled with all the support that they have been given that they have strung everyone along and taken so long to come to a decision. One must question their motives as surely the “green shoots of recovery” will be sprouting by 2012 when they would first be stacking their shelves and welcoming customers.

Despite this setback we need to look at the positives which are that:

• There is cross party commitment that the regeneration of Bargoed will continue as a priority and Roger Tanner and his fellow officers share that commitment
• Simons as the developers are still very much on board.
• The Welsh Assembly Government has to date spent considerable sums on the regeneration of the Greater Bargoed area and have the funds earmarked for the continuation of the regeneration of Bargoed town centre.
• Despite the frustration over the latest delay on the retail plateau; after years of neglect Bargoed town centre is being transformed. The new Health Centre is open, the junction at the north end of Bargoed should be open in the spring, demolition of the library and 12 other properties on the High St should commence in March. Once these works are done the Council have given their commitment for the ongoing improvements in Bargoed town centre to continue.

While this is taking place there will be some disruption but the Chamber of Trade will continue to identify ways such as the 2 hour free parking to make shopping in Bargoed and access to the High St easier.

Sadly we’ve lately seen the closure of Woolworths and other national stores due to economic factors and more damagingly remote decisions “made at Head Office” over which we as a community can have little influence. However the Greater Bargoed community can make a real difference by supporting the businesses currently trading in our locality. These varied stores and offices provide quality competitively priced goods and services giving a high level of personal attention.

For our part the Bargoed Chamber of Trade will continue to wholeheartedly support the regeneration scheme, the Bargoed businesses and community.