The comments came after the Minister for Business and Enterprise, Edwina Hart AM, made an Oral Statement to the National Assembly (17th July) on the final report of the Powys Local Growth Zone Task and Finish Group, which was commissioned by the Welsh Government to examine the feasibility of delivering this initiative in Mid Wales.
The Group, chaired by Justin Baird-Murray – owner of the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Well – made 2 major recommendations and 40 supporting recommendations regarding delivering the concept of Local Growth Zones in Powys, as well as developing specific regeneration proposals for the key market towns of Newtown, Brecon and Llandrindod Wells.
Me George said:
"I do welcome the publication of this report today and the work done by Justin Baird-Murray and his team.
"I am pleased that the Group agreed that the concept of Local Growth Zones for Powys is a viable initiative and that proposals should be taken forward.
"However, this is still very early on in the delivery of the concept and the Government does need to answer a number of key issues raised in the report.
"I’m pleased that the report highlights some of the potential barriers to success like a weak transport and communications infrastructure and the need for Government to prioritise projects like the Newtown Bypass and rolling out of high-speed broadband across the county.
"The suggestion that Newtown be a focal point in the county for the service sector is a very interesting idea as is the proposal to pilot a business-led initiative in the town.
"I hope that as Newtown is the largest of the towns in Powys, that this would be the Minister’s preferred option to host the initial pilot scheme and then the model can be rolled out to Brecon and Llandrindod Wells.
"There was also a strong perception within the report that some of the key buildings in the centre of Newtown, like the Market Hall, required renovation.
"I would support that observation and I hope there will be resources made available so that such work can take place, so that these key buildings are fully restored and made fit for purpose for the benefit of local people and businesses."
The Minister's Statement and report and can be found here:
http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2012/powyslgzones/?lang=en