In a few days time, I will be attending the official opening of Bargoed Bus Station. There will be songs from the Bargoed Male Voice Choir, speeches from local Councillors and the obligatory cutting of the ribbon.
The bus station will be fully functional from June 13 and will be one more element in the regeneration of Bargoed. Step-by-step, Bargoed is being revitalised. Absolutely crucial to Bargoed’s development was the opening of Angel Way – the Bargoed by-pass – this was followed by the publication of the plans to redevelop the town. Work has already commenced on the new public library in the beautiful Hanbury Road Church and a few weeks ago, there was the confirmation that Morrisons is to come to the town.
Initially Sainsbury’s had expressed a strong interest in coming to Bargoed but had then withdrawn. The decision by Morrisons is of crucial importance. Without an anchor development of this kind the danger was that Angel Way would have become a means for people to simply ‘by-pass’ Bargoed rather than a route to enter the town.
Slowly, but very surely, new life is being breathed into Bargoed. I well remember visiting Bargoed as a young man quite a few years ago and at the time I was really impressed by the vibrancy of the town. Since then, things went downhill. But, there is no doubt in my mind that Bargoed has turned the corner. The future for the town is bright and I only hope that the local business community will recognise that there are now real opportunities for them.
I mention this point because it would be a big mistake if traders in Bargoed simply sat back and waited for things to happen. It is vital that they are proactive and, despite the lack of consumer confidence in the economy, they must start planning for the future. I am confident however that this will happen.
Wayne David
Labour MP for Caerphilly