Retailer Poundstretcher has said it is committed to returning to Blackwood after a huge fire destroyed its High Street store in the town.
The chain made its commitment to the town as road closures to Woodbine Road were lifted on Friday. The road had been closed while demolition work took place on the Poundstetcher building which was damaged beyond repair in the May 1 fire.
Tim Shattock, from Poundstretcher, said: “Following the fire at the Poundstrecher’s store on Blackwood High Street, the company has confirmed to the council its commitment to Blackwood and expressed its intention to open a new store on the site at the earliest opportunity. The council will now work closely with the retailer to ensure that a new store is delivered as soon as possible.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council has also said the Timpson shop, next to the site of the fire, should be handed back to the company from safety inspectors next week.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Sustainable Development, said, “Our Town Centre Management Team have been determinedly working with retailers to ensure the impact felt by this devastating blaze is kept to an absolute minimum.
“We are committed to providing our residents with vibrant and unique town centres and would encourage them to continue to support the traders in Blackwood while works to ensure the safety of the site are ongoing and ultimately during the potential redevelopment of the site.”
The council has said it will be promoting the town through a direct marketing campaign held with the Blackwood Retail Partnership.
Huw Edwards, owner of Tidals Stores and chair of the partnership, said: “Blackwood Retail Partnership would like to thank the general public for their continued support after the dreadful fire which destroyed one of our shops.
“Blackwood High Street continues to be ‘open for business’ and with our mix of independent and national stores we are more than capable of meeting your needs as a consumer. We look forward to the redevelopment of the site and welcoming new and old customers to Blackwood.”
this is good news but caerphilly need to work with the owners of the old sommerfield store now to attract someone to that building. It has good parking and is right by the bus station so it is a central location.