Plaid Porth Councillor Julie Williams has expressed her grave concerns about the future for shoppers in Hannah Street and Porth town centre.

In the last council elections in 2004, Labour pledged in their election leaflet to "Consult on new town centre regeneration strategies". With three shops closed since Christmas and now FADS making it four, is this what New Labour call regeneration?

The road works have caused problems but these were known in advance. Parking is a major issue but if parking was prohibited in the shopper's car park at the rear of Hannah Street before 9.30am it would ensure a better balance of use between office staff and shoppers.

If non-residents parking in West Taff Street were restricted to one hour it would encourage a quicker turnover of vehicles and be easier for the wardens to police.

If Hannah Street is to survive as the vibrant shopping centre the people of Rhondda deserve, then action must be taken immediately to prevent further decline.

Contact Councillor Julie Williams by telephoning 01443 682428 or e-mail juliewilliams@porthplaid.com.