IT HAS been just over two months since my re-election and I have been busy visiting local businesses in Penarth.

I recently met with The Penarth Business Group with Councillor Ruba Sivagnanan to listen to their concerns on how the pandemic has affected their businesses. This opportunity to listen to their concerns gave me a real insight and understanding of the challenges they have faced.

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In my role as Minister for the Economy I am proud to support local businesses with 100 per cent rates relief discount is a vital part of the economic support package we’ve made available to help businesses across Wales, giving them the breathing space they need to focus on recovery.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has backed Welsh businesses with £2.5bn in support, which has helped protect in excess of 160,000 Welsh jobs which might otherwise have been lost. I am proud to be part of the recovery process.

As we move forward I would be very interested in your views and any suggestions that you may have on how we can support our town centreand help it flourish. The government can offer financial assistance but I also think it is important that we listen to the views of people who use the shops, bars and cafes.

Penarth Town Centre has a wealth of independent shops and cafes and the past few weeks I have been lucky enough to visit some of the local cafes, The Busy Teapot on Glebe Street and Wilmores. I also called by The Waterloo Tearooms where staff organised a NHS Big Tea. You can show your support by taking five minutes to enjoy a tea break, texting £5 (BIGNHSTEA to 70085) to support Cardiff & Vale Health Charity.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local businesses in Penarth for the contribution they make as well as the great products and services they offer. I’d also encourage residents to visit and support their local businesses

I also recently meet with a group of residents who are proposing to plant fruit trees for a community orchard at Penarth Heights. I am really keen to see this project “blossom”. I would like to give this project my full support. This will this be an opportunity to bring the community together along with having more trees in Penarth.

If you would like to get involved in this project or find out more on my work around Penarth and the constituency please get in touch with my office on 0300 200 7150 or by emailing vaughan.gething@senedd.wales.