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South Wales Argus

Campaign to revamp Fairwater Square submitted to council

A petition titled 'Revitalise Fairwater Square: Create a Safe, Accessible & Vibrant Community Hub' has received more than 200 signatures. The petition argues that local organisations should support the redevelopment of Fairwater Square turning it into a 'vibrant community hub.' It reads 'Fairwater Square has the potential to be a thriving centre for the local community, but currently, it faces issues such as antisocial behaviour, limited accessibility, and outdated infrastructure. 'We urge the local authority and partners to invest in the redevelopment of the site to create a space that meets modern housing, commercial, and community needs while fostering a sense of safety and inclusion.' The area was popular as a shopping district in the seventies but has since declined. Fairwater resident and Labour party member Mark-Ward Jones 57, who co-founded the petition said: 'I've lived in Fairwater Cwmbran across the road from the shops all my life. I've seen the shops in their heyday. 'In the seventies, it was a vibrant shopping centre, well used and now they are in a state of decay.' Fairwater Square Cwmbran (Image: Mark-Ward Jones) The petition says that Torfaen County Borough Council, Bron Afon Community Housing, and Cwmbran Futures Board should help towards this redevelopment. Mark argues that funding used from the UK government's Long-Term Plan for Towns can also be used towards this. Mark explained 'Either we strike now and get something done now or we'll be in the same position in the future. 'It'll improve the lives of all that's here.' Back in 2023 Cwmbran was promised £20 million from the UK Government as part of a long-term investment plan for towns that have been overlooked. The money was set to be split over a ten-year endowment-style and spent on local people's priorities, like regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety. However, this money has since been delayed until 2026. Mark explained why he wants something done. He said: 'A lot of people find it intimidating and an area for antisocial behaviour. 'For a long time I thought we could do something for the area.' The petition argues that the area should be revamped with new housing, better footpath access, and better public transport links. It has the support of these other councillors: Torfaen County Borough Council Cllr Rose Seabourne, Fairwater Ward Cllr Jayne Watkins, Fairwater Ward Cllr Mandy Owen, Greenmeadow Ward Cllr Collette Thomas, Two Locks Ward Cwmbran Community Council Cllr Julian Davenne, Fairwater & Oaksford Ward Cllr Phil Seabourne, Ty Canol Ward Cllr Lyndon Chaney, Greenmeadow Ward Cllr Rhiannon Bennett, Coed Eva Ward Cllr Fey Jones, St Dials Ward Cllr Kebba Manneh, St Dials Ward Henllys Community Council Cllr Collette Thomas Cllr Brendan Roberts