TRADERS have drawn up a shopping list of improvements they believe are vital to plans to inject new life into a Gwent valleys town centre.

Improved car parking, a greater variety of shops, and more entertainment and cultural facilities are among the issues that traders and town centre managers in Pontypool believe must be addressed to bring in more shoppers.

Torfaen county borough council is developing a 15-year plan for Pontypool town centre, and traders have been asking for their opinions and ideas.

"Car parking is a big issue. It will be impossible to increase footfall if people can't get into town," said Mark Gregory, who owns the Bread of Heaven cafe.

"Far too many cars bypass the town. Still, I think the town can attract traders as it offers a lot to new businesses because there's no competition.

"It's a good place to come if people have good business ideas. The courtyard shops have shown that it is possible to maintain a customer base.

Mr Gregory added that lots of new houses are being built in the area and the poeple who buy them will want to choice of shops in the town centre.

Empty and boarded up shops, a lack of diversity and quality shops, and parking are considered key problems at the moment.

Traders have met county borough council bosses to discuss the 15-year plan and town centre manger Denise Langman said retailers are supportive of moves to improve things.

"Car parking was a big issue. Various ideas were debated, including whether or not the town should be pedestrianised," she said.

"We're going to give the feedback to consultants, the strategy will be determined in the few months."

David Evans, team leader of Pontypool Regeneration Partnership, which represents a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector interests, said consultation on the plan has been extensive.