ONE of the first developments in the £13 million regeneration of Abertillery could see the old Trinity Chapel building turned into an indoor market and special events facility.

Shoppers and shop-owners welcomed the proposal, saying it is critical the money is spent getting more people into the town.

The Argus reported earlier this month how a £13 million funding package mainly from the Assembly Government and European Union will see Abertillery given a facelift.

Blaenau Gwent council acquired Trinity Chapel, Church Street, last July and is looking into a proposal to turn it into an indoor market and special events community facility.

Llanhilleth councillor Hedley McCarthy said: "Abertillery desperately needs shops, not just a facelift. More economic activity needs to be created and this will help that."

Dianne Richards, 63, agreed, saying: "Using the money to make Abertillery lovely won’t help as people won’t come to sit on a new bench. We need to turn the empty buildings into shops, which is the best way."

Harry Griffiths, who runs the Pets Awareness charity shop on Commercial Street said the move would bring trade to the top end of the town.

He said, currently, many shoppers use supermarkets such as Iceland before leaving.

Mr Griffiths said: "One morning recently, we took just £27.48. It was so bad, I closed the shop at lunchtime. Maybe a market will get more people shopping here, but we need to get them to stay rather than just using the supermarkets."

However, Judith Williams, 60, of Alma Street, has reservations. She said: "I’m glad something’s being done to the building. It’s been boarded up and an eyesore for shoppers coming in to Abertillery. It would be lovely if it works, but I’m not sure if it’s the right time to create more shops when there are already so many empty."

A Blaenau Gwent council spokeswoman said the proposals have received positive feedback. A formal consultation is planned for March where residents, traders and elected members can get involved.

Details of what kind of goods might be sold at the indoor market have not yet been discussed.