A FOOTWEAR stall, which has been in Pontypool Indoor Market for two years, will be closing down before Christmas.

The owners of Feet First, Julie and Jason Cox, aged 37 and 40 respectively, say they cannot afford to keep the stall open because the market is not attracting enough customers.

Mr Cox said: “Pontypool has lost the reputation it had years ago and that’s very hard to get back,” adding that parking in the town was still a problem.

Mrs Cox said: “There have been delays to the regeneration in the market.

“It has been put back until after Christmas to avoid disruption over the period, which is fair enough, but I think a lot of traders feel we haven’t been informed enough about what’s going on.

“I set up the stall as I felt it was something needed in the town after Stead and Simpson closed down.

“Everyone wants things to work and gives it a go but the footfall is so low it’s hard to survive.

“It’s sad to see the place so empty. We started the stall as a way for me to have a job, as I was struggling to find work, but now I’m not even taking enough for a wage.”

Mr Cox added: “A lot of money has been spent on the Jubilee building which is no benefit to the traders. They will never get Pontypool back to what it was, it’s too far gone.

“In recent months the pet shop, a card shop, sports shop, cigarette accessory stall, and aromatherapy stall, among others, have all gone.”

A council spokeswoman said: “It’s disappointing to hear Feet First will cease trading in the market.

“Pontypool Indoor Market will undergo refurbishment as part of the £10m Pontypool Settlement Area Project.

“This and wider work to improve the town could revitalise the market and attract new stall holders and visitors.

There are also plans to open three new stalls over the next couple of months which will help increase footfall. We urge residents to show their support for local traders and continue using the indoor market.”