UKIP leader Nigel Farage paraded through Blackwood High Street today to meet voters in the build up to the Welsh Assembly elections.

The politician met with UKIP’s Welsh Assembly candidates for Islwyn and Caerphilly at the Flourmill Cocktail Bar, Blackwood, before heading out to speak to residents and business owners.

The group, including UKIP economics spokesman Mark Reckless, visited Blackwood’s Job Centre, before being invited into vape shop Infinity Mist by business owner Fesal Sohail, 24.

The two chatted about the lack of strict EU guidelines around the vaping industry and the affect regulations could have on small businesses.

Alongside speaking to residents of various ages and backgrounds, the UKI leader also met striking front of house staff from the National Museum of Wales.

“He is the last person I thought I would see in Blackwood,” said worker Richard Phillips, of the Public Commercial Services Union.

Mr Farage last visited Islwyn in the 1993 when UKIP was in its infancy and spoke of the “friendly people” and “high percentage of engagement” on his return.

“There is a friendliness towards UKIP here in South Wales and we’re prepared to stand up on some of the issues that others perhaps would rather not,” he said.

“Our chances are very good and in South Wales East they're excellent.

"I don't want to make any rash predictions but i do think that UKIP vote seems to have consolidated in Wales over the last couple of years and it feels like there’s an energy about the whole UKIP momentum."

Speaking about the South Wales East’s industrial history, he said: “The world does change and industries all through the histories of mankind have suffered ups and downs of course but in terms of steel in Wales a lot of what has happened is self inflicted.

“It’s a combination of EU policy and UK government policy that has made these industries uncompetitive and that is very very shaming in my view.

“Part of why UKIP is doing well in Wales is that Welsh politics has been dominated by pro-EU voices."

He added: “People should vote for UKIP so they can get some voices in the assembly that will challenge the complacency that’s there.

“There is an urgent need for strong independent voices in the Welsh Assembly. People who have clear principles on big national political issues and who will shake up the debate on localism.”