The decision not to renew the lease of Baristas has caused a large amount of consternation within the town of Port Talbot, which lies in the heart of my constituency.
The business is owned by a local family and from what I have observed is run to an extremely high standard, resulting in a very loyal customer base for whom it is the focal point of regular trips to the centre.
I welcome the news that the campaign to 'Back Baristas' is supported by all of the major political parties in the constituency, but above all I welcome the response from the local community and the concerted efforts, which are a credit to the town.
There has been a lot of despondency in Port Talbot recently following the news of job losses at the local TATA Steel plant -the people of Port Talbot are reacting to news of the potential closure of Barista’s as yet a further blow to the town and an assault on the community.
Given the strength of local feeling and the key role you play in Port Talbot as stakeholders, I would the Managing Agents reconsider any decision that would result in the termination of Barista’s lease and to fully consider the commercial implications of any such decision. Closure would send completely the wrong signal to any local business considering locating at the centre – not to mention the fact that this business closing would see ten jobs being needlessly lost.
I have been assured by the owner of ‘Baristas’ that he and his is family committed to the business and fully committed to Port Talbot, and I have absolutely no reason to doubt this. The popularity of his business is testament to this. He is a dynamic and hardworking individual in my opinion is himself a great ‘asset’ to the centre. To terminate the lease in the fashion is not only unfair, but will be to the commercial detriment of the Centre and the Town.
I have written to the Managing Agents and am in the process of undertaking a number of other discussions related to the issue at hand. I will keep you updated with my progress. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy - the loss of a thriving one in the heart of the local community would be a travesty that we must do all within our power to avert.