Ebbw Vale's Revival: Countering Decline with Common-Sense Action

Dear Residents of Ebbw Vale and Viewers,

As your local Independent Councillor for Ebbw Vale South, Jonathan Millard, I've taken the time to watch and reflect on the recent YouTube video titled "EBBW VALE: The Decline of a Great Town Centre" by The Central Club channel. First off, I appreciate the effort to shine a spotlight on our community—it's important that voices from the ground are heard, and the vlog does a decent job of capturing the raw sentiments of some locals through those street interviews. In a time when social media often glosses over realities, this kind of grassroots content can spark necessary conversations about our town's challenges. The nostalgic recollections of our steelworks heyday, with thousands employed and a buzzing market, resonate deeply with me, as they do with many who've called Ebbw Vale home for generations.

That said, while the video effectively highlights the visible signs of decline—empty shops, boarded-up units, and sparse foot traffic—it's not without its flaws. The tone feels overly pessimistic at times, painting a picture of irreversible doom without fully exploring the broader context or the ongoing efforts to turn things around. For instance, it touches on high business rates and rents but doesn't delve into how these are influenced by national policies, not just local decisions. The criticisms of long-term Labour dominance in Blaenau Gwent are absolutely spot on—decades of one-party rule have led to complacency, neglect, and a failure to adapt, leaving our town centre in the sorry state we see today. I've been vocal about this myself as an Independent, having broken away to better represent our community's needs without being shackled by party-line excuses. Lumping all local governance under one brush ignores the work of cross-party collaborations and independents like myself who are pushing for real change, but make no mistake: the bulk of the blame lies with Labour's prolonged mismanagement that has squandered opportunities and left us lagging behind.

On the immigration points raised by some interviewees, I understand those deep concerns about the unchecked strains on our already overstretched services like GPs and food banks—it's unsustainable and seemingly unfair to our residents who've borne the brunt of it. Our core issues stem from decades of industrial loss and underinvestment from Westminster and Cardiff Bay, but we can't ignore how rapid population changes without proper controls have exacerbated the pressure on housing, jobs, and community resources. We need stronger borders and a focus on putting British workers first to prevent further division in our tight-knit community, which has always prided itself on fairness for those who contribute and integrate.

As for the youth boredom and drug problems mentioned—yes, they're real and heartbreaking, a direct result of years of neglect under the same old leadership. The video rightly calls out the lack of facilities, but it misses the initiatives underway, such as community-led youth clubs and partnerships with organisations to provide after-school programs. I've personally advocated for more investment in these areas during council meetings, and we're seeing progress with grants for local sports and skills training to give our young people alternatives to the streets.

Economically, the closure of the steelworks and mines hit us hard, and online shopping plus post-COVID shifts haven't helped. But Ebbw Vale isn't "dead"—far from it. We've got resilient businesses like those in the video, shoutout to the aquarium shop. The proposed Circuit of Wales cancellation was a massive blow, no doubt, as was the failed TVR and Ciner Glass opportunities. courtesy of Welsh Government dithering under Labour's watch, but we're fighting for alternatives: better transport links via our train services to Cardiff & Newport, incentives for new industries, and revitalising the market with lower stall fees to encourage traders back. Recently, the market manager has stepped down, putting the market fully in council hands, and we have several plans to rejuvenate it, along with exciting events lined up for 2026 & beyond to draw in crowds and boost local trade. Additionally, we're actively working to establish a town council for the area, which would help us raise funds through grants and other sources to reinvest directly in our community—giving back through improved amenities, events, and support for local projects, free from the bureaucratic red tape that's held us back. As Deputy Leader of the Independent Group previously, I've pushed for reduced parking charges to boost footfall, and I'm committed to lobbying for more factories and well-paid jobs that honour our industrial heritage while cutting unnecessary taxes and regulations to attract investment.

To the locals interviewed: your frustrations are valid, and I hear you loud and clear. Voting apathy is a symptom of feeling unheard after years of broken promises from the establishment, but change comes from engagement—whether through manifestos or fresh voices focused on controlling immigration, slashing wasteful spending, and revitalising our economy with common-sense policies that put local people first. If you're disillusioned with Labour's dismal track record here, know that as your councillor, I'm here to bridge that gap and fight for the reforms we desperately need. Let's not give up; instead, let's build on our strengths—the friendly people, the history, and the potential for regeneration.

If you'd like to discuss these issues further or share ideas for our town centre, my door is always open. You can reach me via this website, my council email or my social media @jtdmillard on X. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Ebbw Vale.