Paul Davies MS has welcomed the official relaunch of Pembroke Dock's Friday Market, encouraging residents to get behind local traders and help breathe new life into the town centre.

The Conservative Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro visited the market on Friday, where he met traders and joined local Pembrokeshire County councillor Jamie Street in celebrating the return of the weekly event.

The relaunch marks a positive step for Pembroke Dock, providing a regular opportunity for independent traders to showcase their products, attract shoppers into the town and encourage people to spend locally.

Mr Davies, who was also in Pembroke Dock holding a fully booked constituency advice surgery, praised the efforts of those involved in bringing the market back and stressed the importance of continued public support to secure its long-term success.

Paul Davies MS said:

“It's fantastic to see Pembroke Dock's Friday Market back up and running, and I want to congratulate Cllr Jamie Street for all his hard work in leading this initiative.

“Our independent traders and small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns. They work incredibly hard, often competing against large supermarkets and online retailers, and they deserve our support.

“Markets like this are about much more than shopping. They bring people into town, create opportunities for local businesses and help build that sense of community which makes places like Pembroke Dock special.

“I was in the town holding a fully booked advice surgery, so it was a great opportunity to call in, meet some of the traders and see the market for myself.”

Cllr Jamie Street said,

“I was delighted to see so many people visiting the market on Friday, and I want to thank all the traders who got behind its return.

“But the real test will be keeping that momentum going. We need people to continue turning up, shopping locally and supporting the traders who are putting their time, energy and money into making it a success.

“The market also offers something really important – an affordable opportunity for small businesses to get started, test their ideas and build a customer base. Who knows, some of the traders we see at the market today could become the high street businesses of tomorrow.

“While the market itself isn't quite in the town centre, it has the potential to play a part in its wider regeneration, helping new businesses grow and, hopefully, go on to fill some of our empty shopfronts.

“I'd encourage everyone in Pembroke Dock and the surrounding communities to make the Friday Market part of their weekly routine. Let's get behind it and give it every chance of becoming a lasting success.”

Mr Davies added:

"We all want to see our town centres thriving, but that doesn't happen by accident. It takes hard work, local initiative and the support of the community.

"The return of the Friday Market is a really positive example of what can be achieved, and I hope residents will get behind it."