PONTARDAWE SAYS ‘YES’ TO NEW KFC

In a comprehensive Facebook poll around 60% want to see a KFC store opening in Pontardawe.

There are concerns that such a store could harm local businesses and cause widespread litter but the allure of ‘easy parking’ for KFC chicken seems too much for the majority of residents.

KFC stated in 2019 that they intend to open a new store at Pontardawe this year although the site location is unclear. Possible sites include the Tesco site and the Glanrhyd Industrial Estate as the chain will be keen to take advantage of the traffic on Pontardawe Bypass.

Although the majority of the 1,000 people responding to the poll supported the idea, there is also a lot of objection.

“Lots of people picking their choices of chain restaurants with absolutely no thought about local businesses and the local economy” was one response. “Why would people want an American fast food chain in Pontardawe?” was another.

With a Greggs, Lidl, Tesco, Home Bargains, Poundstretcher and Argos in the small Town there are concerns that the chains are taking over the small independent businesses and the Town is becoming a clone-Town like many others.

Pontardawe faces the same issues as every other Town in the UK in finding the right balance between embracing multi-nationals and the advantage of them whilst keeping its identity.

For many, a KFC store will be one-step too far but others point to the employment benefits it would bring; especially for younger people.

*It is worth noting that as a Facebook poll, the demographics won’t necessarily be a fair representation of the Towns wishes