Council clash over image of the town
A meeting of Bridgend County Borough Council descended into a heated exchange after Restore Britain councillor Owain Clatworthy described the town centre as a “complete dump”, prompting immediate pushback from colleagues who warned against talking down local traders and residents.
The remarks were made during a progress review of the authority’s long-term Town Centre Masterplan, several years on from its adoption. Cllr Clatworthy argued that the centre is blighted by anti-social behaviour and questioned what more could be done to attract higher-end retailers. His characterisation sparked an angry response in the chamber, with councillors insisting that such language undermines those working every day to improve the heart of Bridgend.
“Complete dump.”
That phrase, used by Cllr Clatworthy, was swiftly rebutted. Cllr Jon‑Paul Blundell said the description was unfair to businesses striving to make Bridgend “a great place” to work and visit. Cllr Colin Davies highlighted the town’s night‑time economy and urged a rethink, asking Cllr Clatworthy to withdraw the comment.
Masterplan under scrutiny
The authority’s masterplan sets out a 10‑year roadmap, first published in 2021, to revitalise the town centre by growing the number of people living there and broadening its offer beyond traditional retail. Councillors were taking stock of progress and the challenges faced by high streets nationally, including empty units, changing shopping habits and the need for a safer, more welcoming environment.
While opinions differed sharply on tone, there was agreement in the room that Bridgend faces real pressures. The question dividing members is whether blunt criticism helps to galvanise change or simply damages the town’s reputation and confidence at a sensitive moment for traders and investors.
Political backdrop and online controversies
The row comes after several controversies linked to Cllr Clatworthy’s social media activity. The 22‑year‑old, who left Reform UK earlier this year to join Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain, has called for the abolition of all town and community councils, describing them as an unnecessary bureaucratic layer — despite previously praising members of Pyle Community Council. He has also posted criticism of the Church of England, made claims about housing allocation for Afghan nationals, and accused “the establishment” of targeting him because of his politics. Labour and Independent members have condemned some of the posts as “divisive” and “racist”, allegations he rejects.
“My views on immigration, integration and British values are lawful expressions of political speech.”
That is how Cllr Clatworthy has defended his online statements, insisting he is raising legitimate concerns shared by constituents.
What’s at stake for the town centre
Bridgend’s high street, like many across Wales, is navigating a transition. The council’s plan is intended to bring more people into the centre at different times of day, support independent businesses, and reduce anti-social behaviour through better design and activity. Members argue that sustained partnership working — between the council, police, landlords and traders — is essential if that vision is to stick.
Business owners listening to the council debate will want clarity on next steps and reassurance that the public message about Bridgend is not one of decline, but of a town working to turn the corner. Councillors in the chamber stressed that words matter, especially when local confidence and outside investment can be fragile.
Key points from the council discussion
- A Restore Britain councillor called Bridgend town centre a “complete dump”, citing anti‑social behaviour and retail mix.
- Colleagues from across the chamber condemned the remark as unfair to businesses and damaging to the town’s image.
- The exchange took place during a review of the 10‑year masterplan, first published in 2021, aimed at revitalising the centre.
Timeline at a glance
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Town Centre Masterplan first published |
| 2024–2026 | Ongoing council reviews; continued debate over progress and priorities |
| 2026 | Row in council chamber over language used to describe the town centre |
Why language and leadership matter now
In public life, especially at local level, elected members help frame how a place is seen. Critique can prompt action, but councillors across parties last night argued that blanket condemnation risks overshadowing the hard graft of town-centre businesses and volunteers. With the masterplan still in its delivery phase, and with national headwinds battering high streets everywhere, the test for Bridgend is whether the council can keep politics from clouding practical steps to make the centre safer, busier and more liveable.
Residents and traders will expect to see measured updates on how the plan is progressing, how anti‑social behaviour is being tackled, and what is being done to attract and retain a healthy mix of shops, services and leisure. That work, more than any row over words, will shape what people say about Bridgend in the months ahead.
