THE decision to snub Aberystwyth for the new headquarters of the Welsh Revenue Authority in favour of Treforest, near Cardiff, has been criticised by local politicians.

Mark Drakeford, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for finance and local government, announced that he had selected Treforest to house the new headquarters of the WRA ahead of other proposed locations including Aberystwyth and Porthmadog.

While Mr Drakeford said Aberystwyth would have a WRA “presence” in the town, it is not yet known what that will mean or whether it will create any jobs.

Aberystwyth town councillor Mererid Boswell had launched a bid to get the WRA base in Aber­ystwyth insisting the town has suitable expertise and that having the WRA based in Aberystwyth would provide good quality jobs.

After learning that the campaign had been unsuccessful, Cllr Boswell said: “I am disappointed that the location has been made for political reasons rather than economic ones.

“Pontypridd is less than 15 miles from Cardiff city centre and is served by a train network.

“Most of the employees of this organisation will travel into Pontypridd rather than create any jobs in the areas in which it is located.

“It is heartening to see that they will have a presence in Aberystwyth - and that the campaign has had some impact."

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