Maesteg
Maesteg is a town and community in the ceremonial county of Mid Gamorgan and in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. It is situated at the north end of the Llynfi Valley, near to the border with Neath Port Talbot. Like the rest of Wales, the English and Welsh languages constitute the town's official languages. Whilst a substantial proportion of occupants are natural English speakers, there is a modest area of the community that speak Welsh. Of the 20612 residents documented in the 2011 Census, 11 per cent of the town's population speak Welsh. There are notable distinctions between age groups, with 27.9 percent of 3 to 15 year olds speaking Welsh, 8.6 per cent of 16 to 64 year olds, and the lowest percentage being amongst the over 65s at 5.3 per cent. The opening of ironworks in the 1820s and 1830s induced the expansion of the town. Between 1890 and 1925, Maesteg held an international status as a manufacturer of Admiralty-grade steam coal, high quality cooking coal and the best house coal in South Wales. By the early 1920s, 7000 miners operated in the town. With the decline of the coal market and the closure of the last pit in 1985, the town is now characterised as being more residential and domestic in nature, primarily for the Port Talbot, Bridgend and Cardiff journey to work areas. Started in 1881, Maesteg Market continues to be a well-attended market, which is situated on the ground floor of Maesteg Town Hall and a wide variety of items are offered. The town is also identified for its strong music and singing custom, being the home of several choirs and bands. For all your home upgrades, make certain to make use of trusted experts in Maesteg to make certain of quality.