Maesteg is a town and community in the ceremonial county of Mid Gamorgan and in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. It lies at the north end of the Llynfi Valley, near the border with Neath Port Talbot. Similar to the rest of Wales, the English and Welsh languages comprise the town's official languages. Despite the fact that a considerable proportion of occupants are natural English speakers, there is a modest part of the community that speak Welsh. Of the 20612 inhabitants noted in the 2011 Census, 11 per cent of the town's population speak Welsh. There are significant differences 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 smallest percentage being among the over 65s at 5.3 percent. The opening of ironworks in the 1820s and 1830s stimulated the growth of the town. Between 1890 and 1925, Maesteg held an international status as a supplier of Admiralty-grade steam coal, high quality cooking coal and the best house coal in South Wales. By the early 1920s, 7000 miners worked in the town. With the decrease of the coal industry and the closure of the last pit in 1985, the town is now characterised as being more residential and domiciliary in nature, largely for the Port Talbot, Bridgend and Cardiff journey to work areas. Established in 1881, Maesteg Market continues to be a well-attended market, which is located on the ground floor of Maesteg Town Hall and a large range of products are offered. The town is also recognised for its strong music and singing tradition, being home to numerous choirs and bands. For all your home upgrades, make certain to make use of respected professionals in Maesteg to make certain of quality.