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. Much like the rest of Wales, the English and Welsh languages make up the town's official languages. Though a considerable proportion of inhabitants are natural English speakers, there is a small portion of the community that speak Welsh. Of the 20612 residents noted in the 2011 Census, 11 per cent of the town's population speak Welsh. There are significant contrasts between age groups, with 27.9 per cent 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 percent. The opening of ironworks in the 1820s and 1830s induced the development of the town. Between 1890 and 1925, Maesteg held a global track record as a producer 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, mostly for the Port Talbot, Bridgend and Cardiff journey to work areas. Set up in 1881, Maesteg Market continues to be a well-attended market, which is positioned on the ground floor of Maesteg Town Hall and a vast array of products are offered. The town is also recognised for its strong music and singing custom, being home to various choirs and bands. For all your home upgrades, make certain to make use of dependable professionals in Maesteg to make certain of quality.