Tamsin Ramasut and Professor Simon Gibson CBE have been announced as the co-chairs of the Town Centre Taskforce for Wales.

The Taskforce will provide practical, expert advice on supporting the future of Wales's town centres. The co-chairs will work with members from business, local government, regeneration, planning, academia and communities and will oversee a programme of work to develop practical recommendations for Welsh Ministers on securing the future of town centres.

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, said: "Town centres remain at the heart of communities across Wales. They are places where people work, access services, spend time with family and friends and take part in civic and cultural life.

"However, they continue to face significant challenges as a result of changing consumer behaviour, economic pressures and the evolving role town centres play in everyday life.

"That's why we are establishing this taskforce to champion the future of Welsh town centres. It will identify actions to help challenge decline, encourage changes in use to increase footfall, support Welsh businesses, attract investment and strengthen the long-term vitality of towns and city centres."