Economy and Local Government
Llantwit Major is a small town which is largely dependent on local retail and earnings from further afield. The majority of the inhabitants commute to work elsewhere, especially Cardiff or Bridgend. During the summer months tourism is important to the town which has the "The Precinct", Rainbow Plaza and several pubs and restaurants. Of note are the Old Swan Inn, Old White Hart Inn, The Tudor Tavern, and the 17th century West House Country Hotel Heritage Restaurant.
Llantwit Major has considerable renown in South Wales as a surfing location, although it is much less known than Porthcawl further down the coast. There is a surf shop in the town catering to surfers and several others selling items related to surfing fashion. During the summer months the local government often charges visitors to the beach for parking and further income is obtained from the beach cafe and organised walks.
The Victorian Fair Day, established in 1983, is usually held in June on the Saturday nearest to the 22nd of the month, with a Victorian theme which attracts people from across southern Wales. The town has several supermarkets including Somerfield and Filco, and a town library. At least three pharmacies and two banks (HSBC and Lloyds TSB) located in the central shopping area along Boverton Road. The local artistic community supports a number of arts and crafts shops, some selling locally made pottery and other ceramics.
The town is governed by the Llantwit Major town council consisting of fifteen councillors. There are nine independent councillors and six representing the Conservative Party. The current Mayor is Councillor Ralph Austin. It also comes under the administration of the Vale of Glamorgan unitary authority. Llantwit Major is twinned with Le Pouliguen, France.
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