Maesteg is a town and community in the ceremonial county of Mid Gamorgan and in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. It is located at the north end of the Llynfi Valley, near to the border with Neath Port Talbot. Much like the rest of Wales, the English and Welsh languages comprise the town's official languages. While a substantial percentage of residents are native English speakers, there is a small part 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 notable variations between age groups, with 27.9 percent of 3 to 15 year olds speaking Welsh, 8.6 percent 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 promoted the expansion of the town. Between 1890 and 1925, Maesteg held a global reputation as a manufacturer of Admiralty-grade steam coal, high quality cooking coal and the leading house coal in South Wales. By the early 1920s, 7000 miners operated 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. Formed in 1881, Maesteg Market continues to be a well-attended market, which is located on the ground floor of Maesteg Town Hall and a wide variety of items are offered. The town is additionally recognised for its strong music and singing heritage, being the home of numerous choirs and bands. For all of your home upgrades, make sure to make use of respected professionals in Maesteg to make certain of quality.