Valleys revamp under threat - AM (From Campaign Series)

Valleys revamp under threat - AM

4:43pm Wednesday 21st November 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

REGENERATION projects in Blaenau Gwent could be under threat because of a "derisory" funding settlement from the Assembly, the local AM claims.

The Argus reported how Blaenau Gwent council's 1.8 per cent increase in revenue settlement was the source of "bitter disappointment" for the council.

Now Blaenau Gwent's Independent AM Trish Law has commented that 2008/09 looks set to be an "annus horribilis" for the council.

Mrs Law claims the council could lose £875,000 towards regeneration projects over the next two years according to information she says she's received from officers.

She's concerned about 12 smaller-scale regeneration projects, including plans to improve Ebbw Vale's Church Street, a revamp to Brymawr's Market Hall Cinema and proposals to improve the appearance of Abertillery town centre.

Reiterating concerns she raised in weekly questions with First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Mrs Law said: "Of course, this is an indicative figure and, if Blaenau Gwent wishes to continue its regeneration programme, it will have to be at the expense of frontline services such and education and social services."

More than £13 million was earmarked for 12 regeneration schemes in Blaenau Gwent by the council.

An Assembly government spokesman said Blaenau Gwent's £102.8 million settlement was equivalent to "£1,482 for every man, woman and child living in the area - the highest level of funding per head of population in Wales".

He said the council is one of the main beneficiaries of the Assembly's Valleys scheme, which includes regeneration of the Corus site at Ebbw Vale.

"Each local authority is best placed to assess local needs and plan its budget accordingly - that is why over 80 per cent of the support we provide is not ring-fenced," he added.

No one at Blaenau Gwent council was available for comment.

• Print
• Email
• Share