Praise for Landlords as Area Holds Open Day

Council Leader Ali Thomas has praised landlords and residents of an area of Aberavon, after they formed the Community Pride action group to drive their own community regeneration project, with support from the Renewal Area Team.

They have already secured more than £6,500 from the Arson Small Grants Programme for community clean up and environmental improvement activities. In addition, over £15,000 funding has also been secured to rebuild boundary walls and install new garden gates.

Borough Street and the surrounding areas have started to see impressive improvements as a result. Now, the landlords have decided to stage an open day at a number of locations in the area on Wednesday 2nd September 2009 from 2.00pm to 8.00pm. The event will showcase the area and its fresh new look, whilst providing a chance for prospective tenants to view a number of newly renovated private rented properties which are now available to let. There are also properties for sale.

Councillor Thomas said:

"Landlords and residents from Borough Street and the surrounding areas have played an important part in helping to regenerate the communities of the Sandfields East and Aberavon Renewal Area and they are to be applauded for this.

"The Council is committed to regenerating the communities of Neath Port Talbot, but can only achieve this if residents work with us by taking ownership of their areas and helping to drive the improvements themselves.

"The transformation of the Borough Street area is an excellent example of what can be achieved with effective partnership working and I would like to congratulate everyone involved."

The wards of Sandfields East and Aberavon have undergone extensive regeneration as part of a 10 year programme to improve housing and environmental conditions and breathe new life into the area.

The Councils achievements to date have included the renovation of more than 400 private properties, installation of a multi usage games area and an alleygating pilot project.

The Borough Street area has undergone a significant transformation and now the Community Pride action group are ready to showcase their achievements to date. They are working with the Local Authority and Coastal Housing Association to change people's perceptions of the area and encourage people to take a fresh look at Aberavon.

Anyone interested in attending the open day should contact Lucy or Michael on (01639) 796104 / 796105