NPT regeneration showcased

Regeneration in Neath Port Talbot has been the focus of attention for a prestigious UK conference.

Regeneration in Neath Port Talbot has been the focus of attention for a prestigious UK conference.

Industrialists and politicians from all over the UK congregated in Port Talbot for the annual conference of The Industrial Communities Alliance, an all party association of more than 70 local authorities in the traditional industrial areas of Wales, Scotland and England. Its aim is to promote the economic, social and environmental renewal of these areas.

During the three day conference, delegates heard from a host of headline speakers including Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales and Neath MP, John Healey MP, Minister for Housing, Dr Hywel Francis, MP for Aberavon, Michael Leahy of the Community Union and Uday Chaturverdi, Managing Director of Corus Strip Products UK.

Delegates were taken on a tour of the area to demonstrate how the county is developing and regenerating its communities. Tourism destinations of the Neath and Afan Valleys are considered amongst the best in the world and Baglan Energy Park impressed as a location for twenty first century businesses.

Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: "We have been honoured to host this UK-wide conference which we hope will encourage others to join with us to help the regeneration of our communities. I have been particularly proud of being able to show to colleagues from all over the UK the excellent work of our officers and members in bringing about regeneration to the County Borough."

Cllr Eion Watts, from Bolsover ,Chair of the conference said: "We have learned so much from being. It's the traditional industrial areas which have suffered most from this recession. It's the traditional industrial areas which have suffered most from the recession. We need to concentrate on re-establishing our manufacturing base to enable our communities to be ready for the upswing in the economy when it happens."