Public meetings on Valleys Strategy

A series of public meetings are being held in October by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to give people living in valleys communities an opportunity to discuss the progress being made with the Western Valleys Strategy.

Residents and businesses will also be able to have their say on what they think should be a priority for their area in the coming year.

The Western Valleys strategy which was set up as a direct response to the needs of valley communities identified in the Community Plan is currently under review and will play an important part in the proposals for a new Strategic Regeneration Area recently declared by the Welsh Assembly.

This year's meetings will be particularly important as additional funding to support regeneration in the valleys will be available from this source.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas said: "It is always encouraging to see the level of attendance at these meetings. We hope that this year even more residents will come along and take an active role in helping to guide the future of their communities.

"The revised strategy aims to be better targeted at meeting local needs and a draft framework will be available at the meetings for comment and to give people the opportunity to highlight projects that they feel should be included in the action plan."

The meetings are open to all but are on a first come first served basis.

So, if anyone is interested in attending they will need to contact the council by September 28 to reserve their place. They can either ring 01639 686794/686786 or e-mail environment@npt.gov.uk.

Transport will also be made available through the Community Transport schemes. If anyone requires transport then they should mention this when booking their place at one of the meetings.

The roundtable meetings for the Western Valleys Strategy will take place at:

Afan Valley - Monday, October 5 at Cymmer Afan Comprehensive School
Neath and Dulais Valleys - Tuesday, October 6 at Llangatwg Comprehensive School
Swansea and Upper Amman Valleys - Thursday, October 8 at Tairgwaith Community Centre

Location maps and a booking form can also be accessed via the website at www.npt.gov.uk/valleysnews. A light buffet and refreshments will also be provided.