“It is time we stopped accepting being second best. We need to get rid of the culture of dependency and apathy and build a spirit of ambition, self reliance and enterprise”.
This was the rallying call issued by Cllr Ron Davies, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, at a key regeneration conference held this week.
Cllr Davies was addressing delegates at the first Regeneration Forum to be held at Penallta House council offices in Ystrad Mynach.
He continued, “The current economic climate makes our shared priorities all the more difficult, but also all the more important to achieve. The council’s Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan, launched earlier this year, is our blueprint for the future and sets out the priorities for the next five years with a focus on our ‘People, Businesses and Places.’
“Now, more than ever, there is a clear need for a sustained partnership approach to regeneration across the whole area,” he added. “We need a multi-agency and multi-departmental approach, working closely with partners and communities to maximise the value of every pound and hour spent.”
Over recent years the Caerphilly county borough has benefitted from a range of ambitious regeneration schemes that are helping to transform the whole area. Communities such as New Tredegar, Bargoed, Newbridge, Blackwood and Caerphilly have seen major improvements thanks to the drive and ambition of all the partners involved who are working towards a shared aim.
The Regeneration Forum will provide an opportunity for all organisations with an interest in the regeneration of the Caerphilly County Borough to be updated on projects and initiatives, to share information and contribute to debate on regeneration topics.
Other speakers at the event included Dr Tim Peppin from the WLGA and Anthony O’Sullivan, CCBC’s new Chief Executive.
