Neath Port Talbot Council is disappointed to learn that the Welsh Assembly Government will no longer provide funding for the Upper Amman Valley Communities First Partnership.
The cross border partnership, with the Council’s support, has worked hard over the last year to convince the Welsh Assembly Government that funding should continue for another two years in line with other Communities First Partnerships.
Following the announcement this week (26th May) by the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Carl Sargeant, the Council will help the Partnership to close down the operation.
This is expected to be complete in two weeks and it will mean two staff will be made redundant.
Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, Mike James (pictured), said, “It is regrettable that funding for the partnership has been terminated by the Welsh Assembly Government.
“On a more positive note, the Minister has said he will explore other ways of making use of the funding in the local area.
“It is disappointing that the Upper Amman Valley, which includes Lower Brynamman, one of the most deprived wards in the whole of Wales, will be the only Communities First area in South Wales without a functioning partnership or any dedicated resources working in the community.
“The Council looks forward to discussing these issues with the Welsh Assembly Government and other partners, such as Carmarthenshire County Council, given the necessary cross border nature of community regeneration activities in the area.”
