Aberdare resident Colin Barnett has plenty to celebrate due to the town’s £7.7million Regeneration Scheme because he’s secured a job with the contractors after being out of work for a year.
The father-of-two from Aberaman has gained employment with Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd who are carrying out extensive streetscape work throughout Aberdare as part of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council project.
Colin’s role involves receiving deliveries, making sure all stocks are replenished and ensuring the smooth running of getting the necessary supplies to those on site undertaking the works.
As part of the Council regeneration scheme, jobs are being introduced for economically inactive individuals in the County Borough.
Mr Barnett, aged 30 explained, “Not only is the project itself changing Aberdare for the better, but it’s had a direct impact on my life and that of my children. I was unemployed for over a year, so as you can image it’s been a very difficult time.
“The opportunity to find employment with Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd has been fantastic and I’m enjoying the work at the yard with a great group of fellow workers. It really has been a wonderful opportunity and I’m grateful for the ability to work for a living again.”
While many jobs have been lost during the recent economic downturn, the Council’s contractors continue to fulfill their contractual arrangements to employ individuals during the course of the contract.
Now celebrating the six-month anniversary since the regeneration project began, Aberdare is currently benefiting from its largest cash injection of £7.7million thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council securing financial support from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund, Heads of the Valleys Programme and the Targeted Match Fund.
The remainder of the funding package is provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the private sector.
Since August 2011 Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd and design engineers Capita Symonds have been working closely in partnership with the Council as the scheme develops.
The Aberdare Town Centre project includes streetscape improvements that will focus on four key areas: Commercial Street, Canon Street, Victoria Square and Library Square. The improvements will involve new footpaths and carriageways using quality natural stone paving, and new exciting features including walls, benches, steps, quality street furniture and street lighting.
The project also includes town centre property improvements, under the Aberdare Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Townscape Enhancement Programme (TEP). These offer financial support to businesses and property owners to make external and internal building improvements to enhance the quality of the premises and bring disused space back into use.
To date the TEP scheme has approved monies for multi-media company Tantrwm to undertake major refurbishment works to a vacant property on Gadlys Road and the Aberdare Market Company who have been approved funding to carry out repairs and an internal refurbishment to give the vacant Market Tavern a new lease of life.
A total of 70 TEP enquiries have been received resulting in Council officers discussing the funding options available to commercial property owners including 70% funding.
For further details visit www.myaberdare.com
