Cynon AM supports call for A465 improvements to bring wider benefits

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has supported calls from Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services Alun Davies AM that the benefits of the dualling of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road must be maximised, so that communities along the route enjoy real improvements.

The Cabinet Secretary, who also chairs the Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys, stressed the point at a high-level meeting attended by experts from business, house building and the public sector, the Industrial Communities Alliance and the Bevan Foundation.

Alun Davies AM said:

“The A465 – the Heads of the Valleys road – is one of the key east-west strategic links in Wales and is an international gateway for our economy in South Wales.

“We are working to make the most of the opportunities from this, building on the Valleys Taskforce’s ambitious plans, including a commitment to close the employment gap between the South Wales Valleys and the rest of Wales.

“This means ensuring projects like this include employment and training opportunities for the local community and that Welsh companies can compete for sub-contracts. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy Ken Skates has also been clear through the new Economic Action Plan that he wants to see more public investment with a social purpose of this kind in the Welsh economy over the next few years.”

Vikki Howells AM added:

“I am pleased that the Welsh Government have put on the record their recognition of the importance of the Heads of the Valleys road to the Welsh economy, and to communities like mine in Cynon Valley in particular.

“It is also very welcome that they are working to make sure areas like Cynon get the greatest possible benefit from the dualling, and that they are engaging with stakeholders to get the best possible solutions to achieve this.

“The A465 is the vital road link for the northern-most part of my constituency, and with innovative proposals like the Cynon Gateway, and plans for the former Tower site, we stand a really good chance of boosting prosperity and economic growth.”