“New Welsh Government loan fund could tackle town centre eye sores” says Cynon Valley AM

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has welcomed the announcement of the next £10 million phase of the Welsh Labour Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Strategy, which aims to promote town centre regeneration across Wales.

12 local authorities will benefit from the fund, including Rhondda Cynon Taf, which will receive £860,000 for a loan fund which will be open to third party applicants to redevelop vacant properties in Aberdare and Pontypridd.

The money will work on a recyclable loan basis, so after it has been repaid the money is once again available to fund new loans to further improve town centre premises.

Welsh Labour Communities Secretary Carl Sargeant AM said:-

“This funding will help Local Authorities regenerate their town centres by helping them find sustainable uses for empty sites and premises.

“As well as making town centres more attractive places to live this loan scheme will help encourage investment into these areas as well as support the local economy”.

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells said:-

“This additional funding from the Welsh Labour Government shows its continued commitment to improving town centres in communities across Wales.

“I am delighted that RCT Council will be working with the Welsh Government in this innovative and sustainable manner to deal with empty premises in Aberdare.

“This will be a positive benefit for both new and existing businesses, and will make our town centres better places to live, visit and work”.