Maerdy reclamation

I am delighted that the Assembly plans to invest in land reclamation in Maerdy in this financial year.

Last week Assembly Enterprise Minister Andrew Davies told the Assembly’s Enterprise Committee that Phase 2 of the former colliery site is included in his department’s Business Plan for 2006-7

Andrew said:

Phase 1 of the reclamation of the colliery complex (involving the southern colliery area) was undertaken in the 1990s in order to create an industrial development plateau. A master-planning exercise has now been completed and the proposed works will involve the completion of reclamation on the northern section of the former colliery complex.

The completion of reclamation will restore the former colliery surface areas back to a more natural landform and will create amenity areas directly linked with the existing mountain /countryside. The completion of reclamation will remove the final scars of the sites former industrial use in order to assist in the Communities First Partnerships aspirations to create an outdoor pursuits/heritage and tourist related facility which is intended to act as a catalyst for the rejuvenation of Maerdy town centre.

I asked the Minister to clarify what was happening with this funding at an earlier meeting and I am delighted to see that there is provision in the budget for this financial year. I have been working with local Labour councillor Kevin Williams to promote Maerdy’s redevelopment. This is a good example of the benefits of a Labour Assembly Member and Labour councillor working together.

Cllr Kevin Williams says:

It is good news for Maerdy that this funding is included in the Assembly's plans for this financial year. Local residents have ambitious plans for the area.