Play parks to receive £1m boost

Kick-about parks and games areas will be built

Playgrounds, kick-about parks and games areas in one of the most deprived areas of Wales are to be transformed.

A total of £1.25m has been earmarked for Neath Port Talbot by the Welsh Assembly.

But there is a June deadline on completing all the works in the area.

I'm delighted, it's a big plus in the community

Alun Thomas, councillor

A total of 30 projects in 16 specially-designated Communities First wards will see leisure facilites for young people either being improved or created.

Neath Port Talbot has 16 wards, or sub-wards, within the list of 100 most-deprived ward districts in Wales.

Councillor Alun Thomas, who was born and brought up in Pantyffordd, said it is the first time money for a youth sports area has been earmarked for the ward.

He said: "Pantyffordd has never had any facility like this - ever.

"It is a big step forward, it's a big investment and I hope it will be welcomed."

Council go-ahead

Youngsters have been giving their views about what they want in the borough on Communities First groups and youth forums.

And ward members at Neath Port Talbot Council, who met on Wednesday, gave the green light to projects which will have the maximum impact on the community.

Half a million pounds will be spent on playground refurbishment at 14 sites and another £500,000 will go on eight recreation facilities.

The rest of the money will be spent on improved access to playgrounds, bus facilities and better street lighting.

Cllr Thomas's Onllwyn ward, which includes Pantyffordd, will have a sheltered youth area and a multi-sports/skateboarding area built plus an astroturf refurbishment.

He said: "When I was young we played football or cricket on every spare bit of ground but it's totally different now.

"Youngsters want facilities now," he added.

Cllr Thomas said he was sure the communities across the area will welcome the new projects on their door-steps.

Youngsters' future

He added: "I'm a firm believer in not knocking young people, I'm a firm believer they are our future."

"I'm delighted, it's a big plus in the community," he added.

Play equipment, skate parks and multi-use games area are also being funded in a raft of improvements.

Noel Crowley, leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: "It means every ward, which has been designated a community first area in the county borough, will benefit from the new facilities that this money will bring.

"It is important that work gets underway quickly so that it will be completed before the end of June deadline set by the assembly."