WIREDGOV

Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt has recently visited Merthyr as part of her Budget Tour 2015 to see first hand how Welsh Government and EU funds are benefitting the town and its people.

This year’s ‘Investing in the Wales we want’ Budget Tour has seen the Minister visiting communities across Wales over the last few months to hear views and experiences of frontline public services staff on the Welsh Government’s budget and investment priorities.  

During her visit to Merthyr, the Minister visited Marigold Close a social housing development in Gurnos, which has received £1.6m of Welsh Government Funding, and met some of its residents.  The scheme, which has been developed by Merthyr Valley Homes, has already seen 16 flats, 2 houses and 3 bungalows built, with a further 6 houses set to be completed by February 2016.  

The Minister also visited Bike Park Wales, a £5m scheme supported by EU and Welsh Government funding.  Based in Gethin Woods, Bike Park Wales is the UK’s first full scale mountain bike park and has already seen visitors from around the world come to South Wales to enjoy its first class facilities. The Park has created a number of jobs whilst providing a wider economic boost to the area.

Finance Minister said recently:  

“In the current financial climate, we are facing very difficult decisions on how we manage further cuts to our Budget.  My Budget Tour provides me with the opportunity to gain an insight into the issues and experiences facing people and to see how the money we are investing is supporting businesses, communities and people across Wales.

“In Merthyr today, I was able to see first hand how our investment and EU funding is benefiting the town and its citizens.  I was delighted to visit  Marigold Close, a social housing development, and meet some of its residents.  The scheme is an excellent example of how our funding is helping housing associations and local authorities support the many affected by the UK Government’s bedroom tax.  It has also provided a boost to the local economy, providing jobs and 5 apprenticeship opportunities for people in the local area.”

“European Funding is making a real difference to Merthyr.  With the support of EU funds, BikePark Wales has become the first large scale commercial bike park in the UK and is a first class venue.  It is a priority for us that EU funds are invested in projects that create jobs and growth, and it is clear that BikePark Wales is helping not only to raise the profile of South Wales as a mountain biking and cycling destination but also to attract visitors and further investment to the area.”