HOV March 10.Indd

HEADS of the VALLEYS programme (HOVP) MARCH 2010 £8 million green energy boost for Welsh communities £100k to £300k per project to support the produce lower carbon emissions. development of community based renewable energy schemes such as wind, biomass and “This will benefit these organisations hydro power. through reduced fuel costs as well as provide the opportunity to secure a sustainable The funding will enable 22 social enterprises income which can be used to employ staff, to install innovative technology to generate provide energy efficiency and fuel poverty electricity which they can then use, or sell advice, as well as other vital services, to to the National Grid, providing an on-going their communities.” source of income. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) will manage Cwmclydach Development Trust In addition, smaller grants of up to £3,000 the project on behalf of the Welsh Assembly hydropower project will be available to help communities Government. undertake feasibility studies into potential Over £8 million will be made available to renewable energy schemes followed by Helen Northmore, Head of the EST help community organisations in Wales grants of up to £20,000 to help them develop Wales, added, “The Community Scale invest in new technology to generate clean, their projects. Renewable Energy Generation project in renewable energy. Wales will provide a great deal of support The investment will also focus on addressing to community groups. The programme Environment Minister Jane Davidson the skills needed in the labour market will allow community groups to generate made the announcement during a visit to sustain a low carbon economy and is renewable electricity in their area, helping to the Cwmclydach Development Trust expected to create up to 22 new jobs. communities reduce their emissions and in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where a project is tackle climate change. The support on hand being developed to generate electricity from Ms Davidson said, “It is an integral part from Development Officers and the grant hydropower. of our One Wales agenda to cut carbon funding available will be invaluable to the emissions and invest in the development of community groups and it will provide the The Welsh Assembly Government initiative locally based renewable energy solutions. support network they need from the initial is backed with over £7 million from the The Community Scale Renewable Energy outset to fully establishing themselves European Regional Development Fund and Generation project will help realise this as a social enterprise to installing the will generate an investment of £15 million. ambition, driving forward the way in technology. No other programme in Wales which social enterprises can harness the offers this level of support and the benefits The Community Scale Renewable Energy opportunities presented by generating their to communities across Wales will be Generation project will provide finance of own electricity using technologies that invaluable.” Welsh band Lostprophets launch ‘Valleys Homecoming’ Top Welsh band Lostprophets came home from Los Angeles to launch a new phase of the high-profile ‘The Valleys – Heart and Soul of Wales’ campaign. The band kicked off the ‘Valleys Homecoming’ initiative with a private gig at Hawthorn High School, Pontypridd.

Ian Watkins, lead singer of Lostprophets, back and play to a home crowd to said, “After spending a lot of time in a studio celebrate Valleys Homecoming has in LA, we came back to Wales and our roots been fantastic.” to start the second version of this album – our single ‘Where We Belong’ is our love Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred letter to being home. Jones, said at the launch, “Valleys Homecoming is an opportunity for “All of us in the band are extremely proud people to come and see for themselves of the area we’re from. It’s been a great that although the environment of The base from which to write many of our songs. Valleys has changed greatly since the Having toured the world we can honestly say days of coal and steel, local people that there is no place like home and to come have not lost their sense of culture and heritage. My father’s family came from both the Rhymney Valley and the Rhondda and I know how proud Launching the Homecoming campaign they were of what their communities had to offer the rest of Wales. The Valleys today, are planned to showcase the region will always give a warm welcome to visitors and once again put The Valleys firmly on the whether they have links to this area or not.” map. Whether you’re Welsh or you just love Wales, 2010 and the events that are planned Deputy Minister for Housing and present a fantastic year to come home.” Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies, added, “This new decade will see The Valleys playing ‘The Valleys – Heart and Soul of Wales’ is host to some fantastic and world famous a three year campaign led by partnership events providing a wonderful opportunity organisations from the Western Valleys, for people to come and see for themselves Heads of the Valleys and Valleys Partnership. how this area has changed. Events in south The aim is to change perceptions of the Wales such as the National Eisteddfod, Valleys and bring long-term economic The Lostprophets Ryder Cup and music events like this one benefits to the area. Pupils learn about sustainable development Schools solar panel scheme praised by Deputy Minister

Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration has visited Pontlottyn Primary School, near Bargoed, to see its new solar panel system.

Last year, United Welsh Housing Association was given £317,000 from the Welsh Assembly Pupils tour the British Gas Government’s Heads of the Valleys Programme Energy Academy to pay for the fitting of rooftop solar panels to 12 schools in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent. Two hundred 14-16 year olds have taken part Dwr Cymru Welsh Water which helped them in a Construction Skills event to introduce calculate their carbon footprint and discover Ms Davies said, “I am not only impressed with them to sustainable development. more about sustainable use of water the physical elements of this project, but with resources. the commitment of the schools to teach children The event took place on 10-11 February at about climate change. Even more important the British Gas Energy Academy in Tredegar. Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for are the practical lessons that will result in Housing and Regeneration said, “There is families understanding the issues and doing The teenagers were given a tour of some excellent work being undertaken in what they can to increase energy efficiency and the training facility, viewed a series of the Heads of the Valleys to support the Welsh reduce waste in their own homes. Energy bills demonstration buildings showing the Assembly Government’s commitment to will not only be reduced in schools, but also for development of energy conservation sustainable development. Over the next few individual families.” over the last fifty years and learnt how years the housing stock in parts of Wales microgeneration could help to reduce their will be refurbished to meet carbon reduction Jane Davidson, Environment Minister, added, carbon footprint in the future. The Heads of targets. This will help us to maintain our “One of our key One Wales’ aims is to cut carbon the Valleys Programme has supported such commitment to reducing fuel poverty and emissions and invest in the development of Construction Skills events for the past 2 meeting our targets on microgeneration. locally based renewable energy solutions. This years. project is an excellent example of this and will “The Arbed programme, which addresses help us to meet this ambition. It will benefit the Over the last year the Heads of the Valleys our ambitions to reduce climate change schools through reduced fuel costs and provide Programme has worked with partners to and to eradicate fuel poverty by installing the opportunity to show pupils, parents and explore microgeneration, water conservation insulation and microgeneration in public staff renewable energy in action.” and how houses will be designed built and housing stock, is a key driver for improving refurbished in the future. housing conditions for the twenty-first The first schools to benefit from the project century, and programmes like this help to are Pontlottyn Primary School and Heolddu A presentation detailing the work being raise awareness amongst young people.” Comprehensive School. Surveys for the undertaken in south Wales to improve energy remaining 10 schools are underway and all conservation in older Valleys properties was Ian Clarke, Centre Manager for British Gas installation work will be completed by April. also given to the youngsters by the Building added, “It is vitally important that young Research Establishment [BRE]. people learn about the ways in which we, The aim of the project is to help the schools as a utility company, can help to reduce the to reduce their carbon footprint and as an They also learnt about a prize winning low impact of fossil fuels. These young people education tool to boost low carbon learning. carbon house designed by Bere Architects will have gained a better understanding of A partnership has been created between which could set a standard for modern the efforts being made to manage energy Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent Councils, United housing building in the years ahead, and use for the future.” Welsh and Solar Century - which has developed took part in an interactive programme from a schools programme - Solar4Schools. Local businesses reach the million mark with help from HOVIP

More than 250 local businesses have obtained over £1million in new orders and other financial benefits with the help of the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Fund (HOVIP).

The achievement has been made in the last for HoV Innovation Award winners and 21 months alone and has also contributed to entrants. the safeguarding of 522 jobs in a challenging economic climate. HOVIP and the Welsh Assembly Government have also jointly assisted One of the businesses to benefit from the Rhymney Brewery to source the assistance of HOVIP is Aberfanturning funding required to relocate and which constructs hand crafted pens and construct a new brewery and visitor desk equipment from wood. centre adjacent to Big Pit in Blaenavon.

As a result of being mentored by a HOVIP This will enable the brewery to expand representative, the company has been able and initiate a reciprocal licensing deal Rhymney Brewery toasting success to gain access to corporate markets and with an Australian brewer, whilst developing of the Valleys’ councils, partners such as the pens are now sold in the 5* Celtic Manor as a tourist attraction to further benefit the Welsh Assembly Government and Cardiff Resort. region. University and sponsors such as BT, HSBC, South Wales Chamber of Commerce, KTS Aberfanturning also won ‘Most Innovative Phil Burkhard, manager of HOVIP, said, Owens Thomas, University of Wales and Pitch’ at a recent Turning Heads Club “Our businesses are fortunate to benefit Cardiff-based Capital Law and Equinox PR.” event, HOVIP’s regional business network from the combined support of the five Heads Transforming education in the Heads of the Valleys

Over £110 million of Welsh Assembly A brand new Merthyr Tydfil Tertiary College Government funding has been set aside to will be constructed with bigger and better transform the opportunities and prospects facilities for full and part-time learners, and for young people, local residents and a new University building created as part of businesses in the Heads of the Valleys the introduction of a new Learning Quarter region. in the heart of the town.

The funding will support three major UHOVI is working with Blaenau Gwent education projects – University Heads of Council and Merthyr Tydfil Council in Students will benefit from investment the Valleys Institute (UHOVI - a partnership partnership with Merthyr Tydfil College, between the University of Glamorgan and Coleg Gwent, secondary schools and its improving transport infrastructure are the University of Wales Newport), the training companies. The project will provide widely recognised. We have a great chance Merthyr Tydfil Learning Quarter and the new Glamorgan and Newport University to invest now in new opportunities for our Blaenau Gwent Learning Works. courses in community venues, workplaces young people. The Heads of the Valleys and at colleges from 2010. education vision is all about working in The projects aim to provide new learning partnership to create a better future for our and skills opportunities and better local There will be public consultation about younger generation.” facilities in order to meet the local business the nature of the proposed changes over needs for skilled staff, attract employers the coming months giving local people the Julie Lydon, UHOVI Project Leader, and create new jobs in the region. chance to comment on the plans and play an speaking on behalf of universities and the exciting part in reshaping education in the colleges involved, added, “Learning has an In Blaenau Gwent the £112 million Learning Heads of the Valleys area. enormous role to play in the regeneration Works initiative will provide a new state- strategy in the Heads of the Valleys. This is of-the-art Learning Zone for all 16 plus Councillor Jeff Edwards, Leader of Merthyr about connecting and organising learning education, including a range of university Tydfil County Borough Council and Councillor in a whole new way. We intend to show the courses. It will also include new primary and Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent difference that universities and colleges secondary school provision, a replacement County Borough Council, jointly stated, “The can make to services, investment and the special school, children family centre, economic potential of the region, its fantastic economy, when they work together with sports centre and performing arts centre. assets in terms of natural environment and others in the region.”

Funding will help Vegetable Box Scheme continue to grow

An innovative food co-operative in Torfaen lifestyle education through the growing and those without transport, lone parents and has developed a distribution centre and eating of fruit and vegetables. This includes a the elderly. Being able to buy healthy food at growing area after receiving funding from local mother’s group who are weaning their affordable prices can make a big difference the Heads of the Valleys Programme. babies from milk onto the fresh produce. in the area, which currently has high levels of heart disease, with 55 per cent of residents A grant of £25,000 has allowed ‘Growing the Separate funding has been used to upgrade overweight or obese.” Veg Box’ to transform a derelict building in a kitchen at the distribution centre for use Garndiffaith into a training and distribution as a training room, and this will allow the Manager of the Garnsychan Partnership, centre surrounded by 12 raised beds for scheme to provide educational classes of Emma Cambray-Stacey, added, “A key growing fruit and vegetables. how to cook nourishing foods on a budget objective of the Vegetable Box scheme and as well as raise awareness of healthy eating. the new growing station is that local people The not-for-profit scheme, which is will be encouraged to take part in more managed by the Garnsychan Partnership, Jocelyn Davies, Welsh Assembly physical activity through gardening and the currently sells upwards of 350 boxes of fruit Government Deputy Minister for Housing growing of fruit and vegetables. In addition and vegetables to Torfaen residents and and Regeneration, said, “This funding will they will learn how a social business schools each week. help the expansion of this exciting project, enterprise is run which will help them in which is the only one of its kind in Torfaen. gaining confidence and relevant skills that The development will allow the scheme to Local residents had previously had limited they can use in obtaining new employment.” extend its work with community groups to access to fresh fruit and vegetables at the encourage physical activity and healthy top part of the Eastern Valley, especially

Bargoed town centre receives major boost Bargoed. This package of European funding The money will fund a range of regeneration will be invested to revitalise the town centre, work within Bargoed including the construction increasing its accessibility and complementing of a new bus station, improved pedestrian the new major retail, leisure and commercial zones and enhanced public open spaces within developments being undertaken as part of the the main high street. wider regeneration programme.

The £8.3 million includes £3.2 million from the The scheme is led by Caerphilly County Borough European Regional Development Fund and £2.5 Council (CCBC) and aims to create a more million of Targeted Match Funding through the attractive environment and an easily accessible (l-r) Andrew Highway, Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Welsh Assembly Government. It is also made transport hub that will provide access to jobs in Cllr Dave Carter, Cllr Ron Davies, Jocelyn up of Urban Renewal funding from Caerphilly the wider region and reduce traffic congestion. Davies AM and Cllr Dianne Price County Borough Council as well as a Transport Grant and Heads of the Valleys Programme Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC Cabinet Member for Deputy Minister for Housing and funding which has already been secured Regeneration and Countryside said, “We are Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies, has visited through the Welsh Assembly Government. delighted to receive this welcome news from Bargoed town centre to announce an £8.3 the Welsh Assembly Government that will million funding package that will help give Announcing the funding Jocelyn Davies said, enable Caerphilly County Borough Council to the town centre a major boost. “Today’s announcement is excellent news for secure a bright future for Bargoed. Rhondda residents save their energy The scheme is running on a first come, first served basis and is open to all private homeowners or landlords, no matter where they live in the area or how much they earn.

Funding has also been secured from the Heads of the Valleys Programme to offer the installations for just £74 in each of the other wards situated in the Heads of the Valleys region.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing, said: “Residents usually pay Mark Group Partnership Director Martin Corry with anything from £150 upwards for loft or wall Councillors Paul Cannon and Robert Bevan insulation, so we are really pleased with Heat and Save. The fact a local authority Residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf are being subsidised ‘Heat and Save’ scheme, which has joined forces with an energy partner to offered the opportunity to have energy is one of the first of its kind in the UK. offer subsidised prices means this scheme and money-saving insulation measures is one of the first of its kind and we are installed in their homes at massively The Council have allocated funding to allow pleased to be leading the way when it comes reduced prices. the first 1600 properties to receive either to supporting our residents to insulate their loft or cavity wall insulation at a cost of just homes, thereby improving housing stock, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council £74 each. In addition to reducing energy reducing energy usage and fuel bills.” Council and nationwide company Mark consumption the measures can also have a Group have joined forces to launch the dramatic impact on fuel bills. Double Lottery success for Merthyr Tydfil

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has and utilise the local network of walking and facilities to the County Borough.” had a successful start to the year, having cycling trails. secured funding from the Big Lottery Mr Malcolm Brown, Chairman of Town Fund’s People and Places Programme and The grant for Cyfartha Park will enable the and Park Communities First and Key the Heritage Lottery Fund. development of projects that have been representative of the Friends of Cyfarthfa identified in a Conservation Management Group, added, “The Friends of Cyfarthfa are Over £321,000 has been awarded from the Plan, which was put together in conjunction extremely excited at the prospect that, we, Big Lottery Fund to develop a number of with the Friends of Cyfarthfa Park group. the people of Merthyr Tydfil who our group environment and heritage activities at Parc represents, will see the restoration of our Taf Bargoed, whilst a further development These works will involve the repair and rich heritage for our future generations grant of over £100,000 has been approved by conservation of key historic features of our town and, for the many people who the Heritage Lottery Fund for the continued throughout the park and compliment recent return from many parts of the world to visit conservation and restoration of Cyfarthfa initiatives, funded through the Heads of the the area where their ancestors were born.” Park. Valleys Programme, to increase visitor and tourist potential of the park. The funding for Parc Taf Bargoed will go towards extending the existing Parc Pavilion Tony Rogers, Deputy Leader of Merthyr to establish a Heritage, Environment and Tydfil County Borough Council, said of Visitor Centre, creating three new full-time the scheme at Parc Taf Bargoed, “This is jobs, and improving the nature activities on wonderful news which will bring benefits offer at the site. and opportunities to the people of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough. It will attract visitors It will also fund a pilot project aimed at from afar to enjoy our wonderful countryside increasing children’s involvement in parks, and is yet another fine example of the good through informal play and encouraging work being carried out by the Council to members of the local community to access secure investments to bring 21st century Cyfartha Castle

To find out more please visit our website - www.wales.gov.uk/ headsofthevalleys If you have a story suggestion please email [email protected]

The Heads of the Valleys Programme is a 15 year regeneration project to make the region an increasingly successful and attractive area for people to live, work and play. Led by the Welsh Assembly Government, the initiative is working with local authorities and many other organisations to benefit communities in Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. A total of £140 million investment has been ring fenced for the region and will be used to stimulate regeneration, economic growth, and environmental improvements. This money is in addition to the funding already made in the area by the Assembly Government, councils and other organisations and will act as a catalyst to attract other funding and private sector investment.