WIREDGOV

Finance Minister Jane Hutt yesterday celebrated the unveiling of Treharris Square following a £4.3m Welsh Government EU investment package to breathe new life into the area.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council hosted a day of celebrations, including a Christmas market, to mark a key milestone in the regeneration of villages across Taff Bargoed. The square will be used as a focal point for events to bring local people and businesses together.

The centre of Treharris has already benefited from renovations to the bus station, footpaths, road surfaces and street lighting. A scheme providing financial assistance to help businesses make improvements to their commercial properties is also enhancing the character of the town.

Amongst those attending the opening ceremony were school children from Edwardsville Primary School and the Mayor of Merthyr, Cllr Graham Davies.

The improvements to Treharris town centre are being led by Merthyr Council with support from  the Welsh Government including through the European Regional Development Fund, Heads of the valleys programme and Targeted Match Fund as well as the Council’s own funding.

Finance Minister Jane Hutt said:

“This is another positive example of how EU Funds, and our membership of the EU, benefits Wales.  I am pleased to see how EU Funds are making a difference, building an environment in which communities and businesses can thrive.”

During her visit the Minister also met some of the local business who are set to benefit from the project through refurbishments to their premises to attract more people and boost prosperity in the area.

Councillor Chris Barry, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said:

“Situated on the Palace Cinema site, this pedestrian friendly square will serve as a unique centrepiece in the centre of the village that can accommodate special events, provide an environment for a civilised interaction between drivers and pedestrians and will put the centre of Treharris back onto people's agenda as a place to socialise and a place where things happen in the village.”

EU projects have already assisted over 478,400 participants, of which 157,800 have been supported to gain qualifications and over 53,660 helped into work. In addition, over 23,550 (gross) jobs and some 7,600 enterprises have been created.