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Natasha Asghar, who represents the Welsh Conservatives, is one of four regional Senedd Members serving the South Wales East region.

Recently the Conservative Westminster Government announced the latest wave of projects across the UK to receive much-needed cash boosts from its Levelling Up Fund.

And it is fantastic news for South East Wales with three great community projects poised to get nearly £40 million between them.

In particular, Caerphilly is set to benefit greatly from the Conservative Government’s scheme with a whopping £20 million of funding.

This cash will be used to build a new state-of-the-art leisure centre, which will no doubt be a huge community asset for residents in Caerphilly.

The leisure centre, to be built near Caerphilly Business Park, will also boast a fitness suite, active play centre, swimming facilities, a multi-purpose sports hall and space for community groups and other organisations to deliver vital services.

And it’s not just Caerphilly celebrating the fantastic funding announcement as two other areas in South East Wales are poised for big cash injections.

Blaenau Gwent will become home to a new engineering campus for around 600 young people thanks to £9 million investment from Westminster. Around 600 young people will be trained up as the next generation of engineers at the facility, offering them an extensive programme of apprenticeships and industry placements in the area.

A derelict Grade II listed building in Pontypool will be given a new lease of life with the £7.6m awarded through Levelling Up and it was a huge honour to visit the development site to get a real understanding of how this money will benefit the area alongside Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies MP, as the announcement was made.

The building will be transformed into a cultural hub, a block of public toilets in the town will be turned into an eatery and car parking improvements will also be carried out. It is hoped the cash boost will provide a cultural and evening economy – boosting growth in footfall and enticing visitors to the town from far and wide.

Across Wales, 11 projects in total are receiving a share of £208 million – which just highlights the UK Government’s commitment to boosting opportunities here in Wales. 

For comparison, London is receiving £151 million through the Levelling Up Fund which equates to £17.20 per person whereas Wales’ £208 million works out to £67 per head – which is higher than many regions across the UK.

For decades, too many communities have been neglected by Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay and it’s great to see my colleagues at the other end of the M4 stepping up to the plate and delivering for Wales.

Without a doubt, this latest tranche of funding will go a long way in boosting opportunities, creating jobs and levelling up communities all across Wales.

As always, if there is anything I can do to help as your Member of the Welsh Parliament please do not hesitate to email me at Natasha.Asghar@Senedd.Wales.