A plan to create thousands of new jobs in the Valleys and help people gain new skills has been unveiled.
Called ‘Our Valleys, Our Future’, the high-level action plan has been published by the Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys.
The taskforce, which was set up last year, is led by Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language Minister Alun Davies AM.
Mr Davies said: “Our Valleys, Our Future is not simply a plan for the Valleys. It is a plan from the Valleys.
“From the start, I have been clear this taskforce will not be another case of the government deciding what is right for the Valleys. If we are to succeed, local communities and local people must be at the heart of our work.”
Our Valleys, Our Future sets out a range of aims and actions in each of the three priority areas, including getting an extra 7,000 people into work by 2021 and creating thousands of new, fair, secure and sustainable jobs.
The taskforce was set up a year ago to work with communities and local businesses across the South Wales Valleys to deliver lasting economic change in the region; to create good-quality jobs closer to people’s homes, improve skill levels and bring prosperity to all.
The taskforce will work to maximise job opportunities in the local economy – businesses such as retail, care and the food industry. It will also encourage and provide support for existing and potential entrepreneurs.
It will also explore the concept of a Valleys Landscape Park to help local communities build on their many natural assets, including the potential for community energy generation and tourism.
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney Assembly Member Dawn Bowden has welcomed the plan.
The Labour member said: “I am delighted with the work undertaken by the Valleys Taskforce over the last 12 months and am particularly pleased that the action plan has been drawn up following wide scale consultation with local communities and businesses.”