12. Will the Minister make a statement on the regeneration of the Severn Valley? OAQ(5)0061(CC)

We’re supporting a range of regeneration activities across the Severn valley. We’ve awarded a recyclable capital town-centre loan to Powys County Council of £1.25 million.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer. The Cabinet Secretary will be aware that the Newtown bypass is developing well, and I’d be very grateful, Cabinet Secretary, if you could let me know how the Welsh Government can support the towns—particularly Newtown, Llanidloes and Welshpool—that sit in the Severn valley to take best advantage of that Newtown bypass once it’s complete.

Indeed, I’m grateful for the Member’s recognition of this Labour administration’s past commitment to the Newtown bypass of around £92 million. But the Member should be very careful of asking for a bypass one minute and then asking for investment in his community the next, when cars will be bypassing his village, I expect, because of the bypass.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary.