3. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services: 'Our Valleys, Our Future' Progress Report

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:26 pm on 10 July 2018.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 3:26, 10 July 2018

Diolch, Llywydd. Cabinet Secretary, I thank you for your statement this afternoon. I very much welcome the taskforce and its ambitions, and I want to see it work. Obviously, I want to be able to see the lessons learned from that apply to all the valleys in south Wales, because, as you know, the Afan valley is not included in your hub areas. You've actually identified the Valleys landscape park as one opportunity, and Vikki Howells has mentioned the Abernant tunnel. The one she didn't mention was the Rhondda to Blaengwynfi tunnel—to ensure that that all works as well.

But there are developments in the Afan valley, which is not included, that have looked at projects that will develop the tourism industry there, with the Afan Valley resort project or the Rhondda tunnel project. These are projects focusing upon bringing tourism in. Will you confirm to me now that, because we're not in the hub areas, we will not be missing out on the opportunities to benefit from the Valleys landscape park, so that we can build into that and work together?