8. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services: The Valleys Regional Park

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:42 pm on 16 October 2018.

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Photo of Alun Davies Alun Davies Labour 5:42, 16 October 2018

Presiding Officer, all discussions about the Valleys of south Wales must include a discussion on Neath. It is absolutely essential that we pay attention to the history and the culture of that fantastic place. Let me say this: I visited Cefn Coed, I understand the issues—I hope I understand some of the issues there—and we do need to look at how we ensure that Government works together across all different portfolios and changing portfolios to ensure that we deliver for people.

Now, one of the issues I want to address over the coming weeks and months is to put together a structure of delivery in place. We have a prospectus being launched today, we have the concept being launched today and what we need to do now is to ensure that we have the governance in place and a delivery structure in place that will enable us to make it a reality and that is what we'll be working on next. And certainly, the issues around the community and ensuring that community groups are able to be a part of that is absolutely essential and it will be a litmus test, as I've already said, for how we will seek to deliver this concept.