8. What action is the Welsh Government taking to regenerate the economy of the Afan Valley? OAQ53624

Our broad approach to economic development in the Afan valley and across Wales is set out in the economic action plan, but can I just say that I very much welcome the news yesterday concerning planning permission for the Afan valley adventure resort?

Thank you for that answer, First Minister, and you've taken part of my question already. As you might be aware, the Afan valley has some of the most deprived areas in Wales and its economy has been hit because of loss of jobs and businesses up there. Now, as you rightly point out, I'd like to congratulate the Neath Port Talbot council on its decision to approve the outline application for the Afan valley resort, a project that is going to bring excitement to the community. It's intended to use local businesses and local people in employment. So, it’s going to, hopefully, regenerate the valley in one aspect of it, and the neighbouring Llynfi valley as well. But that project is also based upon an activity-centred resort. One of the biggest activities we can have is cycling, and as you well know, the Afan valley also has the connection between the Rhondda tunnel, which connects both valleys and the Rhondda valley through it. But there’s a big question on ownership of that tunnel still to be resolved so that they can actually seek funding opportunities to actually get that project under way, because that would be a huge attraction linked into the Afan valley resort. Now, Highways England still is the owner of that tunnel. What discussions are you having with both Highways England and the local authorities to take ownership of that tunnel so that we can get on with our project?

I believe that discussions are ongoing. Indeed, they are involving my friend and colleague's officials—the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism. I think, with regard to both the Afan valley adventure resort and the Rhondda tunnel, they both have great potential to be sustainable business opportunities. But, in addition, I am pleased to be able to say to the Member that, since April 2015, the Welsh Government, through Business Wales, has supported almost 1,000 enterprises in Neath Port Talbot. The exact figure is 980. That's generated a combined investment of £7.4 million and £33.8 million in exports and it's created more than 678 new jobs and more than 161 new enterprises. So, our support for my colleague's area is assured, and we will go on working with the supporters and promoters of the Rhondda tunnel and the Afan valley adventure resort in order to make sure that they are viable propositions.