4. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport: Update on the Valleys Taskforce

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:30 pm on 8 December 2020.

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Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour 4:30, 8 December 2020

I've long campaigned for the beautiful Cwmcarn forest drive to be restored for the people of Wales and the world to enjoy. It's a place where I had my only holidays as a small child and where my father has painted since he was a child. So, its revival also, though, is due to the hugely dedicated people of Islwyn, who have campaigned for its restoration over many years now. It's also because of the Labour-run Caerphilly County Borough Council working in partnership with the Welsh Labour Government that it has now been made into an integral part of the Valleys taskforce as a key gateway site in the Valleys regional park. I'm delighted that the Minister was able to announce that we now have a network of Valleys regional park guardians who are at work in each of the discovery sites that act as a gateway to our green spaces.

Last December, Natural Resources Wales announced plans to redevelop eight recreational sites along the seven-mile forest drive in addition to the play areas that included wooden sculptures and sensory tunnels, as well as a number of all-ability trails and new picnic and seating areas. Deputy Llywydd, although the coronavirus pandemic has slowed this work down, it has not stopped it. Earlier this year, extensive work was carried out that included repairs to road services, landscaping, three new play areas, eight waterless toilets and an award-winning official camping site. So, this innovative project culmination will be a key moment for my constituency—a Valleys constituency—for our tourism and hospitality post COVID. And now, Minister, we need, I think, to—