No Cash for New Pool

1.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Sep 2007

Local AM Mike German has discovered that the Assembly Government has no plans to fund Torfaen's planned redevelopment of the Blaenavon swimming pool site.

In response to a letter from Mr German, Culture Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas revealed that the Government have not offered funding to support the council's plans, and Torfaen Council has not made a request for funding.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Leader Mike said: "I have been working closely with the campaigners who are fighting the redevelopment plans. They were told that Torfaen Council were banking on Heads of the Valleys funding from the Government. I wrote to the Culture Minister to find out for myself.

"His reply makes it clear that there is no offer of Government money. This begs the question, how will Torfaen Council fund their plans for the Blaenavon site? Local people have campaigned hard against the Council's plans. They don't want to see their council tax being used to fund a development they don't want in this location.

"The best decision the Council can make is to fix the existing pool and give local people access to the facilities.

"I would urge the Council to work with the local campaigners to keep the swimming pool open, and listen to the wishes of local people."