A 10 year regeneration project in the Rhondda is drawing to a close after local communities benefited from almost £9.5million of property improvements.

The Treherbert and Tynewydd Neighbourhood Renewal Area (NRA) was declared in November 2002 and the10 year declaration period has now expired and funding has now come to an end with the NRA office closing at the end of March.

The Welsh Government grant funding saw 350 properties receiving improvements by way of Group Repair Schemes or Energy Efficiency Grants for First Time Buyers.

The scheme has also brought about significant environmental improvements included new footways, street-lighting, bus shelters, improvements to parks, car parks and community buildings.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community Safety Cllr Paul Cannon said, “The Neighbourhood Renewal Area was declared in 2002 for a set 10-year period, which has now expired. Throughout this time, the Council has strived to ensure every penny it was given by the Welsh Government via the NRA scheme made a difference to life in these communities.

"This scheme is yet another good example of the commitment we have, as a Council, to make best use of all external funding opportunities offered to us. We work proactively across all our service areas to ensure we identify and secure as much external funding and grant aid as we can, channeling it into tangible regeneration efforts such as this.

“Our work to attract the maximum amount of external funding into the county borough becomes particularly important in the coming years, as the impact of the UK Government’s spending cuts on our own budget continues to hit.”

If you require more information regarding the NRA operation or need to contact the NRA office following its closure please contact invest@rctcbc.gov.uk or telephone 01443 495169 or telephone 01443 495169.