Friday, February 7, 2014
Scheme will go Dutch
APIONEERINGWelsh project that prepares offenders to find jobs in recycling and other green businesses has been so successful that it is to be devel- oped in Holland. Offenders on the Green
Employability project set up by Wales Probation have been involved incommunity payback work placements at green sec- tor organisations such asGD Environment inNewport. Ninety-nine out of the 126
offenders on the project have gone on to gain vital skills, experience and accredited qualificationsmaking them more employable. Rosa Palmer, greenmentor
coordinator atWales Probation, said: “I’m honoured the project has received this level of attention.” It has been adopted by other Probation Trusts includingMerseyside, Devon and Cornwall. Marco Bal,Holland Probation
lead onemployment, said: “I have seen first hand howwell the projectworks inWales and it is something Iwould like to develop in Holland.”
southwalesargus.co.uk
£23million given for Gwent regeneration
TWO Gwent councils have successfully bid for £23mil- lion of regeneration cash which could see new jobs and homes built in the region. Torfaen and Newport coun- cils were among 11 local au- thorities that were successful in bidding for the £100million Vibrant and Viable Places pot from the Welsh Government which will be spent over three years. Newport is to be grant-
ed close to £15million for schemes that aim to create 600 jobs, build as many as 420 inner-city homes and up- grade 160. The housing-led bid for the Communities First central area of the city is aimed at tackling vacant properties, community disadvantages and housing shortfalls. It is hoped that the projects will help 850 people gain work-based learning and skills opportunities. Bob Bright, Newport coun-
cil leader, said: “This is great news for Newport and another positive step in our work to regenerate our city. With key projects under way, the face of Newport really is
ByDavid Deans Politics Reporter 01633 777248
dde2@southwalesargus.co.uk Twitter@ArgusDDeans
changing, and this additional money will further support our efforts.” Meanwhile, Torfaen has
won £8.2million for a £80mil- lion package of regeneration projects which will need fur- ther funding from private and public sources, including the EU. Possible projects include refurbishing properties for residential and commercial use in Pontypool, a ‘Canal- side Quarter’ near Cwmbran town centre and a transport interchange at Pontypool and New Inn station. Bob Wellington, Torfaen council leader, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding which repre- sents a significant regen- eration opportunity for us in Torfaen. Our officers will now meet with Welsh govern- ment over the next few weeks to discuss the next steps for- ward.”
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NEWS IN BRIEF The legion is
recruiting troops CHILDRENcan have a go at being a soldier at theNational Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. FromFebruary 24-28, 11am- 4pm, children can have a go at sword practice andmarching before receiving a certificate. For details call 02920 573550 or
visitmuseumwales.ac.uk
Family activities
FAMILY activities will run from February 22 untilMarch 1, 11am-3pm, at TredegarHouse. Normal admission charges apply, but there is no extra fee. Call TredegarHouse Office on 01633 815880 or e-mail trede
gar@nationaltrust.org.uk
Business tips
FUNDING: Cash will be spent to help create jobs and build new homes in Newport’s inner city
INSPIRATIONAL speakers will be atCwmbran Stadium on February 19 from9am. Lisa-Marie Brown from Pinkspiration and Jo Draper fromFighting Fit will talk about running a business, while Bev Garside fromEmpower will share tips on growing in a recession. To book a place visit
sent2014.torfaen.gov.uk
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