Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister for Wales, Lesley Griffiths, has announced £1,997,000 for six regeneration projects across Wales that will create jobs and boost economic growth.

The Vibrant and Viable places funding will be used to help tackle poverty, increase housing supply and improve community facilities.

The £2 million will be shared between Newport, Neath Port Talbot, Blaenau Gwent, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham councils to fund key regeneration projects.

These include £485,000 that will bring empty properties back into use on Commercial Street in Newport. A £500,000 investment will help for the purchase a piece of land in the heart of Pontypridd Town Centre to be developed into shops and new homes

Another £500,000 will be invested towards the major redevelopment of Burrows Yard, a 4 acre piece of land just outside Port Talbot town centre

Lesley Griffiths said: “This substantial additional funding is further evidence of how the Welsh Government is committed to regenerating Welsh towns and cities and providing opportunities for the people of Wales.

“These projects will make a real difference to their communities. Many of the projects focus on the regeneration of town centres, which is about a lot more than filling empty shops.

“It is about creating diverse and vibrant town centres which are an attractive place to live, creating jobs and helping to build a strong local economy.”