THE Welsh Secretary David Jones yesterday commended regeneration projects in Ebbw Vale on a visit to the town.

Mr Jones joined Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith on a visit to a site at Rassau Industrial Estate planned for the Circuit of Wales project, which aims to bring professional motor racing to the Valleys and which is awaiting planning permission.

The scheme is set to create 9,000 jobs.

He later visited the General Offices at the former Ebbw Vale steelworks site, known as the Works which includes a new hospital and the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone.

Mr Jones said: “The Works in particular is a stellar example of a sustainable approach to regeneration and is a credit to the workforce in Blaenau Gwent. The whole project development has had the community at its heart, providing long-term jobs and areas for recreation, combined with environmental improvements and sustainable economic development.

“It’s important that regeneration projects invest in giving people a better quality of life and enhance the environment.”