A VALLEYS town has been handed a massive boost for car parking after clinching a funding package worth a quarter of a million pounds.

Brynmawr was given the money from the Welsh Assembly Government's local regeneration fund and will be used to provide 30 standard car parking spaces and two disabled spaces.

The money received from the Welsh Assembly was match funded by the Welsh Development Agency.

Work will now begin on the new car park at King Street/Worcester Street and will improving parking and access for visitors significantly.

The new car park is part of the town's overall regeneration plans. Sue Ball, of the Brynmawr Town Partnership, said: "At the moment the car parking facilities in the town are pathetic so we welcome this new car park with open arms. We've been fighting for more car spaces for 26 years because there are just not enough, particularly at the top end.

"If people are not able to park in Brynmawr then they will only go elsewhere even though we have some very nice shops here."

Leader of the council Councillor John Hopkins (pictured) said: "We are delighted that this scheme has come to fruition. Parking facilities in the town will be much improved thanks to the addition of this car park. We will be meeting with interested parties to discuss the impact of the scheme on the town.

"Work will begin on the construction of the car park later in the summer when all the legal obligations have been met."

Councillor Olwen Swales, executive member for highways and transport, said: "Improving parking facilities for our town centres is vital for regeneration of our area. There will no doubt be increased visitor numbers to the town centre when the Lakeside development is completed and we must do all we can to ensure we can accommodate them comfortably."

Executive member for economic regeneration Councillor Dennis Owens said: "Regenerating town centres for those living and working in Blaenau Gwent is an important facet of our long-term development plans. Individuals working in and visiting Brynmawr will enjoy improved parking facilities thanks to this funding."