2010 will be year of highs for Blaenau Gwent - council leader (From South Wales Argus)

2010 will be year of highs for Blaenau Gwent - council leader

3:50pm Wednesday 30th December 2009 in News By South Wales Argus Newsdesk

NEXT year is Blaenau Gwent's year according to council leader Des Hillman as the borough looks forward to one of its most important years in recent times.

In 2010, early parts of the council's £300 million flagship project, The Works, will start to open, including the commissioning of the new Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan, the 110 bed hospital which will be the first in Wales where all patients have their own private room.

This will mark the beginning of the overhaul of the former Corus Steelworks site in Ebbw Vale, as well as the opening of the former General Offices, which will be used to house the Gwent records office, a family history and genealogy visitor centre, a digital newspaper archive, photos, maps and films as well as multi-touch surfaces, interactive games and a 3D cinema.

The new Welsh Primary School in Nantyglo will also open next year, an £5.2 million restoration work on Bedwellty House is ongoing.

The focal point of the year will be the arrival of the Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale on July 31 and the week-long festival is expected to bring more than 150,000 people to the borough.

Cllr Hillman said: "Let’s do all we can to make it the terrific success that many already expect it to be – let’s give them a traditional warm Blaenau Gwent welcome."

The transfer of the council's housing stock to social landlord Tai Calon means £111 million will be spent on improving houses across the borough in the next few years and the council hopes work can start of the dualling of the A465 between Tredegar and Brynmawr.

Residents can be a part of the festival by signing up to be a volunteer or steward at the event. Alternatively you can do your bit by making a donation to help fundraisers meet their target. For more information on how to do both visit at www.eisteddfod.org.uk