MORE must be done to connect towns in rural areas of Wales with nearby attractions, a Gwent AM has said.

Speaking in the Senedd yesterday, South Wales East AM David Rowlands said he believed Blaenavon was not benefitting from attractions in its immediate area such as Big Pit.

Addressing the Welsh Government’s economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates, the Ukip AM said: “Blaenavon is a World Heritage Site with many thousands of visitor each year enjoying, not only the restored ironworks, but also Big Pitt and Blaenavon railway.

“However, this does not seem to be having the desired effect on the town itself, with many shops on the high street closed.”

Mr Skates replied: “If they are able to work in tandem together, to pool resources, that are very limited, granted, I do believe that there will be opportunities to better advertise those wonderful assets to people who live in the immediate area; but also to enable better transport links and accessibility to both sites.”