Heads of the Valleys set to
Reverse Generations of Decline
Embargo 1.00am 4 February 2008
New population and socio-economic trends, to be revealed at an IWA
conference on the Valleys in Hirwaun this coming Thursday, reveal
hope that nearly a century of decline is finally being arrested.
“The trends show that a steep decline in population of recent
decades has been slowed over the past five years which, if continued,
provides evidence of a rejuvenation,” said IWA Director John
Osmond. “The change is almost certainly due to lower house prices
at the top end of the Valleys making them more attractive to low income
families and first-time buyers.
“The key challenge now is to devise regeneration policies that
build on the strengths of the Heads of the Valleys in other respects.
Certainly they should have a competitive advantage in being so close
to the Brecon Beacons National Park.
“This should make them desirable, not just as a tourist destination
but as a place to live and work as well.”
The IWA’s conference has proved so popular, with more than 150
attending, that the venue has had to be moved from Tredegar to the
Ty Newydd Country Hotel in Hirwaun. “This new venue, on the
edge of the National Park, is proving highly symbolic for the themes
of the conference,” said Mr Osmond.
Keynote speakers at the conference, being held on Thursday 7 February
are Cardiff University economist Professor Kevin Morgan, Minister
for Economic Development and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones, and the Minister
for Regeneration Leighton Andrews.
The Valleys comprise the largest long-lasting regeneration region
in the world. They were first established as an area for economic
assistance by the Special Areas Act in 1934. More than 70 years later
the region has changed greatly but problems addressed by the Act persist:
unemployment and economic inactivity; under-developed communications;
bad housing; poor health; and low skills levels.
“The key question we’re asking is: how can policy-makers
and Valleys residents make a psychological breakthrough to enable
people to envisage a different but viable future for the Heads of
the Valleys,” said Mr Osmond.
For more information contact John Osmond, Director, Institute of
Welsh Affairs: (029) 20 666 606 / 029 20 709318 johnosmond@iwa.org.uk
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