PEOPLE in Risca and Pontymister are welcoming being named as a “principal town” in a new council action plan - hoping it will bring needed investment.

The council has adopted a plan which will be considered as guidance to future building and regeneration in Risca town centre and surrounding areas.

The plan states that “Risca/Pontymister is a main centre for services in this district.

“The possibility exists to restructure the town centre, attract inward investment and improve the attractiveness of the area”.

Caerphilly County Borough Council already had a Local Development Plan setting out where building should happen over the coming years.

The new document looks at how Risca and Pontymister can benefit from natural assets nearby, such as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and Cwmcarn Forest, as well as looking at how to attract funding.

Graham Read, 67, from Pontymister, said: “Risca could be a cracking place, it really could. The canal is a great asset, the new library is fantastic and the mountain walks are good. The town centre isn’t bad although a few shops have gone and the parks are quite nice.

“But I would like to see the council invest in the children here if they’re going to do anything. Where are the community centres? There used to be a couple of youth centres in Risca.”

Councillor Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and sustainable development, said: “With its key strategic location on the A467 and railway links to Cardiff, Newport and beyond, Risca and Pontymister has the potential to be a destination of choice for future investment. This plan will go towards providing a framework for future regeneration, as well as supporting bids for aid.”

Members adopted the Risca and Pontymister Town Centre Action Plan during a council meeting on June 10.