TWO Blaenau Gwent councillors have pooled together £3,000 to spend on upgrades for a local skate park.

The councillors, Lisa Winnett and Bob Pagett who represent Blaina, have been saving money up from their special levy over the last four years in order to invest in new ramps for the facility.

They each saved £1,500 over that time and had regular discussions with both local Gwent Police officers and youth support workers on how to spend the money to provide the biggest benefit for children in the area.

Cllr Pagett, 72, said: “The ramps were in a previous skate park in Six Bells but had been removed years ago. They were a bit rusted sitting in some council offices in Nantyglo but we have put the money into them, cleaned them up and got them re-painted at Motospray on the Rising Sun industrial estate.

“It’s well used and the children seemed delighted which is the most important thing.

"It’s better that they're down the park doing some exercise than in doors on the computer. Also it’s right by the police station so it couldn’t be in a better place.”

The money came from the councillors annual levy, otherwise known as the half-penny rate, whereby they each get half a pence for every resident in their ward area to spend as they please.

Cllr Winnett, said: “We have been saving up for a while and spoke to the children a lot to make sure what we were getting would be liked and well used, as we didn’t want to invest in something they didn’t want.

“The response we have seen with the children is fantastic and hopefully we can also put in a larger ramp at a later stage as well.

"I’m so happy with the refurbishment work we have been able to provide for them.”

PCSO Joanne Robins added: “We worked with the councillors and youth workers, as this helps to keep children active whilst also keeping them off the street and anti-social behaviour down.

"Not a great deal of facilities are in the area for children so this can make a big difference."