RUNDOWN areas of Blaenau Gwent's Ebbw Fach Valley have attracted £50 million of public and private sector cash for regeneration projects since 1996, a report reveals.

The cash has created scores of new jobs and paved the way for improvements in landscape and the quality of life of the 33,000 people who live in an area that stretches from Brynmawr in the north, to Swffryd in the south.

The report to go before the council's local forum for Brynmawr, Nantyglo, Blaina and Abertillery next week, compiled by chief regeneration officer Gareth Jones, highlights some of the completed projects in the Ebbw Fach Valley since a decision was made eight years ago to co-ordinate regeneration efforts in the area.

About £35 million of public sector funding and more than £15m from the private sector has been invested in the area, stimulating more than 50 environmental and economic development projects. These include:

* Brynmawr - new bus station, streetscaping in Beaufort Street, new town centre car park; * Nantyglo - Lakeside Park development, Barleyfields and Pond Road industrial estate projects; * Blaina - streetscaping on High Street, Cwmcelyn community link, town centre car park; * Abertillery - King Street car park, new office development; * Cwmtillery - Roseheyworth North business park, community woodland, Blaentillery car park; * Six Bells - colliery site reclamation and improvements; * Llanhilleth - regeneration scheme.

The projects have helped attract new businesses to the area and improved the environment in towns, villages and countryside for residents and visitors to enjoy - and there is more to come.

Streetscaping is proposed for the centre of Abertillery, with the town's library to be relocated and the Metropole Theatre refurbished.

The new St Illtyd's primary school opened this month to replace both Brynhyfryd and Ty'r Graig primary schools in Llanhilleth.

The school is part of the £10 million regeneration project for the village, which also comprises new industrial units, a village square, sports complex and infrastructure.

The two-storey school building is on a site next to the listed Institute building, and has a modern design similar to the new Roseheyworth Millennium School in Abertillery.

A small sports hall is incorporated into the school and an astroturf pitch and pavilion is nearby.

A second phase is planned for Cwmtillery's Roseheyworth North business park, while options for development at former primary school sites in Blaina and Nantyglo are being drawn up.

Successful commercial and industrial improvement grant schemes will be continued, while a neighbourhood renewal programme is on the cards for Six Bells.