BLAENAVON is set to be revitalised with a raft of plans to boost the appearance of the town.

A series of planning applications were due before Torfaen councillors today aimed at changing the face of the run-down town and making it more attractive to visitors.

The proposals centre around Blaenavon's main shopping and commerce area, Broad Street.

The blueprints include: A major refurbishment of a terrace of shops; New car parks; New open spaces and landscaping; New walls, gates and fences.

It is hoped cash to fund the huge redevelopment will come from Objective One European funding and the council will make a bid to the Welsh Assembly if the plans are passed.

A report to the council said: "The proposals have been developed to improve the economic and social conditions within the town, whilst respecting and helping to preserve the essential historic character of Blaenavon."

Blaenavon project manager John Rodger said the redevelopment was urgently needed to enhance the character and appearance of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site.

"Blaenavon has declined over many years and these works will bring it up to standard as a visitor attraction and more importantly for locals too," he said.

"What we have here is a complete programme of works trying to take complete advantage of the World Heritage status.

"Big Pit and other attractions have had improvements but we want to improve the town itself. This is a rare opportunity."

Councillor Neil Lewis called the plans an "exciting opportunity".

"This is something that's desperately needed in Blaenavon after 30 years of decline," he said.

But not everyone is happy with the proposals.

Barbara Lewis, of Blaenavon Traders Association, called for traders to be consulted over any redevelopment plans.

"We didn't even know the applications were being passed today," she said.

"There are lots of issues that need to be discussed and we are going to miss out on that now."

Traders will hold an emergency meeting with councillors on Tuesday, June 8 to air their ongoing concerns about the plans, including issues over parking and access that have plagued the town for years.