IT was once a bustling mining village, but years of decline have ripped the heart out of Llanhilleth.

At the turn of the century it had a population of tens of thousands as King Coal brought boom to the area.

But the demise of the mining industry left the village with unemployment, deprivation and the decay of many of its buildings.

Now, moves are afoot to put the pride back into the community.

Yesterday the Argus exclusively revealed that the Llanhilleth Area Regeneration Scheme has been awarded an Objective One grant of £1,103,164 to establish a community facility within the institute building.

It is part of a £10 million scheme that includes building a new primary school and improving road links to the village.

Once work is completed, the institute will incorporate:

* A centre for life-long learning.

* Spaces for community groups.

* A cyber caf.

* A healthy living centre.

* An all-weather recreation area and changing-rooms.

The news generally delighted local people.

Cheryl Attwell, 40, from Railway Street, said: "I think it will definitely benefit the community. I believe it will get used a lot and, I for one, will definitely use it.

"We have got nothing here for the children and all they do is hang around the streets. At least now in the evenings they will be able to go to the institute and it will make a big difference."

Rose Davies, 46, from Meadow Street, said: "The village has been going downhill for years. It used to be a lovely community, and while the people are still lovely, the place has become a bit messy.

"I think the institute will get used a lot because a lot of youngsters are already going there, and with the new facilities I think it will become even more popular."

Cyril Taylor, 81, from Meadow Street, said: "It will attract more youngsters and stop them causing trouble. It will be good to see more use being made of the building."

Lee Dyke, 17, from Blaen Cyffin Road, said: "This sounds like a good thing because there is nothing around here, really - especially in the night.

"Teenagers just hang around the street when there is nothing to do, and I would definitely use it."

Teresa Beacham, 36, from Meadow Street, said: "I've got a 15-year-old daughter, a 13-year-old son and a ten-year-old son, and it will be good for them because there is nothing around here for them.

"These days, with what they are teaching in schools, kids need more access to computers. Sometimes my kids come home and say, 'we need to use the computer,' but because we haven't got one they have to wait until Saturday morning to use the ones in the library."

But not everybody was in favour of the renovation.

Paul Coney, 46, from Lower Court Terrace, said: "They should have knocked the building down. I think the money would be better spent on CCTV cameras. I also think money needs to be spent on attracting industry to give the youngsters some jobs."