The constituency of Torfaen includes some of the most impoverished areas in Wales. As CERI HILLIER discovered, many residents feel that more is needed from the Assembly if the situation is to improve

THE contrasts in Torfaen may seem clearly defined.

In the south of the borough is the reasonably affluent area of Cwmbran - where in-vestment and a re-vamped town centre have brought new shops - and with it people looking to spend their money.

To the north the picture is somewhat different - areas of Pontypool and Blaen-avon are desperately in need of investment, and regeneration. Yet each area cries out for Assembly help - businesses in the Cwmbran area are seeking help to develop and expand, while most residents in the north would say regeneration is the key.

In both areas communities ask for help - and some is given.

Torfaen has seen investment in education to reduce class sizes in primary schools. If the planned super-school for Pontypool gets the go-ahead the Assembly will be expected to contribute to its cost.

But Chris Bloomfield, an Independent member of Pontypool community council who lives in Lock Up Lane, Abersychan, said while there are areas where the Assembly has helped there have been times when it could have been more helpful.

He said: "In regards to regeneration certain grants have come through and have helped parts of Torfaen. In Abersychan and Garndiffaith there are projects where we have had grants and initiatives set up. But there's more to do."

Down the valley in leafy Ponthir, Doreen Thomas, a former Independent community councillor for the village, said she believed the Assembly hasn't done much for Torfaen - apart from the free bus passes to the elderly and some cash for regeneration projects in the north.

Mrs Thomas, of Caerleon Road, said: "I would say the Assembly's fairly ineffective. They are allocated a lot of money and try to put it in the right places but it would be better if they had more powers."

Voluntary groups, however, are being helped, said Nina Finnigan, chief officer for Pontypool-based Torfaen Voluntary Alliance.

She said: "In terms of funding we have received money for Trevethin, St Cadoc's and Penygarn in Pontypool and Thornhill in Cwmbran for Communities First which encourages communities to take a major role in their regeneration." Mrs Finnigan added TVA had been given £1 million over two years to develop the project. It has also received £300,000 to give to groups.