DERELICT houses in one of the most deprived parts of the Valleys are to demolished to pave the way for a flagship library and learning centre.

Five empty houses and a former cobblers' shop facing Powell Street, in Abertillery, will be demolished to clear the way for the 500-square- metre site.

It is hoped the site will incorporate ample parking spaces to serve the proposed relocation of the library and learning centre at the Division and Tillery Street site.

The new facilities are a key part of the regeneration programme for Blaenau Gwent - last month the Argus reported on a proposed £2 million office development for the centre of Abertillery which could provide up to 250 skilled jobs.

Blaenau Gwent county borough council say the latest planned development has the approval of the local community. More than 450 residents, traders and businesses have taken part in the consultation process.

Councillor Dennis Owens, executive member for regeneration at Blaenau Gwent council, welcomed the ambitious development for Abertillery town centre.

He said the proposed library and learning centre on Tillery Street will enhance the area. "The demolition will remove buildings that have been an eyesore and detrimental to the area.

"They will be replaced with a high- quality complex that will bring untold benefits to people of all ages throughout the community."

Councillor Owens added: "The whole environment and streetscape will be improved by these developments."

Mike Allen, who runs Mike's News, on Somerset Street in Abertillery, said the new library and learning centre was very welcome: "If anything is going to better Abertillery, then I'm all for it as long as the council don't 'up' the rates."

He added: "Hopefully this project will help bring a few more people into the town."