TORFAEN AM Lynne Neagle has thrown down the gauntlet to the National Assembly to support regeneration schemes in Valleys towns.

As the Argus revealed yesterday the AM said if regeneration of towns like Pontypool and Blaenavon is to succeed then Welsh government help is needed.

At a meeting on Wednesday night she called for a five-point action plant to be implemented by the Assembly to enable such towns to attract business and create a new future for themselves.

Economic development minister Andrew Davies agreed one of her key points - more grant help for towns - was important for their future, and will meet the AM to discuss her proposals further.

She said afterwards: "I think it was well received by lots of members and the minister was quite sympathetic. One of the pleasing things was the minister announced they are looking at a key demand, which is an increase in Welsh Development Agency town improvement grants from 50% to 80%.

"On the other issues he said he would be very happy to meet with me."

The plan includes:

* a review of policy towards town centre renewal;

* a more flexible approach to the application of WDA grants;

* funding for local authorities to employ town centre managers;

* promotion of town centre living and;

* funding of broadband internet access to town centres.

Mrs Neagle said in places like Blaenavon and Pontypool only 50 per cent of regeneration costs can currently be recovered.

She said: "Traders are telling me that it would be better if the grants were set at 80 per cent of the costs of doing the town centres up."

She added: "In Blaenavon an improved town centre will have spin offs for the whole town. And that's true for Pontypool as well."

Barbara Lewis, chairwoman of Blaenavon Traders Association said: "In the town centre there are many shops and buildings desperately in need of repair but we need help with funding because unfortunately there's not the money for buildings to be repaired."

Mrs Lewis added if funding was forthcoming and buildings repaired that could help attract other businesses to the area.

Ceri Mason, secretary of the Pontypool Indoor Market Association, added: "There are grants available for some properties to have some outside work done but more should be available to help people start new businesses in the town."