A FLAGSHIP sports centre for the valleys has been given the go-ahead after securing a grant of £1.5 million.

Construction work on the sports centre for Abertillery will begin by the end of the year and it should be ready for use by spring 2004.

Sportlot is financing the project for the centre, which will stand next to Abertillery Comprehensive and replace the current leisure centre.

Sports facilities at the new centre will be housed on two levels with a 25-metre, five-lane pool on the ground floor designed for competition.

There will also be a learner pool and a sports hall with badminton courts and a multi-court for netball, volleyball and basketball.

On the first floor will be a dance studio for leisure, a lifestyle studio, a free weights room and squash courts.

Councillor Nigel Daniels, (pictured) Blaenau Gwent council's executive member for leisure services, said that now the Sports Council for Wales has confirmed its commitment to the centre, the council can begin work by the end of the year.

"This ambitious project has inspired everyone involved since its conception," he said. "Extensive consultation was undertaken with regards to service users, staff, and the schoolchildren at Abertillery Comprehensive.

"The sporting provision at the new centre will complement the existing outdoor facilities on the campus and increase opportunities for participation in sporting activity for many people."

A new social services day centre, to replace the ageing Tillery Court, is also to be incorporated on the site.

This will include full disabled access, a treatment room, dining room and an outside recreational area.

Councillor Karen Williams, executive member for social services, said: "This is one of the most exciting projects Blaenau Gwent has ever seen. It is an unprecedented step to combine both these services. Our users will have opportunities to undertake activities that would previously have been denied them."