A DISUSED school in one of the most deprived areas in Gwent could be transformed into a £320,000 resource centre.

The Rassau Primary school, which closed in July last year, may be turned into a facility with two adult training rooms with broadband internet access, a crche catering for 30 children, and a spring board project aimed at getting the unemployed back into work.

The building, which is already host to some children's playgroups, will also incorporate a general purpose room which could be used on evening and weekends by local organisations.

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, half of the money for the £320,000 centre will come from the Local Regeneration Fund and the other half will come from Objective One funding.

Blaenau Gwent county borough council have lodged their bid for finance with the Welsh Assembly. They will find out sometime over the next few months whether the bid is successful.

The project emanated from a report by the early years group which identified there was a need and demand for a resource centre in the Rassau area.

The Rassau ward is one of the most deprived in the Blaenau Gwent county borough - which is itself recognised as being one of the poorest local authorities in Wales.

Phillip Hughes, chairman of the Rassau Tenants and Residents Association said: "I know local people didn't want to see the school shut down but at least they may gain something with it's closure.

"With the state of the place up here these days something like this will be a big plus and the project is well supported in the community."

Rassau councillor and county borough mayor David Wiltshire said: "We are hopeful that we will get the money because it will be the first centre of its kind in Blaenau Gwent.

"I'm sure it would make a difference not only to the people of Rassau but the people of Blaenau Gwent because it would be for everyone.

"It will also refurbish a building that would otherwise be demolished or bought up privately so these plans have to be a plus."