THE MULTI-million pound regeneration of Pontypool town centre took a major step forward today.

The Welsh Development Agency has announced a series of compulsory purchase orders for the area around the Crane Street car park and the western bypass.

The orders should make the planning for the regeneration proposals a formality, with building work set to start during the next 12 months.

The order was accepted by the National Assembly on the condition that the land be used for the building of retail units, car parking, and other related services. The order will mean that Crane Street, parts of George Street, West Place and a section of the embankment of the western by-pass will be owned by the WDA.

The Crane Street area of Pontypool town centre has been listed as a priority for redevelopment by Torfaen council.