BLAENAVON walking and cycling routes received a £150,000 boost after a bid for transport improvements was successful.

Torfaen Council was awarded the funds by the Assembly through the South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA).

The money will be used to improve links between tourist attractions and the town centre.

This will include providing better signage and infrastructure so that walkers and cyclists can access attractions including the Big Pit, the Ironworks and the World Heritage Centre easier.

Interim Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr John Cunningham said: "This is fantastic news.

"The money will encourage healthy living and better link the tourist attractions in the town."

The council is also currently looking at making transport improvements between Pontypool and Talywain.

Through Assembly funding of £200,000, AECOM is carrying out the study on behalf of the council.

The study will also look at ways to increase opportunities to access employment within the borough and to help the growth of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site as a tourist destination.

The Argus reported in December how SEWTA had approved a Regional Transport Plan which involves ten local authorities in the area, including the five Gwent councils.

The five-year plan, which Sewta said is likely to need £100 million per year to fulfil, aims to improve regional transport in the area to give better access for residents to key facilities and services such as healthcare, education and employment.