THREE years after their community centre was knocked down following an arson attack the residents of Brynithel are still wondering what has happened to its replacement.

The Brynithel Youth and Community Centre at the welfare ground was built in the early 1990s and run by a community board of trustees.

The building became subject to vandalism and closed in 2000.

In 2003 an arson attack saw the building destroyed and it was later demolished by Blaenau Gwent council in 2008.

At the time a £145,000 insurance claim was successful and money set aside by the council meant £190,000 was available for a new centre.

A public meeting was held in May 2007 it was decided that the trustees hand the building back to the council but yet there has been no sign of a replacement.

Rob Jarrett, who was on the board of trustees who ran the old centre said: “It’s been going on for years and we’ve seen nothing done.

“They had the money yet where is the new centre?

“A whole generation of children in Brynithel have lost out. It is a disgrace.”

Former trustee Gill Hall added: “It’s like we’ve been forgotten about in Brynithel. What’s been taking so long? Now they say a new centre is coming, I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Llanhilleth Ward councillor Hedley McCarthy has requested a progress report from the council, who says a new centre in planned for next year.

“I know the council has been applying for joint funding for an all singing, all dancing new facility, but all these people want is changing rooms and a community room now.”

The ground is also used by Aberbeeg RFC, Brynithel RFC and Brynithel FC who would benefit from new changing facilities.

Costs have risen – council

IN A PROGRESS report requested by Cllr McCarthy the council explains that since then building designs have been developed and costed at £450,000.

In 2008/2009 an application was made for match funding to the Heads of the Valleys programme which was unsuccessful.

The WAG have decided to invest in small capital projects for Flying Start for 2011/2012 due to funding constraints, and look at larger projects for 2012/2014.

WAG have recognised that the development is a priority for the council and it has confirmed that there are only three capital priorities for 2012/2014 across Wales.

Currently, building plans/designs are being discussed with a view to consult and submit for planning approval by the end of September 2011.

These plans will include new changing rooms, space for the Flying Start Programme and other community use.

The council will develop the project through to tender stage and once funding is approved, commence works hopefully May/June 2012.