BLAENAU Gwent’s five principal towns will be promoted as “star towns” in an effort to halt their decline, according to a report due to be delivered to councillors this week.

A report going before the authority’s regeneration and housing scrutiny committee on Wednesday details a new marketing strategy for Abertillery, Blaina, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar, promoting them as Blaenau Gwent’s 5 Star Towns.

The strategy, which will be officially launched in August, is designed to regenerate the town centres by attracting new investors and visitors, as well as encouraging current businesses and residents to get more involved in promoting their communities.

Consultants Miller Research have worked with town centre managers to develop the new scheme by looking at themes and attractions unique to each town.

Abertillery will be promoted as a centre for culture, leisure and tourism, with attractions including the Victorian arcade in High Street and The Metropole.

Blaina will push its local heritage, with its links to the Chartist movement.

The town will also focus on Blaina Institute as a visitor attraction, and promote its proximity to Cwmcelyn Pond.

Brynmawr will showcase its links with key tourist attractions such as Blaenavon’s Big Pit and its World Heritage site, as well as being promoting West Mon Golf Club as the highest in the UK.

Ebbw Vale will build on its role as the borough’s main shopping and services centre, with The Works site taking centre stage.

Ebbw Vale Institute, Beaufort Theatre, and the local rugby and cricket clubs will also be highlighted.

Tourism and local heritage will also be the main focus for Tredegar, with the newly refurbished Bedwellty House, Bryn Bach Park, local history museum and links with Aneurin Bevan poised to bring in more investors and visitors.

Other ideas to promote the towns include a Blaenau Gwent 5 Star Town website, annual retail awards nights and loyalty cards.