Levelling Up Funding awarded in Wales

Money from the Levelling Up Fund has been awarded to organisations and projects in Wales.

£17.7 million will be used by Neath Port Talbot Council to establish the Vale of Neath as a major visitor destination.

The money will be used to support development of the key heritage destinations in the Vale of Neath and deliver two major projects - The Gnoll Estate Country Park and The Waterfall Country Pontneddfechan.

Torfaen council will use £7.6 million to regenerate Pontypool Town Centre, where derelict buildings will be refurbished to create a restaurant and a multi-purpose culture and arts centre.

Cllr Joanne Gauden, executive member for economy, skills & regeneration, said: "The cultural hub is the cornerstone of our Pontypool Placemaking plans. We have some wonderful assets in the town and all these projects will deliver a reason to visit Pontypool of an evening."

£18.6 million has been allocated to Conwy Council to create a safe and direct cycle route between Llandudno Junction and Betws y Coed via the Conwy Valley, as there is currently no route for cyclists through Conwy Valley from Llandudno Junction to Betws y Coed. It is hoped the new cycle route will improve links between the North Wales coast and inland tourist attractions such as Snowdonia National Park.