Local talent gives Church Street a make-over

Phase one of the Church street regeneration project in Ebbw Vale has been successfully completed with the help of local trainees. The community investment project is aiming to breathe new life into this dilapidated area of the town.    

The initiative is a joint partnership between United Welsh, Build Wales, Newman Builders, and Ebbw Vale and District Development Trust.

The project began in February with the refurbishment of four derelict properties. Work is being carried out by Newman Builders, a local company based in Ebbw Vale. They have been tasked with regenerating the street by using a local supply chain and investing in recruitment and training opportunities for people living in Blaenau Gwent.

Newman builders took on four trainees from the area and over the year have provided a course of intensive training. One of the trainees has been rewarded for his hard work with a full time apprenticeship for 3 years with the company.

All the trainees have valued their time with Newman Builders. Ryan Littlewood 17yrs from Ebbw Vale said: “if I wasn’t onsite with Newman builders I would be hanging around the streets. I have learnt a range of skills including plastering, bricklaying and painting and decorating. I would love the opportunity to work on another site.”

Clare Hallet, Work Placement Co-ordinator at United Welsh said: “This is a ‘Win’, ‘Win’, ‘Win’ project - providing high quality affordable housing, working in partnership with a good social enterprise in Build Wales, and helping committed young people. I am amazed at the talent out there and delighted that United Welsh has been able to provide real training and real employment opportunities.

“The trainees have put everything into the program. They turned up on time and showed a real interest in the skills they were learning. Newman builders have been the perfect host and have encouraged and inspired the young lads into maintaining an interest in the construction industry”.

Ben Newman of Newman Builders said: “United Welsh have given these boys a chance and we at Newman builders have taken them on and trained them in all the trades needed. They have done carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, drainage, plastering and lots more. We will probably look to employ some of the lads once they have completed the training requirements set out by United Welsh.”

Phase two of the project will be completed by December and will result in a complete transformation of the area. It is hoped that this regeneration will attract new business to the area, employment opportunities, and breathe new life into the local community.

 28th October 2009

One of the trainees on site with Newman Builders