A DERELICT building at the entrance to Pontypool has received a new lease of life following the completion of a partnership project.

Number 37 Clarence Street, situated on the Clarence Corner roundabout, had been unoccupied for a number of years. Now two new flats have been created following work on the building by Torfaen council, Bron Afon Community Housing and the Welsh Government, while the building’s exterior was also improved.

Alan Brunt, Bron Afon’s chief executive, said: “It is one of the first things you see as you come in to Pontypool from the busy A472 entrance.

“This refurbishment has made a big difference to the area as visitors enter the town.

“Four trainees from our Trade That Works had placements on the site and were able to get on-the-job experience that has helped them get into full time permanent employment.”

Cllr Lewis Jones, executive member for regeneration, said: “Its condition was poor and it had become a blight to the area, but now it offers more affordable housing in the town and the extra footfall will provide an additional boost to local traders.”

The Pontypool Investment Fund, which enabled this project to go forward, has been funded by Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Programme and will see £2.1m invested in a series of property conversion projects in the town centre.