Blaenau Gwent's Heritage is secure

Submitted by PaulM on Tuesday, 30 December 2003 Page Views: 3182

The future of Blaenau Gwent's diverse heritage is now secured for future generations. For the borough council has formally adopted a heritage strategy for the area. The authority devised the strategy to "protect and preserve" the broad range of archaeological, domestic, industrial and social heritage and history that comprises Blaenau Gwent's past.

Museum support is an integral part of the strategy as museums interpret and present that past for a wide audience, both local and visiting.

Blaenau Gwent has five independent community-based museums - and the strategy commits the authority to supporting and advising museums in matters of registration, training and relationships with external museum bodies.

Blaenau Gwent's historical buildings and archaeological sites also feature prominently in the strategy, which details all sites and listed buildings.

Sites such as Sirhowy Ironworks - where Glenys Kinnock unveiled a commemorative plaque earlier this year - will be consolidated and maintained for public use, while others will be monitored and surveyed to protect them for future generations.

The strategy also defines the roles that heritage can play in lifelong learning in terms of museum and heritage sites - and the potential of well-maintained heritage sites to increase tourism.

Councillor Nigel Daniels, executive member for leisure services, said: "The quality of life, economic prosperity and social wellbeing of people living in Blaenau Gwent can be enhanced through the council protecting and preserving our heritage, archaeology and museums.

"The heritage strategy defines how as a council we will support and develop our heritage. It states our belief that better heritage management can play a pivotal role in the social and economic renewal of our communities."

The heritage officer can be contacted on 01495 355972.

Source: This is Gwent 30/12/2003

Contributor Bio for PaulM: Based in Macclesfield, contributing since 2002. Favourite site: Hordron Edge. Occupation: Something in waste and recycling.

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