CONTRACTORS carrying out energy efficiency improvements to homes in a Blaenau Gwent village have given the Six Bells community centre an £8,000 makeover.

The Welsh Government has installed external wall insulation at more than 300 homes in the village as well as replacing a large number of boilers and introducing other energy-saving measures under Welsh Government Warm Homes scheme.

It is designed to tackle climate change and fuel poverty, boosting economic development and training and leave long-lasting community benefits.

The Six Bells Community Centre has been fully redecorated, with a kitchen extension, a new range oven and kitchen appliances, soft play equipment and two brand new sewing machines. The outside area has also benefitted from two oak benches, made from sustainable wood by local social enterprise, Tafy.

Natural resources minister Carl Sargeant said: “Welsh Government Warm Homes is having a transformational impact right across Wales, making a real difference to people in some of our most disadvantaged communities. The benefits have been seen, not just in improvements to the energy efficiency of homes and reductions in household bills, but in the way that Welsh businesses have worked together to make the programme a real success.

“It’s also great to see the businesses actively putting something back in the communities within which they have worked, through a targeted and successful programme, which aims to create a permanent legacy of added social benefits.”

Speaking at a recent open day for the new-look community centre local mayor, Cllr Derrick Bevan, said: “The teams have really done an excellent job with the refurbishment and it is a pleasure to see the community being invested in. People from the local community and surrounding area who use the centre are so grateful for all the hard work that has been put in and the donations that have funded the new equipment.

“There is now a real buzz about the place, with weekly sewing classes, parent and toddler groups and other social events. The kitchen extension means that the centre can now offer accredited cookery classes for adult learners, as well as hosting parties that will generate revenue that can be invested back into the community.”