Blaenavon, Wales News

Abersychan School raised A 95.98 by singing carols in Blaenavon and Pontypool and Cwmffrwdoer Primary School raised A 108 with fundraising activities at the School.

FIVE kitchen novices have learned how to cook in just eight weeks thanks to lessons from retired cookery teacher Nicola Davies at a scheme run by Growing the Veg Box in Garndiffaith.

The people of the town of Blaenavon have a great deal to be proud of. In the 19th Century this area of south-east Wales was the most important producer of iron, steel and coal in the world.

Mr Jones said he regretted the bank's decision following a last minute meeting on Tuesday to try and change its mind.

Town councillors met HSBC representatives yesterday afternoon in one last attempt to save the branch and handed over a petition of more than 1,200 signatures.

Nine stall-holders, including Blaenavon-based Rhymney Brewery and Blaenafon Cheddar Company, were among the local producers to attend the festival.

GWENT had its first real taste of winter yesterday as the first significant snowfall of the season turned parts of the Valleys white.

THE Love Food Festival will return to Blaenavon for a second year this weekend, giving visitors the chance to taste the best of Welsh produce.

The HSBC branch is set to close on May 11 at 12.30pm and Blaenavon Town Council and approximately 120 residents rallied around to air their views at the meeting on Thursday in Blaenavon Workingmens Hall.

THE Ken Jones committee members were out in force last weekend, raising A 350 for the appeal to build a statue to honour the famous Gwent sportsman.

BLAENAVON'S businesses and local residents have reacted furiously to news of the closure of the only bank in the town.

A BUDDING young actress from Blaina has won a part in a new short film set to be filmed in Blaenavon.

There are also concerns over the impact on elderly and vulnerable people, who will have a to travel at least six miles to the nearest branch in Pontypool.

BLAENAVON town councillors will hold an emergency meeting tonight to discuss the closure of the town's only bank.

Councillors Brian Whitcombe, Tom Huish and Stuart Evans say HSBC, which will serve customers for the last time on May 11, provides a vital service for the town's residents and businesses.