Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick has criticised the Labour UK Government for excluding towns in the Swansea Valley from a major funding scheme aimed at revitalising high streets across Wales.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP raised concerns over the lack of investment in areas such as Ystalyfera, Pontardawe and Ystradgynlais. He pointed out that while £100 million had been allocated to five Welsh towns through the UK Government's 'Plan for Neighbourhoods,' no areas in the Swansea, Neath or Amman valleys were included in this.

"The national insurance increase is set to hit high streets in Wales hard, with many traders saying that they will lay off staff as a result," Mr Chadwick told MPs.

"Last week, the Government announced £100 million of funding to reinvigorate Welsh high streets, but no towns in the Swansea, Neath or Amman valleys were on that list.

"Will the Secretary of State clarify the criteria used to select the successful towns and whether areas such as Ystalyfera can expect to benefit from future funding?"

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens responded that the selection criteria were publicly available but did not directly address Mr Chadwick's concerns.

Following the exchange, Mr Chadwick accused the Labour Government of treating the Swansea Valley as "the forgotten valley" and called for further investment to boost the area's economy.

"It is disappointing that Labour has decided the Swansea Valley isn’t worth investing in. There is enormous potential here," he said.

"Every time I speak to local residents, this sort of funding to restore local pride in our great high streets is exactly what they want."

The UK Government’s funding package will see Barry, Wrexham, Rhyl, Cwmbrân and Merthyr Tydfil receive up to £20 million each for improvements to high streets, parks, youth clubs, cultural venues and other local facilities. The money will be overseen by new 'Neighbourhood Boards' that will decide how the funds are spent in each location.

Ms Stevens said the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods was "fantastic news" for Wales.

“We are working with the Welsh Government to help local people from Rhyl to Merthyr Tydfil transform their communities,” she said.

"Our Plan for Change sets out how we want to grow the economy, create jobs and put more money in people’s pocket.

"Targeted local funding is a vital part of our economic growth mission and will support the fantastic work the Welsh Government are already doing to regenerate communities across Wales.”

Mr Chadwick highlighted that the Swansea Valley was also excluded from Welsh Government plans for new railways and said he would continue to push for greater investment in the area.

"I will never stop fighting for investment in our local communities and was proud to successfully secure a banking hub for Ystradgynlais just this month," he said.

"I will continue to press this Labour Government to change their mind and ensure that the Swansea Valley has a loud voice challenging those in power."