Regeneration

Amid the doom and gloom there are positive signs for regeneration in Wales, argues Dave Adamson

Although the detail of the comprehensive spending review and the Welsh Assembly Government’s budgetary response is slightly better than the most feared scenarios, we nevertheless face a period of extreme austerity and restrictions on public expenditure. For regeneration, the headline was the 41% reduction in capital expenditure in Wales, higher than both Northern Ireland and Scotland.

In Redditch, the decision to use waste heat from the crematorium to heat the adjacent swimming pool has sparked something of a controversy. Some described it as taking Big Society a step too far. Few seemed to savour the thought of relaxing in a jacuzzi unwittingly warmed by local citizens making a final contribution to society. I have to say I find it a very sensible idea. But you’ll tell me I’m in a minority.