A Plaid Cymru MS has renewed calls for government action to help workers affected by the closure of two food factories in Gwent.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, who represents South Wales East, raised the closure of Tillery Valley Foods of Cwmtillery and Avara in Abergavenny during questions to the Economy Minister in the Senedd.

The closure of both factories has seen nearly 700 jobs lost in the last week.

On the floor of the Senedd, Peredur said: “In recent weeks, we've had the devastating news that two large factories in my region are closing—Tillery Valley Foods and, more recently, Avara—with a combined loss of more than 600 jobs.

“I hope there's a swift and robust action from this Government in response to the heavy blow to the local economy, and I'd welcome an update from the Minister about what steps the Government is taking to help mitigate those job losses.”

During questions, Peredur also raised concerns over whether Tech Valley – a £100m project for Ebbw Vale – would deliver on its promises.

“I'm also keen to explore what jobs can be created in my region, specifically in the Tech Valleys project of Ebbw Vale,” said Peredur.

“When this was unveiled some six years ago by your Government, it was hailed as £100 million investment, which would create at least 1,500 jobs in new technologies and advanced manufacturing.

“A freedom of information response from the Welsh Government from March of this year showed that you can only account for 29 jobs that have been created, whilst admitting this may be an incomplete picture.

“Many people are asking where these jobs are that were promised. Recent weeks have shown how badly these jobs are needed.

“Can you confirm, Minister, that this project is still on the cards and won't be consigned to the file marked 'Yet another disappointment for Blaenau Gwent'?”

In response, Vaughan Gething said he was “positive” about the future of Tech Valley and had been meeting with local authorities about the response to the recent food factory closures.

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