Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart's assurances to the South Wales Argus and supporters of the Sparkle Appeal that the South Gwent Children's Centre now has every chance of securing a major funding package from the Assembly has been welcomed by political leaders in Newport.

Newport West AM Rosemary Butler said:
"It's always difficult to reach a speedy conclusion when so many details have to be negotiated, but I'm delighted that Edwina Hart has made this positive response at such a crucial time.

"It's a desperately needed facility, and it will make

a huge difference to the lives of so many children in Gwent. It's a tribute to all those campaigners and fund raisers, including the South Wales Argus, who never lost sight of their goal"

Councillor Bob Bright, Leader of Newport City Council said:

"When Rosemary Butler and I met Edwina Hart recently we were urging her to make progress on this issue. I'm relieved that it's now beginning to happen.

"The Minister knows how much Newport City Council wants this project to succeed, and now that we're all moving in the same direction I'm confident that there will be a happy outcome.The people of South Gwent who worked so hard for this centre deserve it, and it looks as if they are going to get it."

Thursday October 25th