About Islwyn

Islwyn constituency straddles three beautiful, hilly and wooded valleys in the county of Gwent in South East Wales. On the Eastern side of the constituency, in the Ebbw Valley, are the towns and villages of Crumlin, Newbridge, Abercarn, Cwmcarn, Risca and Pontymister. In the centre is the Sirhowy Valley with the towns and villages of Blackwood, Pontllanfraith, Oakdale, Markham, Argoed, Hollybush, Wyllie, Ynysddu, Cwmfelinfach, Wattsville and Cross Keys. In the west is the Rhymney Valley and the towns and villages of Pengam, Fleur-de-Lys, and Britannia.

The main shopping areas are located at Blackwood, Newbridge and Risca. The constituency is part of the county borough of Caerphilly and is twinned with Pisek in the Czech Republic. Employment opportunities range from companies making fast foods to microchips, from carpets to communications systems.

Unemployment is relatively low and the area has proved a major attraction for inward investors. Education is offered in the main through 11-16 comprehensive schools and post-16 education at the Cross Keys campus of Gwent College. There are two 11-18 schools, one of which offers education in the medium of Welsh.

History

The constituency of Islwyn replaced Bedwellty in 1983. Don Touhig, was elected the Member of Parliament at a by- election in 1995 and has represented the constituency ever since. He has been re-elected on a further three occasions. In the National Assembly for Wales, Islwyn is represented by Irene James, whose majority was 2,218 at the last Assembly election in 2007. The constituency formed a large part of Islwyn Borough. In 1996 it joined Rhymney Borough to form the new Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Economy

Islwyn is a former mining district but since the closure of the last pit in Oakdale in 1989 it has been successful in gaining government support in attracting new industry, which has become a cornerstone of the local economy. Employment opportunities range from companies making fast foods to microchips, carpets and communications systems.

It can also boast a growing electronics industry, particularly in Pontllanfraith, Oakdale and Newbridge. Following the closure of the pits, a great deal of land reclamation took place which has resulted in green and wooded valleys which attract many visitors, especially to the Cwmcarn Forest Scenic Drive and the Sirhowy Valley Country Park and Walk.