VALE council leader Neil Moore has said that plans for economic development and transport projects across south east Wales would have great benefits for the Vale of Glamorgan, and promised to ensure that the area was at the centre of the proposed City Deal.

The Cardiff Capital City Deal submission, by the leaders of Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan councils, has been boosted by an agreement from the Welsh Government to contribute £580m towards a deal worth up to £1.28 billion.

The £580m would be used to support the establishment of major transport projects such as a south east Wales Metro train service.

The formal submission, made ahead of the chancellor's spending review on November 25, represents a significant milestone in the development of a City Deal.

Over the next few months the leaders and chief executives of the local authorities in south east Wales will work with the UK and Welsh Governments to develop a detailed proposition identifying key projects across the region to help to economic growth.

Councillor Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “The outline proposal sets out what we feel could be achieved and makes clear the commitment in principle of all ten authorities to taking this forward. A successful city region could potentially bring great benefits to South East Wales.

"There is, however, a long road ahead and the ball now sits firmly in the UK government’s court.

“If talks do progress then I will continue to ensure that the Vale of Glamorgan occupies its rightful place at the centre of any city region, and that the interests of the Vale and its residents are at the centre of all discussions.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Vale resident Andrew RT Davies also welcomed the progress.

“This is welcome news and shows what opportunities can arise when councils and government work together for the greater good", he said.

“The City Deal concept driven by the Conservative Government is forecast to net huge benefits for the economies of Greater Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow and we hope the Cardiff City Region can now join in on the act.

“The main issue now is to ensure the information provided to the Treasury meets the goals and criteria required to deliver this deal bearing in mind other parts of the country are ahead of the game.

“It is vital that the public and private sectors work collaboratively to ensure that the deal’s full potential is realised and the hard work now begins to ensure the money can be used to support large regeneration in Wales.

“This once in a generation opportunity is yet further evidence that the UK government is prioritising Wales and that Conservatives are delivering for local communities right across the country.

“And we will be working with Westminster colleagues to ensure this is delivered for the benefit of communities in Wales.”