PLANS to change the way the Welsh Government manages enterprise zones in St Athan and across Wales have been attacked by South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies, who has described the approach as "haphazard and disjointed."

Economy secretary Ken Skates announced yesterday (Wednesday, February 14) that the board who oversees the enterprise zone in St Athan was to be disbanded, which Mr Skates said was designed to "streamline bureaucracy" within the zone.

The board will cease functioning on July 31 this year.

All eight zones are set to continue, with boards in other enterprise zones largely being either combined or gradually phased out.

Mr Skates said: "I am very proud of the achievements and success of our enterprise zones and grateful for the hard work and commitment of the chairs and advisory boards in driving their success.

"The changes I have outlined today are about streamlining bureaucracy and utilising other governance structures where I believe that represents the most sensible way forward.

"The views of the chairs of the enterprise zones have been invaluable in shaping my decisions and I am pleased to have their broad support for the changes."

Welsh Conservatives leader Mr Davies however said that Mr Skates’ remarks contradicted those he had made several weeks ago, claiming the confusion as to what would replace the board would not help in the effort to take the area forward.

He called the Welsh Government’s approach “haphazard and disjointed” and called for the situation to be clarified.

Mr Davies said: “The cabinet secretary’s comments cast doubt over the future of the St Athan Enterprise Zone – and we no longer know where we stand.

"With the board overseeing the St Athan Enterprise Zone set to be wound up – we need to know how things will move forward.

“The Welsh Government’s approach has been incredibly disjointed – and (they) must clarify the situation regarding St Athan as soon as possible.”