AN ANTI-POVERTY programme which has supported two areas of Barry has been scrapped.

Welsh government’s communities and children secretary Carl Sargeant confirmed plans to abolish Communities First announced in October would go ahead – affecting Gibbonsdown and Castleland.

Mr Sargeant said the scheme had not been as effective as it was hoped, but Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said it was the poorest communities which would suffer.

Mr Sargeant said: “While it is clear that Communities First was successful in its impact on many individuals, it has not had an impact on overall poverty levels in these communities, which remain stubbornly high.”

But Ms Wood slammed the plan, calling the lack of a replacement scheme “absolutely scandalous”.

“What he is doing is pulling the rug out from under the poorest communities,” she said.

Mr Sargeant refuted her claims, saying local authorities and residents would be given greater control.

The programme launched in 2001 focused on 52 "clusters", including Barry.

Mr Sargeant said the areas would be funded at 70 per cent of previous levels until March 2018, when a fund of £6 million a year would be set up to allow some elements of it to continue.

He added £12 million a year would also be offered to support job seekers.

“Change is never easy,” he said.

“But we cannot ignore the combination of new and deep-rooted challenges we face.

“We must have the courage to find fresh ways to respond.”