PLAID Cymru politicians say their vision to regenerate the Amman Valley – with the Welsh language at its heart – is just beginning, despite a recent recommendation to keep the National Eisteddfod travelling around Wales.

MP Jonathan Edwards, AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas and former MP and 2016 AM candidate Adam Price recently launched their idea for creating a permanent base for the Eisteddfod at the East Pit opencast site at Tairgwaith, with the intention of creating a cultural and economic revival in the area.

The task and finish group set up by the Welsh Government to look at the future of Eisteddfod later recommended that the national festival continues to travel around Wales, rather than establishing one or more semi-permanent sites throughout the country.

Mr Edwards said there had been a "fantastic" response to the idea of bringing the Eisteddfod to the Amman Valley. He said he was optimistic about the future of the project and that there were possible ways in which the Eisteddfod 'brand' could be used in the future.

“The response to our vision has been extremely positive," he said. " While some disagree with a permanent base altogether, everyone has recognised the economic benefits our plans could bring, and have appreciated us putting our constituents first.

“It’s clear that this project is just beginning.

" Whilst we recognise the benefits of the Eisteddfod travelling around Wales, there are certainly ways in which the Eisteddfod ‘brand’ could be used in the future to develop the economy of the area. This is something I’ll be putting to the organisation very soon."

Accepting the conclusions of the committee, Mr Thomas said there were "clear advantages" to local economies to have the Eisteddfod travelling around. He said he and Mr Edwards would be looking to establish a "task force" of organisations to examine how the Amman Valley could develop its economy with the Welsh language at its heart.

“Our vision for an economic and cultural hub in the Amman Valley was never intended to influence the work of the committee considering the Eisteddfod’s future," he said.

"It was a way in which we could prioritise the area we represent if the committee was minded to suggest a permanent base.

“Nevertheless, the response to our suggestion has been warmly welcomed. Many people recognise the need to regenerate the Amman Valley and the importance of protecting the Welsh language at the same time."