Written - Free Entry to Blaenafon Ironworks

As from 21 March 2008 the Assembly Government will be introducing free admission to the Blaenafon Ironworks. Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Historic Environment service, will also take over direct management of the Blaenafon Ironworks and is working with Torfaen County Borough Council (CBC) and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales (AC-NMW) to develop and promote the wider Blaenafon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site.

As access to the majority of the Blaenafon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site is currently free of charge, the charging policy at the Ironworks is confusing to visitors, and is likely to deter visitors from experiencing and enjoying the full historic context of the monuments.

This decision supports the Assembly Government’s commitment to developing an integrated tourism strategy and ensuring that the different tourism partner organisations in Wales work together. The culture and heritage of Wales should become a core component of the visitor experience and our aim is to make it easier for visitors to be able to access and appreciate these experiences.

Proposals are being considered for the implementation of the “One Wales” commitment to build on the success of free entry to museums and galleries by allowing Welsh pensioners and Welsh children free entry to Assembly-funded heritage sites and I will be making an announcement later this year.