Environment Minister, John Griffiths, has announced funding of £494,016 to support 14 local authority-led projects that will improve local environment quality.

This follows the Minister launching his Tranquil, Greener and Cleaner Places programme at the 'Environment Matters?' conference in May.

Projects to receive funding include:

•£50,000 to provide a tranquil space next to a large, long-term construction site in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent.

•£70,000 to develop the Rhyl Cut Wildlife Corridor, in Denbighshire and create a community green open space which is a quiet and safe traffic-free route for pedestrians and cyclists

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•£82,021 to buy and install three variable road traffic message signs to reduce congestion and air pollution at peak times as part of the Swansea Nowcaster Project.

•£35,000 to the Flintshire Tree Planting Project to develop Wepre Park as a tranquil green space and plant trees in other urban areas.

Speaking about the programme the Minister said: "I am committed to improving local environments and was delighted to announce the pilot Tranquil, Greener and Cleaner Places programme earlier this year. Today’s announcement supports local authority projects that deliver environmental improvements for everyone to enjoy. The programme focuses on improving air quality, environmental noise and tranquil green spaces.

"I am concerned that our poorest communities, and especially those living in urban areas, experience the worst quality local environments with fly tipping, litter, unsafe roads, high levels of pollution and lack of access to green space. The projects receiving funding today will provide an immediate benefit to poorer communities."

(CD)