It's raining old women and sticks – that's what y say in Wales when it's pouring. Labour politician Martin Eaglestone swings his too small umbrella and points to a magnificent rotesGebäude in High street: "This is an excellent example of what money of European Union is used for," he says.
The red building is located in centre of Merthyr Tydfil, Einerkleinen Town in hills of South Wales, one hour train ride VonCardiff away. It is former town hall, which was Jahrelangleer and 2014 as a cultural centre, under anderemmit funding from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Or projects in city have also been built using EU money: A brand new college, a bridge and market place. Several initiatives also help young people to find a job.
South Wales is one of strukturschwächstenRegionen of Europe. The municipalities are poor, more than an average number of residents get social benefits. And at same time, South Wales is Britain's country, which EU is most financially supportive of. Since 2014 Wales has 1.4 billion pounds from Brüsselerhalten.
No more EU money after BrexitThis cash flow from Brussels will soon be over, because that is what majority of residents wanted. MerthyrTydfil has voted for Brexit, more than 56 percent were for exit from EU. In surrounding valleys it looks similar.
Eaglestone belongs to minority of EU's friends in region, just like his boss Dawn Bowden, who sits for Labour Party Imwelsh regional parliament. The two fear that it will be hard after demBrexit for Merthyr. "The EU has put a lot of money into se municipalities," says Bowden. Wher government will continue to do so in Londondas is uncertain.
In centre of Merthyr you will find EtlichePfandleihgeschäfte, secondhand shops, loan lenders and betting, next to Einigeverbarrikadierte shops – a street picture that is often seen in impoverished GegendenGroßbritanniens. Before Salvation Army is loaded, Steven Bishop, one who voted for Brexit, says he does not regret it. "Hopefully it will get better," says 50-year-old. If re is still einEU referendum, Bishop again chose DenAusstieg: "The EU has always been something for rich."
Bishop still remembers better times: When Regionvom mining was alive, re were safe and properly paid jobs. South Wales Wareines of most important centers of British coal industry. He went underground at age of 14, and thousands did it as well.
Date Of Update: 24 January 2018, 12:03
