Since it opened two years ago, the Integrated Children's Centre (ICC) in Merthyr Tydfil has become not just a hub for the local community, but also the main element in the Welsh council's drive to combat social exclusion.
Ann James, team leader at the Cwm Golau ICC, emphasises its pivotal role on a tour of its impressive facilities, which range from spacious, modern childcare provision and a well-stocked toy library to state-of-the-art conference and training rooms.
'We don't just see ourselves as a centre; this place is about delivering quality services across the county borough. It's a massive remit,' Ms James says. With the Welsh Assembly government telling local authorities to start by building one centre, each has to cover a relatively large geographical area compared with their English counterparts.
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