A major study of the future of valleys communities in south Wales is being launched in Westminster.

The research project - which gets under way on Wednesday, has been jointly commissioned by MPs for the constituencies of Aberavon, Ogmore, Rhondda, Merthyr and Rhymney, and Caerphilly - all areas affected by high unemployment, crime, and drug abuse.

Merthyr has suffered huge job losses

The politicians have asked the Bevan Foundation think-tank to find out what people in the valleys really want from their elected representatives.

They have said there has been too much focus on rural areas during the past two years and it is now time to look at the needs of the more heavily-populated valley communities.

Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis said the project would look at people's visions and aspirations.

The think-tank - originally set up to promote the ideas of health service founder Aneurin Bevan - will hold community hearings and online discussions to give local people a say.

"The valleys are changing very quickly, and we need to identify a new way forward particularly for the smaller and more isolated villages," said Dr Francis.

The time is ripe for some fresh thinking about the future of valleys communities

Dr Victoria Winckler, Bevan Foundation

The south Wales valleys have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks.

Last month a multi-agency summit was held in Rhondda following a string of drug-related deaths.

Six people had died in as many weeks, and estimates suggest that as many as 12 people a week in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area overdose on heroin.

Similar problems have been witnessed in numerous valleys towns.

Heroin is easily available in valleys towns

Islwyn MP Don Touhig began the proceedings at Portcullis House on Wednesday, and he will introduce the key areas to be covered.

Fellow MPs were then due to address the launch, along with Dr Victoria Winckler, director of the Bevan Foundation which is undertaking the study.

"The time is ripe for some fresh thinking about the future of valleys communities," Dr Winckler said.

"Many communities are searching for a role and an identity, but with the right support and facilities they have a bright future.

Report back

"The Bevan Foundation will be working closely with the communities on their aspirations, as well as liaising with local authorities, the Welsh Assembly, WDA, and the UK government."

The study is due to report back in December.

Two years ago, a major study by a leading youth charity warned of serious problems with youth deprivation in three areas of south Wales.

The report by The Prince's Trust named Blaenau Gwent as one of the worst problem hot-spots in Britain.

It also warned that youngsters in Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil were seriously disadvantaged.

Blaenau Gwent was described as one of 12 districts in the UK where young people were least likely to succeed and face a problematic transition from adolescence to adulthood.

The report said that, despite Wales's relatively small population, it had high levels of disadvantage in terms of income, education, and crime.