New planters and artwork are being installed in Pontypool town centre through local community groups, young people and Torfaen Council’s Towns Together programme.
Four planters made by Coedwedd Community Hub in Abersychan were installed on Friday, with children from Osbourne Lodge Nursery helping with the planting. The nursery is among several businesses that have adopted the planters, with six more due to be installed later.
Members of Torfaen Youth Service have painted a mural on hoardings outside St James’ Church on Hanbury Road. The temporary artwork is due to move eventually to a new skate park planned for Pontypool Park. Artists Kaci Purnell and Elaine Moore worked with young people on the mural.
Further artwork has been unveiled inside Pontypool Indoor Market near the Crane Street entrance, created by Pontypool ArtREGEN and community volunteers. That mural forms part of The Light We Carry mural trail linking towns in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
Towns Together aims to bring businesses, volunteers and council teams together to improve town centres. On Saturday, 30 people took part in the first Towns Together community action day, with volunteers from Pontypool Task Force, Pontypool Community Council, Pontypool Indoor Market, Pontypool ArtREGEN, Torfaen Litter Champions and Torfaen Access Forum.
Jon Clarke, the founder of Coedwedd Community Hub, said: “Our group has really enjoyed being part of the Pontypool clean-up and putting our skills to good use by creating handmade planters. It’s a great example of the Torfaen Deal, with everyone working together to improve our local area.
“We’re looking forward to getting more residents involved as we create more, and we’re grateful to Torfaen Council for its continued support.”
Tulisa, 14, who helped paint the mural alongside artists Kaci Purnell and Elaine Moore, said: “I have enjoyed learning how to paint in fine detail, I love that we are making Pontypool look better for everyone”.
Amelia, 14, said: “It’s been a really fun thing to do on the weekend. It’s different to what I would normally do. I love how bright everything is and that we did it!”
Cllr Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, who unveiled the Indoor Market mural, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many local people, community groups, businesses and young people coming together to make a positive difference in Pontypool.
“From the new planters to the colourful artwork, these projects are helping to create a more welcoming and vibrant town centre that everyone can be proud of.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has given their time, skills and enthusiasm to support this work, and I look forward to seeing the Towns Together programme continue to grow.”
The next Towns Together action day will be in Blaenavon. The council is seeking suggestions on which streets to focus on through an online survey.
