The storm-damaged 3G sports pitch in Aberdare has now been replaced with a state-of-the-art new surface and will be available for school and community use from Monday, RCT Council has announced.

The pitch, located at the Sobell leisure complex, was closed following damage from severe flooding sustained during the unprecedented weather brought by Storm Dennis in February 2020. A significant repair scheme has been ongoing since August, with work including a complete replacement of the carpet surface and its underlay, which were both damaged beyond repair.

The repairs to the playing surface were completed recently and the facility had to be independently inspected before it could be brought into use. A recent inspection was successfully passed, and the Council is making arrangements for the facility to be brought back into use from Monday, October 12.

Bookings can be made via the administrative team at Sobell Leisure Centre on 01685 870111. The team will be contacting the clubs and organisations that previously held block booking slots at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, said: “I’m very pleased that Aberdare’s 3G sports pitch can be brought back into use for the benefit of local schools, sports clubs and the wider community. The floodlit facility has been fitted with a new ‘all-weather’ pitch – so it’s very good timing with the winter months fast approaching, bringing increased poor weather.

“There are currently 13 outdoor 3G sports pitches available for community use in Rhondda Cynon Taf, delivered by the Council in recent years to improve its outdoor leisure offer – along with an indoor 3G sports pitch at Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre in Tylorstown. We also now have modern outdoor athletics facilities in Beddau, Clydach Vale and the £3m Ron Jones Stadium in Aberdare, which forms part of the Sobell leisure site alongside the 3G pitch.”