Posted on: Tuesday 15 March 2022
Two children’s parks have been transformed with new play equipment, trees, hedges and aromatic plants, thanks to more than £100,000 in funding.
Work on refurbishing the play areas at Garn yr erw, near Blaenavon, and Oakfield, in Llantarnam, Cwmbran, began in the autumn, with the costs paid for by Torfaen Council, local community councils, Welsh Government and the private developer contributions.
Today, both parks were officially opened by Councillor Mandy Owen, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member of the Environment, and local councillors.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: “I am delighted to see the results of these refurbishments, they really do look great.
“I would like to thank everyone who made these refurbishments possible, and I hope that local children will enjoy their new play areas for years to come.”
The play area at Garn yr erw, near Blaenavon has been transformed with all new equipment and fencing along with biodiversity improvements including a native hawthorn hedge, tree planting and wildflower seeding. Funding was provided from various sources including £20,400 of Council Public Realm Capital Funding, developer contributions of £25,984.22 and funding via the Welsh Government and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas of £2,500 to improve green infrastructure in parks as part of the Gwent Green Grid Project.
The play area at Oakfield Flower Gardens in Llantarnam has been reopened after extensive refurbishment funded by a £10,000 contribution from Cwmbran Community Council, £16,000 Welsh Government’s All Wales Play Opportunities Grant and developer contributions of 42,105.42. New equipment includes swings, multiplay, roundabout, see-saw and outdoor musical instruments.
Community Councillor and Chair of Llantarnum Residents Conservation Society, locally known as LLARCS, Mike Villars, along with members of the local community group have also planted rosemary and lavender hedging around the new seating area in the park. Again, this activity was funded through the Gwent Green Grid project funded by Welsh Government and The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas.
The seating area will also include a memorial bench with a plaque dedicated to members of the local community who have sadly passed away. This will be provided courtesy of ward Councillors Alan Slade and David Thomas.
To find out more about parks and open spaces in Torfaen visit the council’s website.