Posted on: Thursday 15 January 2026
Work to improve a town centre car park is underway, thanks to a partnership between the council and local campaigners.
The Pontypool Community Taskforce was set up in the summer to help revitalise the town centre.
The group, which has 10 members, including local businesses, residents and the council, identified improvements to Riverside Car Park as one of their priorities.
Council officers have worked with the group to identify what work needs to be done and apply for Welsh Government Tidy Towns grant.
Chairman Dyl Delaney, who is supported by a board, said: "We have listened to our community and have recognised the need to refurbish the Riverside Car Park, as it's one of the front doors welcoming visitors to our town.
"The Taskforce has received great support from the council, artREGEN, Torfaen Access Forum, Friends of Pontypool, Torfaen Litter Champions and a whole host of local businesses.
"The pivoting role of the taskforce is to collaborate with all voluntary groups and organisations for the mutual benefit it offers and especially towards supporting the community, businesses, schools and the environment."
The Riverside Car Park improvement work is due to start in the next few weeks.
A separate project to create a community mural to improve the look and feel inside the car park is also underway, thanks to artREGEN Pontypool.
The organisation has worked with renowned artist Andy O’Rourke to design the artwork that shows a dragon rising from the ashes of the former steel and iron works, funded by a community progression grant.
Andy and colleague Kate Verity have also worked with Gypsy Traveller pupils at West Monmouth School to create a series of panels that will be mounted along the walk way between Osborne Road and the car park.
Trustee Jennie Simons, who is also a member of the Pontypool Community Taskforce, said: "‘artREGEN is delighted with the dragon mural which breathes life and colour into the entrance to Riverside car park. The outcome is that a space that had previously been dark and dreary is now a welcoming and striking area.
"We are also extremely pleased that the dragon has received so many complimentary comments from passers by. Not only from those using the car park but also from people coming specifically to look at the mural. The word has obviously got around. Even social media comments, which are often negative about Pontypool, have been very positive."
Cllr Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: "This is a great example of how we're working more closely with communities to identify and work in partnership to deliver services that matter to them, in line with the Torfaen Deal.
"The council cannot solve all the issues facing our town centres but we can work with other people passionate about transforming them into thriving economies again."
To join Pontypool Community Taskforce or for more information, contact Dyl Delaney on dyl.delaney57@gmail.com