New planters and colourful artwork are helping to brighten Pontypool town centre, thanks to the efforts of local community groups and young people.
Four new planters made by Coedwedd Community Hub, in Abersychan, were installed on Friday, with children from Osbourne Lodge Nursery getting involved with the planting.
The nursery is one of several businesses who have adopted the planters - with six more due to be installed at a later date.
Meanwhile, members of Torfaen Youth Service have transformed hoardings outside St James' Church on Hanbury Road with a colourful new mural. The temporary artwork will eventually be relocated to the new skate park planned for Pontypool Park.
New artwork has also been unveiled inside Pontypool Indoor Market near the Crane Street entrance, created by Pontypool ArtREGEN and community volunteers, adding even more colour and vibrancy to the town centre.
The projects are part of a new Towns Together programme, which 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 which saw 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 to 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, added: "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 a new mural in Pontypool Indoor Market as part of the wider Towns Together programme, 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 mural unveiled at Pontypool Indoor Market forms part of a new The Light We Carry mural trail linking towns in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. Read about the mural trail. (opens in new tab)
The next Towns Together action day will be taking place in Blaenavon, and the council is currently seeking suggestions for which streets should be focused on. Residents can share their ideas by taking part in the online survey. Take part in the Blaenavon survey (opens in new tab)