Work to revitalise Pontypool town centre is underway ahead of the first Pontypool Towns Together action day taking place tomorrow (Saturday 26 September).
Preparations began several weeks ago, with council teams cutting back large sections of overgrowth and sweeping streets across the town centre.
Today, four new planters were installed and planted with low-maintenance greenery, with a further six due to be installed over the coming weeks.
The planters will be adopted by local groups and businesses, who will help water and care for them throughout the year.
The main Pontypool Towns Together community action day will take place tomorrow.
The council's Highways team will begin the day by deep cleaning three bus shelters, while Streetscene crews replace a number of ageing litter bins.
Between 9am and 1pm, anyone who would like to take part in the action day can meet council staff outside the Lower Crane Street entrance to Pontypool Indoor Market.
Improvement work will be taking place across Crane Street, The Link, Commercial Street and George Street.
Members of the Pontypool Community Taskforce, local businesses, residents and community groups will work alongside council teams to weed, sweep, litter pick and clean street furniture, including benches, bins and railings. Local businesses will also be helping to improve the appearance of the town centre by cleaning and tidying their shop fronts.
Highways and Streetscene teams will provide additional support throughout the day using specialist equipment to clean pathways, road signs and other areas of the town centre.
From 11am, young people will also be creating a mural on the hoardings outside St James' Church on Hanbury Road.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: "Our town centres have the potential to be at the heart of our communities again, but they need a consistent and coordinated approach.
"We're delighted to see the first improvements already taking shape in Pontypool, with the installation of the new planters.
"Tomorrow's action day is another positive example of businesses, volunteers, community groups and council teams working together to make a visible difference to the town centre."
Dyl Delaney, Chair of the Pontypool Community Taskforce, said: "Events like this represent the Torfaen Deal at its very best, bringing together residents, volunteers and local organisations to make a real difference in our community.
"It's fantastic to see so many people getting involved and helping to improve the town centre for everyone who lives, works and visits here."
The Pontypool event is the first in a series of Towns Together initiatives planned across the borough, with a future event also planned for Blaenavon in November.
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