An innovative scheme has been launched in Bryncynon to address issues that have been identified by, and have an impact on, the community.
Partner agencies visited the Bryncynon Strategy to officially launch the Environmental Warden scheme, which is being run in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Keep Wales Tidy.
The aim of the scheme is to target areas that need cleaning and clearing, as well as maintaining high standards of cleanliness and environmental awareness across the area.
It has long been recognised that how a community appears – and the effort that is seen to be going into it – can have an impact on how residents feel about where they live.
If an area is neglected and not paid enough attention, people living locally can also feel neglected.
Issues such as graffiti, flytipping, vandalism and overgrown areas can also have an impact on the perception of crime and disorder.
The Community Environmental Wardens will be clearing pathways, hedges and green areas within the community as well as fly tip areas in order to make the area cleaner and greener.
They will also be trimming back and maintaining bushes and hedges in order to provide clear and open spaces for the community to walk through.
Another of their tasks will be to sort through rubbish and remove all the recyclable waste for recycling to ensure that it doesn’t go into landfill sites.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services Cllr Anthony Christopher said: “The ongoing work being undertaken in Bryncynon has been exemplary and the development of Community Environmental Wardens will mark another positive step forward for the future of the village.
“The Council is pleased to be working in close partnership with the Bryncynon Strategy to advise and educate on waste management processes along with offering ideas on how best to improve the visual appearance of their community.
”With so much positive enthusiasm from The Strategy I am sure this will be yet another successful venture and we as a local authority look forward to continuing our support.”
Volunteering opportunities are available on both the Community Warden Scheme and the Environmental Warden Scheme. If you would like to put something back into your community as well as receiving new skills and opportunities contact Zoe Parfitt, Bryncynon Communities First, Community Development Manager on 01443 471080