A dedicated group of young people from the Community Task Force Programme are due to complete an eight month restoration project at Roath Park.
Since February the team of 30 individuals have successfully carried out vital refurbishment work in the park including restoring and painting the promenade fencing, exterior fencing, internal iron work around the lake, play park and conservatory areas.
They have also assisted in restoring the ranger’s hut, boat houses, wishing well, entrance gates and essential maintenance needed on many of the park’s memorial benches.
The efforts carried out by the group have received a great deal of positive praise from park users.
The community Task Force programme is a government initiative aimed at young unemployed adults between the ages of 18-24.
Individuals volunteer their time to carry out a 13 week work placement in order to gain invaluable work skills, disciplines and experience which will enhance their prospects of employment.
The programme is often wrongly mistaken as compulsory work programme where individuals are forced to carry out community work as part of a criminal punishment.
The Cardiff scheme is delivered by Action for Employment (A4e). Applicants are referrals from The Department for Work Jobcentre Plus and are open to anyone who has been unemployed for six months or more.
Work placements have an environmental, community or charitable benefit and are matched to individuals based on indentified needs and skills.
Other projects carried out between Cardiff Council Park Services and A4E include restoration work at Cathays, Pantmawr, Ely and Llandaff cemeteries.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “Cardiff Council is delighted with the work carried out by the Community Task Force team in Roath Park.
“Dozens of testimonial letters from local residents and park users have commended and complimented the team on their work and it is important that they receive the recognition and praise that they deserve.
“Each individual has demonstrated a polite, dedicated and professional attitude and have conducted themselves admirably throughout the project.
“The work they have completed is outstanding and adds to the enjoyment for all those visiting this wonderful park.”
Mike Gleeson from A4e has supervised the project, he said: “Over 80 people have completed the programme since we started at Cathays cemetery in May 2010.
“Some participants have succeeded in gaining employment but importantly, all have taken pride in the work completed and gained a great deal of self worth, particularly as the general public have appreciatively acknowledged their dedication and professionalism.
“I am proud to have been involved with everyone who has contributed and I hope everyone will gain employment.”
