Pontypridd’s remarkable history is being celebrated as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s latest advertising campaign to remind people of all the town has to offer.
Love History – Love Ponty is the third of five different marketing projects designed by the Council as part of the regeneration and promotion of Pontypridd town centre.
The campaign, which has already released the message “Love Music – Love Ponty” and “Love Outdoors – Love Ponty, was launched in July. Further advertisements will be used in a variety of outlets until the end of November and each month will include a different message.
Pontypridd’s history is fairly recent compared to other neighbouring towns. One of the most momentous occasions was the erection of William Edwards’s Old Bridge in 1756 which continues to be an iconic structure in the town and is now illuminated thanks to the Council’s regeneration schemes.
The advent of the Glamorganshire Canal followed by the Taff Vale Railway led to the population explosion of Pontypridd during the mid Victorian era and created a vibrant, new “pioneer” town.
Pontypridd has also boasted some fine historic figures, including the composers of the Welsh National Anthem and was also the hometown of the eccentric archdruid and pioneer of cremation, Dr William Price.
The Council’s marketing campaign was launched alongside a new website, which can be found at www.loveponty.com and is designed to attract more shoppers and visitors to the famous county town.
The website explains the many achievements that the Council’s regeneration team has delivered, the plans still ongoing, the many events being held in Pontypridd and all up to date news which is relevant to the town.
One of the categories in the website is the introduction of a “Lifestyle” section which allows traders to advertise their own business totally free of charge. The section is divided into shops, restaurants and bars and allows private traders to include their details in the category that best suits their business. These range from clothing, footwear, homeware and stationery to travel agents, food retailers, financial services and luxury goods.
To date over sixty traders have submitted their information for inclusion in the site. Traders are being encouraged to send the name of their business, address, telephone number and any website address, to: [email protected] for inclusion.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing Cllr Paul Cannon explained: “Pontypridd has a fascinating past and a bright future. This latest advertising campaign celebrates the history of the town in an effort to encourage more people to visit the county borough and explore its industrial heritage.
“Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian heyday of Pontypridd it was recognized as a “frontier” town and likened itself to the early pioneer settlements of the Californian gold rush. With the exploitation of coal in the Rhondda Valleys, particularly from the mid 19th century onwards, Pontypridd experienced its massive growth and so the town we see today was created.
“The Council’s marketing campaign highlights many such aspects of Pontypridd and allows the public a fresh, new look at the town that hopefully will attract them to either make their first visit there or allow others to realise that things have indeed changed for the better since their last visit.
“Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has made a pledge to do all in its power to regenerate Pontypridd and create a major shopping and leisure destination for future generations to enjoy.”
Photograph (c) Ben Salter
