Cwmgors in the Upper Amman Valley is to have a start of the art play area thanks to a grant from the Welsh Assembly.
The Cwmgors Halls Management Committee and Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Council have been working closely with Neath Port Talbot Council to secure a bid for £57,000 from the latest round of the Community Facilities and Activities programme.
The grant will go towards a much needed play area complete with climbing frames, seesaw, roundabout, spring rockers, dog proof fencing, picnic tables and benches.
Pupils from Cwmgors Primary School have also played their part in bringing the playground to their village. They have helped the community council win £44,700 from the local Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, operated by W.R.E.N.(Waste Recycling and Environment) out of the Pwllfawatkin landfill site.
Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Council has also contributed £5500 to the scheme to build a fully equipped enclosed ball court for youngsters to play football, basket and netball.
“The whole of the play area will now be revamped at a cost of £108090,” says Council Leader, Ali Thomas.
“There has been a lot of competition for grants from across Wales and through working in partnership we have done really well in the present economic climate to succeed.”
The contractor will be appointed shortly. Work is expected to start in September and the play area completed before the worst of the winter weather sets in.
Welcoming the news, local councillor Linda Williams, said, “As part of a school project, local children have drawn up pictures of the type of play equipment they would like in the new playground and we would like the design to follow the children’s wishes.
“Everyone locally has put such a big effort into making this play area a reality for the children of the area.”
Photograph: Ali Thomas
