THE countdown has begun to the first Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) open day in the Rhondda Valley.
On Sunday, May 9 Greenwood Park in Ferndale will open its gates for the FREE event that has been organised by South Wales Police in partnership with the community.
Among the many attractions and activities are live music, including The Monophonics, a display from the South Wales Police Armed Response Vehicle Unit supported by the dog section, a football tournament, and more than 40 different stalls.
Wrist bands will be available for parents to give to their children to help prevent them getting lost.
The wrist bands, which have been used at a number of events across South Wales, have been designed to cut down on the time a lost child spends separated from his or her parents or guardians.
The brightly coloured band includes a space for a mobile telephone number or other relevant details so if a child does become separated and is found, their parent or guardian can be contacted immediately.
Inspector Mike Jones, who is in charge of Neighbourhood Policing in the Rhondda, said: “The Rhondda Community Family Day will have something for everyone and it will be an occasion that the whole family can enjoy.
“It is also a fantastic way for people to informally meet their local police officers and find out a little more about the work they carry out.
“We could not have organised this event without the help of our partners, including the Porth Chamber of Trade, and this open day demonstrates the commitment of South Wales Police and the PACT process to improve quality of life for residents.
“Entry to the site is completely free of charge, and I would personally like to encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun”.
As part of the open day, a charity auction and raffle are being held to raise money for Rhondda Breast Friends.
Visitors are advised to use shuttle buses which are being arranged to take and collect people to the open day. Transport has kindly been provided by Rhondda Life, Penrhys Partnership, Penygraig Communities First, CwmNi, Edwards Coaches, and Alva’a Taxis.
There will be drop-off and collection points in Maerdy, Ferndale, Tylorstown, Pontygwaith, Penrhys, Wattstown, Gilfach, Tonyrefail, Trebanog, Cymmer, Treherbert, Treorchy, Llwynpia, and Ystrad.
Disabled parking will be available in Oaklands Industrial Estate and also at the Ferndale Rugby Club end of Greenwood Park.
The event starts at midday until 5pm. Please note this in an alcohol-free zone.
