Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has scored nearly a quarter of a million pounds worth of funding for its communities in the Rhondda Fawr.
The £237,000 cash secured from the important Heads of the Valleys programme was netted to refurbish the popular Astroturf facility in Ferndale’s Darran Park, which has become old and worn out.
As well as enabling a brand-new sporting and community facility that is used by people across the area, the funding provides further significant funding for Ferndale, which is currently benefiting from an ongoing regeneration programme.
The Astroturf, which is owned and managed by the Council’s parks department, is extremely popular and used by the community, local schools and sporting teams, including football, rugby and hockey.
It has played host to Ferndale festival, community events, school sports days and sporting tournaments.
It is used not only by people in Ferndale, but from across the Rhondda Fawr, who travel to take advantage of the facility.
The Heads of the Valleys investment will enable the existing Astroturf, which has been in place for nearly 15 years and is worn out, to be removed and replaced with a newer version.
The fencing, which is old and damaged, will also be replaced.
Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “We are so pleased to have secured this significant level of funding and investment for the communities who benefit from this facility.
“It is a popular venue for many communities, with people of all ages and interests taking advantage of it. We want to ensure it remains modern and safe so all can benefit from having a high-quality open space for leisure and social activities.”
Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, added: “Ferndale is currently benefiting from millions of pounds worth of investment to ensure it remains a safe, pleasant and attractive place to live, work and visit.
“This regeneration includes making best use of, and improving access to, the beautiful Darran Park.
“The funding secured from the Heads of the Valleys for the Astroturf will only add to this work and will create a fresh, modern and safe facility for people from across RCT to enjoy, further boosting the profile of Ferndale.”
The Heads of the Valleys initiative is a 15 year regeneration project, led by the Welsh Assembly Government, working to benefit communities in Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Aimed at stimulating regeneration, economic growth, and environmental improvement, the £140 million programme is making the Heads of the Valleys an increasingly successful and attractive area for people to live and work.
