The refurbishment of a bridge and fishing platform at Cwmcelyn Pond in Blaina has been officially unveiled.
Consultation with the local community identified that the area needed an upgrade to future proof the structures for people to enjoy for years to come! The bridge provides a direct route to communities either side; is an active travel route to the nearby school and is an attractive feature from which to enjoy Cwmcelyn Nature Reserve and views of the valley. People also stop to observe much of the wildlife that lives on and around the pond.
The Council identified and secured funding through the UK Government鈥檚 Shared Prosperity Funding (Community & Place pillar) and the Welsh Government鈥檚 Access Improvement Grant, which aims to improve access to the countryside, green space and open access land.
Representatives of 艾叉A片 Council joined pupils from nearby Ystruth Primary School, Cwmcelyn Tenants鈥� & Residents Association, local anglers and contractors Horizon Civil Engineering Ltd to celebrate the re-opening of the facilities. The pupils took part in activities including pond dipping and angling in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Councillor Tommy Smith, the Council鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environment Services says:
鈥淲e consulted with Cwmcelyn Tenants and Residents Association; Cwmcelyn Anglers鈥� Club and the wider community to find out what was important to them and there was overwhelming support for the nature reserve and the desire to see it enhanced and protected for use now and for generations to come. I鈥檓 delighted that, by working in partnership, we鈥檝e been able to make this happen, and it鈥檚 been wonderful to be here at the opening and see how much it means to the community. Thanks to UK Government and Welsh Government for their funding support to help these plans come to life. We know how important being outdoors and being in nature is for physical and mental wellbeing and we鈥檙e committed to working to provide environments that promote this and that connects communities.鈥�
Councillor Lisa Winnett, who represents the Blaina ward, says:
鈥淚 would like to thank all the officers from the Council for their help working with me and the community in restoring this valued community asset. Residents highly value this bridge for its walking links between estates, the local school and even just standing on the bridge as a viewing platform to the wonderful nature and landscape around the nature reserve.鈥�
Ross Townley, Secretary of Cwmcelyn Angling Club, says:
鈥淲e are sincerely grateful for the high-quality work undertaken on the bridge and platform at Cwmcelyn Pond. The results have been well worth the wait, and the durable materials used should ensure the structure serves the community well for many years. These improvements have already made a meaningful difference 鈥� supporting children on their way to school, enhancing the experience for those who walk the pond daily, and encouraging greater use of the area overall. The new platform also provides a safe, purpose-built space for us to introduce young people to angling 鈥� something we are proud to support. Our thanks to all involved in delivering this valuable project.鈥�
To secure longevity for the bridge and the fishing platform a recycled composite plastic has been used. This is a long-lasting sustainable material which is low maintenance and has a life span of 75 years.
