Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:24 pm Post subject: Llan Miners Memorial
I've had quite a few conversations about this after the article(s) in the media last week.
Seems we might have a case of everyone waiting for someone else to make the first move.
I've asked for messages to 2 active members of the Llanhilleth community to be passed on, in the hope that they might be able to start the ball rolling. I'm sure it would turn into a virtual flood of people willing to give up a few hours and rescue the miners memorial from the mess it's in.
It's not that difficult to remove it from the vegetation's grip and give it a facelift.
Perhaps it might even eventually be moved to a better and/or more fitting place, one specially constructed and maintained.
But someone has to bowl the first ball.
Please use this thread to express your support, either physically or spiritually.
I'd like to be able to show this to anyone who's prepared to start it off, to show them that it won't be a case of fighting on their own.
I personally see no reason why it shouldn't be standing proudly in a clearing, perhaps surrounded by a specially constructed small flowerbed or the like, with free and easy access to it, by the end of May.
How many others think it is possible - and more to the point want to make it so ?
As a starter, I've got 4 people already that are willing to join me in a work party. _________________ Rocke
I have spoken with Green Earth this morning and they are happy to pitch in. They are a local environmental social enterprise who have worked with a number of groups in the area including the Ebbw Fach Trail. They can provide some trained support staff and equipment. If you call Gwynfor Evans on 291694 tomorrow he can discuss specifics.
I also know that St. Illtydd's Communities First have been looking at possible options for the memorial and are in contact with a number of interested parties. The co-ordinator there is Anna Chard on 325200
Clearing being the operative word. I was suprised to see the state of the memorial on the BBC news but to be honest it can't be seen from the road.
I was unaware of it's existence the pathway being so overgrown. That is not to say that it should have been allowed to deteriorate it could have been better maintained before now. It is in a very sad sorry state _________________ Everyone is gifted but some just never open their package
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:21 pm Post subject: No money to demolish baths
Quote:
THE Welsh Assembly Government says it has no money to demolish the eyesore pit head baths at Llanhilleth.
However, Blaenau Gwent AM Trish Law has been assured by Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy, that his department “remains supportive” of a land reclamation scheme on the site.
Mrs Law wrote to the minister in March saying it was exactly 40 years since the coal seams of Llanhilleth Colliery were worked for the last time and for most of those years every effort has been made locally to remove the pit head baths which increasingly have become a blot on the landscape.
The letter concluded: “The Llanhilleth Tenants and Residents Association, which for many years has campaigned for the demolition and removal of the building, has written to me to express its dismay at the Welsh Assembly Government’s inability to fund this project.
“I share that disappointment and hope that you will endeavour to secure the necessary resources as soon as possible.”
The Minister replied saying the Council has been talking to Assembly officials about the baths for a number of years.
“I can confirm that a reclamation scheme is included in my department’s forward programme,” says Mr Jones.
Assembly Government money had been given to the Council to pay for the preparation of a redevelopment scheme and for preparing the Compulsory Purchase Order to bring the baths into public ownership.
“The scheme has been estimated to require around £500,000 of grant funding.
“Regrettably, the council’s request for support of the CPO came at a time when my department’s budget for such schemes was fully committed. “My department remains supportive of the project and we will continue to review resource allocations and programming requirements in conjunction with the local authority officers.”
Mrs Law told the Gwent Gazette she would continue to battle to get the pit head baths removed.
“The Assembly Government really must show a commitment to Blaenau Gwent by investing in schemes like this which will improve the environment as well as the morale of residents,” she said.
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:39 pm Post subject: Update
Good news !!
Cllr. Mike Bartlett informs me that Communities First have acquired funding - enough to not only clean around the monument but also to clear a path all the way to it.
He also tells me that Llan residents ( I gather there's some association there, not sure what it's called ) are ready and willing.
Looks like matters are in hand.
I look forward to seeing something in the media about their deeds and their success in the not too distant future.
Any help required, I'll be passing the messages on here to Mike.
Great news Rockey It's good to see that Dai Llewellyn's departure hasn't affected the good work that CF are doing - I never thought for a minute it would of course. The organisation as a whole seems to be blessed with some skilled and committed staff.
Also it's good to hear of councillors working in collaboration not only with CF but with local residents' associations. Neither are very popular with Labour.
Finally though, however welcome the work on the memorial is - and it is - I am pretty sure that Llan residents would be as glad to see progress on the old pithead baths, if not more so. _________________ The compliments pass when the quality meet.
I never thought my departure would affect CF's work [I am glad you also share that point of view Martyn! ] especially in Llanhilleth where I had nothing to do with anything anyway and where they have a good CF partnership and team as indeed do the rest of the wards in the the valley. Councillors should be/are invaluable crucial members of CF partnerships and it's good to see the partnerships working well together and in harmony for the benefit of the community wherever they are. Let's hope the project goes ahead.
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It's good to see that Dai Llewellyn's departure hasn't affected the good work that CF are doing - I never thought for a minute it would of course. The organisation as a whole seems to be blessed with some skilled and committed staff.
[I am glad you also share that point of view Martyn! 
] especially in Llanhilleth where I had nothing to do with anything anyway and where they have a good CF partnership and team as indeed do the rest of the wards in the the valley. Councillors should be/are invaluable crucial members of CF partnerships and it's good to see the partnerships working well together and in harmony for the benefit of the community wherever they are. Let's hope the project goes ahead.
