An exciting new partnership project to beautify the Rhondda by introducing floral displays throughout the valley is looking blooming lovely!

Rhondda Civic Society and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has joined forces to place impressive tubs of colourful flowers in a number of areas in an effort to further improve the scenery of the valley for residents and visitors alike.

The Enflowering Rhondda project was the brainchild of Rhondda Civic Society Vice Chairman Wayne Thomas who, during holiday trips to France, was impressed by how areas had been beautified by floral displays and general planting of bulbs and flowers.

IN BLOOM: Wayne Thomas and Philip Roberts from Rhondda Civic Society with Cllr Robert Bevan and Cllr Andrew Morgan at the floral tubs by the statue in Llwynypia

Mr Thomas said: “We sometimes forget what a fantastic place the Rhondda is but more than ever before residents and visitors are beginning to realize the natural beauty that surrounds us.

“We wanted to take this one step further by launching the Enflowering Rhondda project and thanks to the support of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council hope to continue enhancing the valleys with colourful floral displays for all to enjoy.”

On returning to the Rhondda a sub committee in the Civic Society including himself, Philip Roberts and Tony Melville decided to launch a similar project in the valley and Penyrenglyn Primary School in Treherbert was the first area to have bulbs planted in nearby grounds.

With the support of the Council the project is set to spread even further still following the commitment of Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation Cllr Robert Bevan and Cabinet Member for Transportation and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan.

So far 10 tubs of flowers have now been placed throughout the area in appropriate spots ranging from Porth War Memorial, Treherbert Library and the Miner’s Statue in Llwynypia. A further 10 areas are now being earmarked as possible locations.

Cllr Robert Bevan explained: “Not since the pre-industrial days before the first collieries were sunk has the Rhondda looked so beautiful with is lush green mountains dominating the landscape. The black slag heaps have now all gone and much of the valleys has returned to its natural state.

“Thanks to the Rhondda Civic Society’s Enflowering project, we can bring even more natural beauty to the valley floor with the introduction of floral tubs and displays in key locations throughout many of our communities.”

Cllr Andrew Morgan added: “Once again this proves the positive work that can be undertaken through partnerships between the Council and other agencies such as the Civic Society. Their enthusiasm to enhance the Rhondda is a credit to all concerned and we look forward to continue working with them on this project in the future.”