RESIDENTS DEMAND ACTION AS COUNCIL DELAYS SPARK OUTRAGE**

Aberaman residents are questioning why their community has gone more than three decades without a community centre, while every surrounding village, many with far smaller populations, has received investment and modern facilities from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (RCT).

The long-running frustration came to a head this autumn as more than 200 residents signed a petition calling for Aberaman’s three local councillors and RCT Council to finally commit to building a new community centre.

The petition, supported by background documents outlining the case for investment, was hand-delivered to all three councillors on 30 October 2025.

But residents say the official response they received nearly a month later has only deepened concerns about how Aberaman is being treated.

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A 29-DAY DELAY TO TRAVEL JUST 10 MILES

On 28 November, residents received confirmation from RCT Council that the petition had been “received” at Council headquarters in Pontypridd on 26 November.

The revelation has caused anger in the community.

The petition was handed directly to councillors on 30 October, meaning it took 29 days to arrive at Council offices just 10 miles away.

Residents say the delay shows a “lack of urgency and lack of priority” from both local councillors and the Council itself.

“It feels like Aberaman’s needs are at the bottom of the list,” said one resident who helped organise the petition. “We’ve waited 30 years already, why can’t our councillors even deliver a petition on time?”

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THE ONLY LARGE COMMUNITY IN THE AREA WITHOUT A CENTRE

Aberaman once had a well-used community hall, but it burned down more than 30 years ago. It was never replaced.

Meanwhile, smaller villages across the Cynon Valley have seen regular upgrades, new buildings, and dedicated community facilities.

Population Comparison (2021 Census)

Aberaman North – 5,154 residents – No community centre

Communities with centres:

• Penywaun (inc. Trewaun, Trenant) – 2,973
• Llwydcoed – 1,675
• Trecynon – ~1,000–1,200
• Fernhill, Glenboi, Sierra Pines – 1,200
• Penderyn – 317

Aberaman North has the largest population in the area, yet is the only community left without a centre.

Residents describe this as a “clear inequality” in local investment and say they have been “forgotten and neglected” for decades.

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“WE HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND FOR 30 YEARS”

For many in Aberaman, the issue goes far deeper than the petition delay.

The lost community hall once hosted youth groups, social clubs, health support sessions, local meetings, and events. Its destruction left a void that has never been filled.

Residents say their councillors have failed to fight for the community, while the Council has repeatedly prioritised smaller villages for community facilities.

“Penderyn, with only 317 people, has a centre,” said one resident. “Aberaman has over 5,000. How is that fair?”

Others point out that Aberaman is one of the most densely populated areas in the Cynon Valley, with high levels of social need — yet RCT Council has invested elsewhere.

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RESIDENTS ASK: WHO IS SPEAKING FOR ABERAMAN?

There is growing frustration over:

• a lack of communication from local councillors
• no updates or public engagement
• no drive to replace the hall that burned down
• unanswered questions about long-term plans for the area

While other wards have successfully campaigned for new facilities, Aberaman residents feel they have been left without leadership and without a voice.

“Other communities have councillors who fight for them,” said one organiser. “Here, we just get silence.”

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WHY A COMMUNITY CENTRE MATTERS NOW

Experts say community facilities are essential, particularly in areas facing deprivation, isolation, and lack of local services.

A centre in Aberaman would provide:

• support for older residents
• safe spaces for young people
• rooms for community groups and clubs
• venues for advice and health services
• a hub for social events and local cohesion

Residents argue this is not a “luxury”, but vital infrastructure that should have been rebuilt decades ago.

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A SIMPLE QUESTION REMAINS

Aberaman North has:

• the largest population in the area
• no community centre
• 30 years of waiting
• a petition supported by over 200 residents
• strong evidence and clear need

But residents say they still do not see urgency, action, or advocacy from their councillors or RCT Council.

And now the community is asking:

How much longer must Aberaman wait — and who will finally stand up for it?