Gravel design 'just terrible' (From Free Press Series)

Gravel design 'just terrible'

A RETIRED process worker says Pontypool's heritage has been scarred by a new gravel-pathway in the town's park.

Mark Jones, 47, from Hillside Drive in Blandare, is outraged that the council has begun laying gravel over the existing black tarmac pathway that runs through the park describing it as a dangerous and cheap.

"It's a complete waste of money," fumed Mr Jones. "It ruins the heritage of the place. It's like something of a council estate. Would you put yellow double-glazing in Cardiff Castle?

"I have spoken to a lot of people who all agree with me. We have a park there that is second to none and the best in Wales. I enjoy spending a lot of my time there, but think this new design is just terrible. The people in the town should have been consulted first.

"I don't know if its lottery or tax payer's money that's paid for this, but it's a complete waste. There are better things to do with people's money than that considering the deprived areas in Pontypool.

"You've also got to ask yourself about the risk to people's safety? If you slip on that stuff it's like rubbing a cheese grater on your knees. There are safer and more appealing ways that this could have been done," he added.

A council spokesperson said: "We are trying to reduce the urbanisation of the park and make it much more pleasing to the eye. The black tarmac is typical of a municipal park so we are doing this work as part of the ongoing restoration of the park."