Former burnout site becomes vital facility for community (From Free Press Series)

Former burnout site becomes vital facility for community

PENYGARN and Trevethin residents have succeeded in turning an area of waste ground into an adventure playground.

And their plans don't stop there - the former dumping ground for burnt out cars could soon become the hub of the community, with a multi-use games area, learning centre and youth club.

With inspirational spirit, residents fought to get The Woodlands playing field into shape after it was beset with problems.

Forced to close after its initial launch, the community had to wait seven months until last week when it was awarded a safety seal of approval and able to re-open.

Anti-social behaviour soared again, after it closed, according to residents.

Spearheading the project is Neil Mason, an unlikely community leader, who - having seen tough times himself - is determined to give the kids a reason to be proud of their area.

Mr Mason admits to having "a bad start in life" and even served time in prison for burglary. Now he's committed to giving children a better chance.

The Woodlands, he said: "Gives them all an area to blow off steam and it gets them off the streets."

"This is why I do it - for the kids, I don't want them to go the same way as I did," he added. The Woodlands opening last Thursday thrilled kids from the area who had a barbecue, a bouncy castle and other activities staged by parents and community groups who have all backed the campaign to get the field open.

Local councillor Mike Davies, Torfaen Council and Communities First have all backed Mr Mason and the community he is representing.

Grandparent Susan Shepphard also backed the project. She said: "The Woodlands is something for everybody to get involved in - it's something we own and it's like a source of pride for us. I'm sure people who live here will look after it."

Penygarn and St Cadoc's Councillor Mike Davies said: "We hope that this project will help to empower people in our community.

"It's wonderful to see it open again, it's a much needed facility and when it's fully developed it will be an asset to this community and will bring in what we need to tackle the area's problems."