THE community surrounding a Torfaen park has pulled together to return the site to its former glory.

Griffithstown resident Helen James said that Panteg Park, known locally as Fishponds Park, is one of the “hidden treasures” of Torfaen, with the land being gifted to the community in the 19th Century by Isaac Butler.

But she said over recent years the park has declined to the point that when fellow residents Phil James and Sharon Hayes walked through it on June 2, they called it a “disgrace”.

The grass was over a foot high and the flower beds were completely overgrown with weeds.

Mrs James called two public meetings at Panteg House with more than 100 people attending between the two events.

More than 850 leaflets were also handed out locally, following on from which a friends group was formally constituted.

The group held their first tidy up event last Saturday.

Torfaen council provided gardening tools, refuse bags, and paint for the walls around the park and the benches.

Supporting the group is Torfaen council’s project officer for the street scene, Lauren Gregory.

She said: “Their time and effort will make a huge difference in improving the park for the benefit of the whole community.

“Friends Groups are a vital link between the council and the community, they make an invaluable contribution to a number of parks and open spaces throughout the borough and I look forward to working in partnership the group.”

Mrs James, who is taking the role of secretary of the friends group, said that anti-social behaviour and vandalism have been problems in the past in the park with some local residents being too frightened to join the group.

But she reassured that this has been tackled by police and Torfaen Youth Service over the last three months and has led to a reduction in incidents. Torfaen councillor Anthony Hunt is a member of the group.

He said: “The Panteg Park Friends group is an excellent way of the community coming together to help improve our local park, so along with my ward colleagues Norma Parrish and David Yeowell, we’re doing everything we can to play our part.

“The turnout on Saturday was fantastic – it was inspiring to see so many people helping out. Everyone seemed to have a good time too, meeting neighbours and chatting about our memories of the park.”

The group will meet in the park every Saturday morning between 10and and 12noon until the tidy up is completed. Everyone is invited to join.

For information visit www.fishpondspark.co.uk