Plucky Stand by Welsh Township

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 910, 1 March 1930, Page 18

Plucky Stand by Welsh Township

HRYNMAWR, in the county of Brecon, in Wales, was established more than a century ago. It lies on the extreme northern edge of the coalfield, and in relation to its working population it has probably been harder hit by the prevailing depression than any other town in South Wales, says the “Welsh Outlook.” Its ironworks are exhausted and there is no future for the collieries in the vicinity, even if improvement in the industrial situation takes place elsewhere. Faced with a seemingly hopeless future, the inhabitants of Brynmawr furnish an example of rare optimism and courage. Recently they called a public meeting at which it was decided that the town should “turn its hack on the coalfield” and look in another direction. Taking full advantage of its high situation, fine air and of the country

which adjoins it on the Breconshire side, the people of Brynmawr propose to change over from an industrial to a residential and holiday centre. Round about lies some of the most beautiful mountain and valley scenery in South Wales, in the vicinity of Gilwern, Abergavenny and Criekhowell. The Society of Friends, which has done so much toward restoring selfrespect and a spirit of hopefulness In South Wales, is helping to direct this scheme for a new orientation. The help of the Urban Council, the trading and labour interests has been secured. Survey and investigation committees are at work, and a report has been prepared by a town-planning expert dealing with the improvements necessary for a “cleaning” up process prior to the next stage of development. There are many potential open spaces, tips and unsightly places which can be acquired. There are

derelict buildings to be pulled down. Many street improvements are necessary, trees and greenery can be planted, and a modest expenditure on colour-washing and painting will do much to brighten th,e drabness of the houses. A “Save Brynmawr Society” was formed, and those present at the meeting pledged themselves to do all they could in putting this formidable programme into operation. Unemployed men are to collaborate by offering their labour on condition that this does not invalidate unemploj-ment pay. If this town, which lias suffered so much in the past, can respond to the opportunities which have now been opened out, there is no reason why its fine example should not spread to many other centres in the coalfield now sunk in misery and despair.