Local Community, Town and County Borough Council Join Forces to Makeover Unadopted Maesteg Lane
A Maesteg town centre lane which has been prone to anti-social behaviour and fly tipping received a recent make over through the collective efforts of Bridgend County Borough Council’s Community Safety, Waste Education and Enforcement, and Regeneration teams, alongside local town councillors and businesses, Noddfa Youth and Community Group, as well as the Young Offenders Institute (YOI) at Parc Prison.
The clearing of the unadopted lane is a prime example of a community working together and taking responsibility for their vicinity. Town Councillor Martin Hughes, involved in the team effort, said: “It was a pleasure to join with friends and representatives of the various organisations to help improve the conditions in the lane, which had become considerably overgrown and spoilt by fly tipping and the accumulation of waste building products over the years.
“I’m sure that the adjoining businesses and local residents will work together to continue to keep the lane in good order. I would like to thank everyone who came along and who helped to transform the lane.”
Town Councillor Abedalkarim Fadhel, who also participated in the lane clearance, added: “What a great team! I was happy to be involved in the project and belong to the group that has carried out such a wonderful job. Thanks to everyone for giving their time and energy to keep Maesteg town centre clean.”
Hoopers Agriculture Plant Services, a local business, also offered their time and provided an excavator for the lane, with Asda and Maesteg Pharmacy focusing on the wellbeing of the workers by ensuring a constant, generous supply of refreshments.
Parc Prison’s involvement in the scheme was through its Enrichment Programme – an initiative designed to develop the personal skills and positive attitudes of its young offenders through a variety of activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, sports and wellbeing workshops, and more.
A young person from the Young Offender Institution (YOI) involved in the Enrichment Programme at Parc Prison was released on a temporary licence to contribute to the worthwhile cause, supporting the community by helping to clear the lane.
Jamie Williams, YOI Communities, Partnerships and Enrichment Manager at Parc Prison, said: “The partnership between the council and Parc YOI through our enrichment programme is a unique and potentially life changing opportunity for some of the most complex children in society.
“The work experience they gain by giving something back to the local communities across the county borough is so vital to the success of their resettlement upon release, with the main aim being to reduce the risk of reoffending.”
These sentiments are echoed by Matthew Rowlands, Noddfa Youth and Community Project Officer. He added: “It was great to contribute to the partnership approach to clear up a neglected part of the valley for the benefit of the residents – the initiative linked well with other youth work schemes to improve communities.
“The collaborative approach between services, third sector, and residents, can make a huge difference to our communities, generating positive feelings in the local people.”
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said: “What an inspirational display of collaborative working. This collective effort to enhance the local area by taking responsibility and clearing an unadopted lane highlights what is possible when we work together.
“There is no doubt that when an area is looked after and cared for, it ripples out to the wider vicinity, encouraging everyone to take ownership of their local environment. Well done all, what a fantastic example you are!”
Images: The team involved in the lane clearance; the excavator provided by Hoopers Agriculture Plant Services, and the skip full of rubbish from the lane.
