Cynon Valley Leader column – 5th July

The weekend of 24^th/25th June saw two fantastic events being held in Aberdare, which will long be remembered. On Saturday, we had the 2024 Eisteddfod Proclamation ceremony coming to Aberdare (pictured), returning to the community which held the very first modern Eisteddfod back in 1861, ahead of next year’s RCT Eisteddfod. Then on the Sunday we had the moving service to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of our town’s Cenotaph. Both were very special days and my congratulations to all who played a part in putting either event together.

In 2019, Penrhiwceiber ward was ranked as the area with the highest level of child poverty in Wales. In response, I brought together key local stakeholders with the ability to make a positive change. We have since continued to work together to improve the quality of life for children and their families, and I’m pleased that the latest data shows that the level of child poverty in the area has fallen, and is no longer the highest in Wales.

The latest of these projects is an initiative by the Trivallis housing association to improve energy efficiency on the Perthcelyn estate. The work is funded by Welsh Government and eligible homes may receive upgrades including home insulation improvements, solar panelling, roofing improvements and Intelligent Energy System installation. This will make a real difference to families struggling with energy costs and help to ensure warm, comfortable homes for the children who live there.

It was very sad to hear that Tyrone O’Sullivan had passed away. Tyrone’s passion and optimism for our valleys was palpable. From leading the worker’s buy out of Tower Colliery to fulfilling his dream of a zipwire tourist attraction on the site, Tyrone dreamed big and achieved big. Like many, I am proud to have worked with him and to have called him a friend. We will ensure your legacy lives on.