The project will reinstate a pathway from the centre of the village to the site of the Llanhilleth Colliery Memorial which will be refurbished as part of the project. It will establish a new start and finish point for the Ebbw Fach Trail and create a Heritage, Wildlife & Woodland Walk for those within the community and visitors to the area.
The majority of the funding has been secured through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. The remaining 20% funding was agreed by Blaenau Gwent Council and Abertillery & Llanhilleth Community Council.
Chair of the Tenants & Residents Association, Lyn Maloney, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the invaluable contributions of Blaenau Gwent Council and Gwent Wildlife Trust and their committed future support. Much appreciated support has also been received from land owners, Sue Webber and Maldwyn Bowen, and letters of support were received from Llanhilleth Heritage Society, St. Mark’s Community Church and Zion Miner’s Chapel.”
It is planned to establish a ‘Friends of Granny’s Wood’ group to maintain and develop the site, ensuring that the project is maintained to a good standard for future generations.
The current programme of work includes the reinstatement of the pathway, a woodland and wildlife survey, refurbishment of the colliery memorial and installation of heritage information panels. Future developments could include picnic areas.
It is anticipated that the project will be completed in the Spring of 2018.