Llanelli residents win national acclaim
A Llanelli residents' group has won national acclaim for its work to revive the community spirit in a deprived part of town.
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association has worked tirelessly to boost the area and improve facilities for young and old alike.
Members have helped to reopen a local park closed by vandalism, raising more than £114,000 to transform it and beating off competition from across Wales to win £50,000 in the Big Lottery People’s Millions live television final.
Their efforts have now been rewarded in the Wales Council for Voluntary Action Volunteer of the Year Awards where they scooped first prize in the group category.
The group was formed in 2006 and this year decided to get the community more involved by organising family fun days and exercise classes, as well as securing a new bus service for the area.
It also decided to work to work to reopen Havelock Park, a Morfa landmark that had been closed due to vandalism and become an eyesore.
The park is now at the heart of the neighbourhood, providing social interaction in a deprived area and a free amenity for families who cannot afford day trips.
The new facility is encouraging children to be active, discouraging vandalism and improving the reputation of the area and its tourism opportunities.
Communities First Glanymor and Tyisha has supported the group for some time, and nominated it for the award.
Community Development Worker Faye Davies said: “A phenomenal effort by the volunteers has seen the park and its dated paddling pool transformed into an interactive, colourful water-splash facility.
“They have provided volunteering opportunities involving the whole community at all project stages, resulting in huge community support. The project has created a buzz among the community, inspired by the volunteers’ enthusiasm.
“The group has re-awoken the community spirit that once existed in Morfa before deprivation took it away.”
The Welsh Assembly funded Communities First programme is aimed at helping to regenerate the most deprived communities in Carmarthenshire.
The aim is to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in the wards and ensure that funding is targeted at the poorest areas.
The team is run by Carmarthenshire County Council, and a host of events and educational activities are staged in the area every year, along with specific regeneration programmes.
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association Chair David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic for the community because of all the work they do that they don’t get rewarded for.”
Carmarthenshire’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “I am delighted that so much proactive work is underway to help our communities. Morfa Residents and Tenants Association are to be congratulated for their tireless work, which is bringing benefits to so many.”
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association receive their award from news presenter Mai Davies, and Win Griffiths, WCVA Chair. Also pictured are Communities First development worker Faye Davies and Llanelli MP Nia Griffith.
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association members and Communities First Development Worker Faye Davies outside Cardiff Castle with their award.
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association has worked tirelessly to boost the area and improve facilities for young and old alike.
Members have helped to reopen a local park closed by vandalism, raising more than £114,000 to transform it and beating off competition from across Wales to win £50,000 in the Big Lottery People’s Millions live television final.
Their efforts have now been rewarded in the Wales Council for Voluntary Action Volunteer of the Year Awards where they scooped first prize in the group category.
The group was formed in 2006 and this year decided to get the community more involved by organising family fun days and exercise classes, as well as securing a new bus service for the area.
It also decided to work to work to reopen Havelock Park, a Morfa landmark that had been closed due to vandalism and become an eyesore.
The park is now at the heart of the neighbourhood, providing social interaction in a deprived area and a free amenity for families who cannot afford day trips.
The new facility is encouraging children to be active, discouraging vandalism and improving the reputation of the area and its tourism opportunities.
Communities First Glanymor and Tyisha has supported the group for some time, and nominated it for the award.
Community Development Worker Faye Davies said: “A phenomenal effort by the volunteers has seen the park and its dated paddling pool transformed into an interactive, colourful water-splash facility.
“They have provided volunteering opportunities involving the whole community at all project stages, resulting in huge community support. The project has created a buzz among the community, inspired by the volunteers’ enthusiasm.
“The group has re-awoken the community spirit that once existed in Morfa before deprivation took it away.”
The Welsh Assembly funded Communities First programme is aimed at helping to regenerate the most deprived communities in Carmarthenshire.
The aim is to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in the wards and ensure that funding is targeted at the poorest areas.
The team is run by Carmarthenshire County Council, and a host of events and educational activities are staged in the area every year, along with specific regeneration programmes.
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association Chair David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic for the community because of all the work they do that they don’t get rewarded for.”
Carmarthenshire’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “I am delighted that so much proactive work is underway to help our communities. Morfa Residents and Tenants Association are to be congratulated for their tireless work, which is bringing benefits to so many.”
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association receive their award from news presenter Mai Davies, and Win Griffiths, WCVA Chair. Also pictured are Communities First development worker Faye Davies and Llanelli MP Nia Griffith.
Morfa Residents and Tenants Association members and Communities First Development Worker Faye Davies outside Cardiff Castle with their award.
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