Heritage benches shaped by Rhondda Fach Community
Background
In 2023/24, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council built a 2.5km new path between Maerdy and Tylorstown. Previously, the path was a rough track. The new path is tarmacked and can be easily used by pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. To encourage greater use of the route, the council installed benches which celebrated the history and culture of the area.
A heritage bench is designed to reflect traditional or historical styles and is customised with features such as plaques or noticeboards for commemorative purposes, making them not just functional but educational and community focused.
The aims were:
- To install heritage benches along the Rhondda Fach Community Route, each paired with a noticeboard sharing local history.
- To involve the community in shaping commemorative themes.
- To provide pedestrians with seating along the new active travel route between Maerdy and Tylorstown.
Community engagement
The council led a collaborative engagement process, consulting local historians, environmental groups, the local primary school, and archives. Social media was also used to gather wider community input. The themes chosen for each bench directly reflect this engagement, ensuring that local stories and voices were central to the design.
To date, four benches have been installed along the route. The benches commemorate:
Frank Owen, a Spanish Civil War volunteer - located near his memorial, engraved with the Spanish Republican slogan "No Pasarán."
The end of mining in the Rhondda Valleys - placed near the former Maerdy mine.
Pioneering women of Maerdy - commemorating the first Women’s Support Group in South Wales and their role in the 1984-5 miners’ strike.
Mary No1 steam engine - built in 1954 and used at Maerdy Colliery. The bench also refers to a new species of millipede found only in Maerdy.
Lessons learnt
The community contributed to ideas and offered positive feedback. The only issue raised - the orientation of bench one - was quickly resolved, demonstrating the council’s responsiveness. This engagement helped foster a sense of ownership and pride in the project.
Outcome
Plans for additional benches will continue to build on this community-led approach.
Jean Jones, a member of the Maerdy Women’s Support Group, expressed her appreciation for the recognition of local women’s contributions: "We’re so glad you are going to recognise the strength in this valley."
Note: Permanent active travel count locations are in place to monitor changes in pedestrian and cycle journeys along this route. The case study will be updated once data is received.
