CONVICTED criminals “paying back their debt to society” have been helping a community effort in Ystradgynlais to stop the town church and its community hall from falling into disrepair.
The offenders have given St Cynogs Church Hall a spruce up and a lick of paint while residents in the town have been busy taking part in a sponsored walk and other fundraising events.
The drive has been led by husband and wife team Leyton and Nicola Griffiths, who recently cajoled members of the community, aged from nine months to 90 years old, to trek 5km.
Social and events group member Barbara Anderson said the walk was just another event following on from the church’s festive tree festival at
Christmas which has received the backing of people of Ystradgynlais.
“We are building on the success of the Christmas Tree Festival,” said the retired deputy head teacher.
“The donations we received were overwhelming and showed us that if an event is put on the community will support it.
“Our group tries to combine fund raising to restore our church to its former glory and to stop the water from pouring into the church vestry, but also provide enjoyable events for all to enjoy.”
The church hall’s makeover came courtesy of local resident Nigel Hickey and the Wales Community Rehabilitation Company.
“When I found out the church hall needed sprucing up I spoke with Barbara and offered the services of the Community Rehabilitation Company,” Nigel said.
“We work with the courts to deliver sentences through Community Payback, giving people with convictions a chance to ‘pay back’ for the crimes they have committed.
“I was only more than happy to offer to help and we will be working in the community in the future.”
Other fundraising events are being held to support the Ystradgynlais church.
A fish supper and bingo night is being held at the Church Hall at 6pm on Friday, June 16.
The Events and Social group in Ystradgynlais meets on the first Monday of each month at St Cynog’s Church.