Talgarth and District Regeneration Group (T&DRG) has commissioned Ludicology, specialist play consultants and researchers, to undertake a three-centre feasibility study.

The study includes a local area play sufficiency and greenspace assessment in Gwernyfed Avenue & Gwernyfed Park, Llanigon, and Woodlands Avenue Area in Talgarth, with funding from the PAVO Localities Initiative.

The initiative works across the 13 Locality Networks in Powys, which have been set up to provide a forum for discussion about needs in the area and to encourage collaboration in developing services in Powys.

The project came about after residents struggled to find a safe place to meet up outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to improve and secure their local greenspaces. These areas have either been neglected for years, allowed to fall into disrepair or are under threat of being turned into something the community aren’t happy with.

Local community and county councillor, William Lloyd said: “I’ve seen these three communities desperately wanting to come alive after years of isolation and they want to kick-start their plans for their greenspaces and turn them into community gardens, play areas or simply a safe place to meet and call their own.

“After all what else do we have in these rural areas for people of all ages to get together and enjoy their downtime?”

He went on to say: “I’ve been working hard linking together T&DRG and PAVO with newly formed groups, Three Cocks Matters Community Group, Regeneration of Woodlands Avenue Play Park Group, Llanigon Greenspace, and local Community Councils. I feel our area has been left behind for too long, whilst other areas have prospered, and this is our chance to explain exactly what local people want to see in their communities.”

This feasibility study gives these three communities a chance for their voices to be heard, right from the very young in primary school to the local luncheon club members.

The following focus group sessions will be an opportunity for parents and other adult residents to talk about current experiences, ideas and concerns.

Turn up if you want to talk:

• Wednesday, October 19, 6pm to 8pm, The Castle Hotel, Talgarth.

• Thursday, October 20, 6pm to 8pm, The Old Barn, Three Cocks.

• Monday, November 7, 6pm to 8pm, Llanigon Hall.