NOW AND THEN: Pontymoile, Pontypool (From South Wales Argus)

NOW AND THEN: Pontymoile, Pontypool

2:40pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News

THE pictures of the Pontymoile gyratory system brought back a few memories for me. When the new flyover was built, I was the Chairperson of the Pontymoile Residents Association – set up to oppose the building of the flyover.

During the campaign I was elected to Gwent County Council and when the decision was taken to build the new road, I somewhat ironically became the chairman of the Pontymoile liaison committee, a committee set up by the council to deal with local residents’ concerns and liaise with the road building company during the construction.

I remember the changes to the area, which included demolishing the Pontymoile Christian Mission Hall and the adult education centre, known as The Settlement, and the rebuilding of these buildings – the mission hall close by and the adult education centre by the leisure centre.

Also, a well-used and loved pub was demolished, The Prince of Wales, known as the Tump, and the Pontymoile railway viaduct. The viaduct-shaped arches in the red brick retaining wall running along the length of the flyover represent the viaduct.

I was in my early 20s at the time and it was certainly a busy time.

Mike Jackson

The area is Pontymoile, Pontypool. In the Then photo, the road between the trees and the big house is Victoria Rd, I walked up there many times on my way to school at West Mon Grammar.

To the left of the picture is Cwmynyscoy.

In the Now picture, by the red vehicle on the right, is the by-pass road which used to be the railway line from Pontypool Road to Swansea via Crumlin viaduct.

The road at the bottom of the Now photo is from Griffithstown. On the right was a bridge that took the railway line, also there was HFB Bakeries and Ruther’s fruit and veg warehouse as well as West Mon Old Boy’s Club. It is now a very busy road junction.

Herbert Williams, New Inn