ABERSYCHAN School pupils have come up with a design for a 100-year commemorative garden to mark the start of World War One, as part of a car park clean-up project to deter anti-social behaviour.

The Union Street Car Park project is a community initiative to rid the area of underage drinkers and other causes of disturbance, from Talywain Focus Group and the local school.

Abersychan pupils will also maintain the memorial.

Head of Year 8 at the school, Susan Golding, said: “Torfaen council officer Andrew Neville came in with three graphics from drawings previously done by the pupils. They voted and selected their favourite.”

Ward councillor Gwyneira Clark came up with the idea to plant a memorial at the front of the car park a few months ago.

She said the anti-social behaviour, which had begun to affect residents and traders, had improved no end since the clean-up works started.

“We have had the hedges trimmed back, and debris cleared, while street-lights in the area have also been turned on again and that has made it less of a haven for youngsters,” she said. “Hopefully that will continue.”

It is hoped the memorial will be in place by Spring, ahead of the July 28, 100-year anniversary date.

“It’s a really nice project, and one that commemorates WWI,” Cllr Clark added.

Keep Wales Tidy have already provided funding for the project, however more is needed.

To provide further funding email gwyneira.clark@torfaen.gov.uk