PONTYPOOL's Grade II listed war memorial has been renovated following a project led by the Pontypool War Memorial Group and Torfaen council.

Local firm Groves Painting and Decorating donated their services free of charge to help the council paint the memorial, and staff from A. P. Waters building contractors helped clear the surrounding flower beds.

The Pontypool War Memorial Group raised £2000 to buy seeds for planting and volunteers from the Pontypool Park Friends will help maintain flower beds that surround the memorial.

Councillor Alan Jones, Torfaen’s armed forces champion, said: “I would like to say thank you to Groves Painting and Decorating and A.P. Waters for donating their services free of charge, the council for providing the paint and staff time, Pontypool Park Friends for taking on the maintenance of the memorial flower beds and all of the members of the Pontypool War Memorial Group who have worked hard on this project.

“This is a great example of the council working together with the community and local businesses to show their respect for those who fought for us, and to ensure that the memorial in Pontypool is maintained to the highest possible standard.”

Gaynor James, chair of the Pontypool War Memorial Group, said: “Many members of the pubic have donated towards this great cause and thanks to their support we will be able to plant the memorial flower beds with beautiful flowers. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at Pontypool Community Council’s offices in Pontypool.”