A NEW reflective garden in Brynmawr is being hailed a success after attracting more than 800 visitors since its opening three months ago.

The Brynmawr Reflective Garden, based at Welfare Park, boasts £80,000 worth of attractions including a wishing well, tea room, replica beach area, children’s play area and a pond as well as information on the history of the area.

The garden, which has taken three years to build, was funded through a number of bodies including the National Lottery, Awards for All and Blaenau Gwent Council.

Twelve volunteers from the Millennium Committee, which secured the funding, also donated their spare time over the three years to help with the project.

The idea for the garden, which is free and open seven days a week, came about in 2004 after the fountain from the old Brynmawr open-air baths was restored and relocated in the park.

The garden was then built around the fountain providing both an educational and relaxing area.

Chairman of the committee, Terry Hughes, 72, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome and the success of it. I would like to thank everybody who has been involved.”

The committee is now preparing a Santa’s Grotto for the garden. Anyone who would like to volunteer in helping with this can contact Mr Hughes on 01495 311029.

The Committee is also looking for a dinghy to place on the beach area of the garden. If anyone would like to donate a dinghy they should also contact Mr Hughes.