Ystalyfera Development Trust
| Address: | 72 Commercial Street, Ystalyfera, SWANSEA, SA9 2HS | Type | Full Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email: | enquiries@ystalyfera.org | Web: | |
| Tel: |
Description & History
The development trust in Ystalyfera was established in 1995 as a response to taking forward actions to halt the declining economic and social prosperity then facing the community. At this time the Trust sought to focus its efforts on regenerating the community by restoring redundant buildings and encouraging self help and social enterprise schemes. This still remains a core part of the trust's remit.
Since its inception the trust has sought to identify and respond to the needs of the community. Today the trust is involved in the following initiatives:
- Hosting of community learning facilities as part of the Neath Port Talbot New Learning Network that offers a wide range of tuition and accredited courses.
- Overseeing the implementation and delivery of the Communities First programme in Ystalyfera.
- Working in partnership with Family Housing Association to provide affordable housing for local people.
- Promoting the Neath Port Talbot Credit Union and providing a base for it within the village.
- Identifying opportunities for community focused business and undertaking feasibility studies.
- Offering careers guidance to people seeking to enhance their skills.
- Supporting local business initiatives and attracting local investment.
- Working with statutory agencies to identify gaps in local services.
As a strategic objective, Ystalyfera Development Trust seeks to work in partnership with a wide range of statutory agencies and community groups to attract inward investment into the village, with a vision to create a thriving and dynamic community.
Location and Area of Benefit
Ynysybwl, Coed-y-Cwm and the forested area to the north of the village, in the Cynon Valley. Population now just under 5,000. The community was built around the former Lady Windsor Colliery which closed in 1988 and led to a socio-economic decline in the community.
Main services, Enterprises and Activities
Property development – owns 5 properties which have been refurbished and improved and are let as a mix of commercial, community and residential units Training and consultancy – offering a rang of community development, enterprise and economic development activities Management services – secretarial and management services
Projects and services:
- Community Access Programme (CAP) – providing support to people wishing to take part in a community based learning environment
- Technology Centre – providing tuition to local people
- Business Development – initiated a programme for business development within the area
- Provide office space for the Ystalyfera Community Car Scheme
- Host the Youth Club run by Neath Port Talbot Youth Service on Tuesday evenings 6pm-8pm
- Funding from Sport Council for Wales to develop Bicycle Hire project (under development)
- Free use of IT facilities for the public.
Emerging & Proposed Future Developments
HERIAN – Heritage Trail
A partnership is being formed between various organisations in Neath Port Talbot and Powys to take forward a heritage project under the auspices of Herian. The initial Heritage plan has now been drafted and a short community film has been produced. The project is in its infancy and now awaiting funding to progress.