pontmorlais heritage quarter - Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Partnership

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PONTMORLAIS HERITAGE QUARTER: CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN 7.0 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRAINING INITIATIVES It is critical that MTCBC take the lead in stewardship of the historic environment as conservation is integral to improvements in the local economy, employment opportunities and facilities. However, it is equally important that owners, residents, local businesses and other interest groups are well informed and closely involved, as the historic environment affects so many aspects of local life. 7.1 Key Issues • The local community may not be fully aware of the purpose of a conservation area, the benefits designation may bring, and how they can influence its future. • The skills and expertise of local residents’ groups, individuals or major landowners may be underutilised. • There may be a lack of education and training in traditional skills required to properly maintain and repair historic buildings, which could have an impact on the way the community engages with the historic environment. 7.2 Recommended Actions • Establish a mechanism for dialogue between local residents groups, business groups and landowners to support businesses in Pontmorlais in terms of maximising viability and economic potential. • Consider forming a joint Conservation Area Advisory Panel (CAAP) covering all conservation areas in the County Borough, as suggested by Welsh Assembly Government, comprising a cross section of the local community and including representatives of business interests, amenity societies and other stakeholders. • Promote enhancement and maintenance works within the conservation area. • Engage school children by developing workshops / educational trails linked to the national curriculum and the Communities First strategies. • Make conservation area information readily available to residents, e.g. ensure that appraisals, management plans and strategic documents are readily available in local libraries and on the internet. • Draw on the resources available within the local community to help with reviewing the appraisal and management plan and to build community awareness. • Work with Soar Chapel which already provides bilingual educational, training and social facilities, youth outreach, nursery care and awareness courses to promote local culture and heritage. PHQ_revA_CAMP_apr11 14
PONTMORLAIS HERITAGE QUARTER: CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN • Encourage the involvement of the Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Trust to help preserve the conservation area’s special character and to instigate enhancements where appropriate. • Engage local residents’ groups in the recording of the area in terms of its present day character and historical development. • Engaging the local Communities First partnership to support resident involvement in the project and to continue activities to raise prosperity and quality of life in Pontmorlais. • Organise one day training workshops in traditional building skills e.g. traditional window repair; use and application of lime; damp diagnosis; stone and brick repair. This would help foster awareness and interest amongst property owners, contractors and agents on the skills required for work on historic properties. • In conjunction with historic environment specialists e.g. Glamorgan and Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT); The Royal Commission of Ancient and Historic Monuments in Wales (RCAHMW); Cadw; organise awareness-raising events such as talks and exhibitions to highlight the richness of the historic environment of Merthyr Tydfil. • Ensure that Merthyr Tydfil is promoted in local and regional tourism initiatives and to support the development of events to encourage the use of Merthyr Tydfil town centre by local people and visitors. • Work with MTCBC, Wales Tourist Board, Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society and others to re-establish a Town Trail, linking buildings and places of note marked with plaques, and provide leaflets at key points. • Celebrate Merthyr Tydfil’s heritage through interpretation, events, festivals and awards. PHQ_revA_CAMP_apr11 15
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pontmorlais heritage quarter - Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Partnership

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