Residents are invited to share their views on proposals to improve the area surrounding Tonypandy War Memorial, as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s continued investment in local war memorials.
War memorials are important community landmarks, commemorating those who served and sacrificed during times of conflict. They provide a lasting connection between local communities and their shared history, ensuring that the contribution of Armed Forces personnel is remembered by future generations.
In 2022, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council committed to delivering a five-year programme of investment in war memorials as part of its continued support for the Armed Forces community. Using this investment, alongside funding from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, the Council is proposing improvements to the area surrounding Tonypandy War Memorial.
The proposals include relocating the World War I memorial currently situated within the grounds of Livingway Church in Tonypandy to a more accessible location above the existing war memorial.
A wider improvement scheme is also being proposed, which could include re-landscaping the area around the memorial, creating accessible planting spaces and removing the wrought-iron fencing around the existing memorial.
Residents will be able to view the proposals and speak to Council officers at two consultation events taking place on Friday, September 4. Officers will be at Tonypandy Market from 10am to 2pm, and at Tonypandy Library from 3pm to 7pm.
As part of the day, the Council’s Heritage Service will also be gathering information for a Tonypandy Roll of Honour. Residents are encouraged to come along and share details of relatives or local residents from Tonypandy and surrounding areas who were killed during conflict.
Residents can bring names, photographs, documents or family stories to help ensure those who served and sacrificed are remembered and recognised.
Those unable to attend can submit information for the Roll of Honour by emailing: HeritageService@rctcbc.gov.uk.
The consultation provides an opportunity for residents to help shape the proposed improvements and contribute to the preservation of Tonypandy’s local history for future generations.
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “War memorials hold a very special place within our communities, providing a lasting tribute to those who served and sacrificed in times of conflict.
“As Armed Forces Champion, I’m very pleased that the Council is continuing to invest in these important community landmarks, ensuring that they are protected, respected and accessible for future generations.
“The proposals for Tonypandy War Memorial would help improve the area surrounding the memorial, while also providing an opportunity to relocate the World War I memorial currently situated at Livingway Church to a more accessible location.
“It’s important that residents have the opportunity to view the proposals, ask questions and share their views. I’d encourage local residents, businesses, community groups and anyone with an interest in Tonypandy’s heritage to take part in the consultation, either online or by attending one of the drop-ins on September 4.
“The Roll of Honour work taking place alongside the consultation is also incredibly important. We want to hear from families and residents who may have names, photographs, documents or stories to share, so that those from Tonypandy and the surrounding area who lost their lives in conflict can be properly remembered.”
The project forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s wider commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and preserving local heritage.
Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to more than 7,500 Armed Forces veterans and the Council was among the first Welsh local authorities to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, reaffirming its commitment in 2018. More information: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
This work also aligns with the Council’s 5-year, £250,000 programme of investment in war memorials, running from 2022 to 2027. Led by the Council’s Heritage and Historical Memorials Officer, the Council’s War Memorial Digitisation Project continues to research and share the stories behind those commemorated on memorials across the County Borough.
To find out more or get involved, please contact: HeritageService@rctcbc.gov.uk
Posted on 27/08/2026