Tonypandy memorial consultation: free drop-ins on September 4

Tonypandy residents can examine proposed changes to the area around the town’s War Memorial at two free drop-in sessions on Friday, September 4, 2026. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council officers will be at Tonypandy Market from 10am to 2pm before moving to Tonypandy Library from 3pm to 7pm.

The consultation is open to local residents, businesses, community groups and anyone interested in Tonypandy’s heritage. Entry is listed as free, and both sessions are drop-in events.

The First World War memorial could move

At the centre of the plans is a proposal to relocate the First World War memorial currently standing within the grounds of Livingway Church. It would be placed in what the council describes as a more accessible position above the existing Tonypandy War Memorial.

The wider scheme could also reshape the surrounding space. Options include re-landscaping the area, creating accessible planting spaces and removing the wrought-iron fencing around the existing memorial.

These remain proposals, giving visitors to the consultation an opportunity to inspect the plans, ask council officers questions and submit feedback before the scheme progresses.

Friday’s consultation moves from market to library

The two sessions provide daytime and early-evening opportunities to take part:

Both venues are in Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf. The published notice does not provide separate transport or event-accessibility arrangements.

Investment combines council and UK funding

The proposals form part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s five-year programme of investment in local war memorials. The authority committed £250,000 to the programme, which runs from 2022 to 2027, as part of its support for the Armed Forces community and local heritage.

Funding from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund is also being used for the proposed Tonypandy improvements. The council says Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to more than 7,500 Armed Forces veterans and notes that it signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 before reaffirming its commitment in 2018.

Maureen Webber BEM, the council’s Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said residents should have an opportunity to view the proposals, ask questions and share their views. She encouraged residents, businesses, community groups and people interested in Tonypandy’s heritage to attend.

Families can add names and stories to the Roll of Honour

Alongside the design consultation, the council’s Heritage Service will collect material for a Tonypandy Roll of Honour. Residents can bring information about relatives or people from Tonypandy and surrounding areas who were killed during conflict.

Useful contributions may include names, photographs, documents and family stories. The material will support work to remember and recognise local people who served and lost their lives.

Anyone unable to attend either September 4 session can send Roll of Honour information to [email protected]. The same address can be used to contact the Heritage Service about the council’s wider war memorial work.

Source: Rhondda Cynon Taf Council News