Morgan’s Musings

I WAS honoured to have been re-elected as the Leader of RCT Council at the recent AGM.

Despite the challenges presented by austerity, we have carefully managed our finances and I firmly believe that we have some exciting times ahead, with record levels of investment delivered into projects across the borough over the coming years.

One area that we have sought to invest heavily in is our transportation network and £23.6m will be spent in this key priority area in 2018/19, building on the over £20m invested in this area over the previous financial year.

The recently reopened Llantrisant Community Route is a prime example of our investment in Community (Cycle) Routes that forms part of a broader network of routes throughout RCT.

I recently attended a site visit with the Rhondda Tunnel Society to see the progress being made on the tunnel, and I was hugely impressed by the enthusiasm and effort of their members.

I remain supportive of the attempts to open both the Rhondda and Abernant Tunnels, and believe that they could hold huge potential for boosting the Active Travel, leisure and tourism opportunities.

We are fortunate in RCT to have some world-class attractions on our doorstep – from the Penderyn Distillery to the Royal Mint, there is something for everyone in RCT.

The beautiful bank holiday weekend saw thousands flocking to Ponty Lido and the annual Aberdare Festival.

Another of our key attractions, the Welsh Mining Experience, Rhondda Heritage Park, will also now be open on Sundays throughout the summer. We have invested heavily in improving the Heritage Park, and the feedback on our new Dram: The Cinematic Experience simulator has been hugely positive.

Going forward, we will continue to look for opportunities to invest in our Active Travel, tourism and leisure facilities, in order to make RCT an attractive and vibrant County Borough for all to enjoy.