Community donations reach victims of severe flooding

COMMUNITY donations of more than £30,000 have reached those hit by severe flooding in Pontypridd earlier this year.

A group of churches, community groups and individuals have pooled donations to help residents in Pontypridd who were affected by the flooding in February.

Rhondda Cynon Taf was one of the worst affected parts of the country when Storm Dennis hit earlier this year and caused massive flooding across the area.

Pontypridd was particularly badly hit, with many homes and businesses destroyed – but now the 91 houses affected in Pontypridd Town, Trallwn and Cilfynydd wards have received money from the council without the need for another application.

With the help of local charity Pontypridd Christian Concern and RCT Council, the money has now got to those who need it after original plans to distribute the money were thwarted by the Covid-19 crisis.

Community centres like the one in Trallwn took in cash and cheques as they played a major role in helping the victims of the flooding by providing food, clothing, cleaning supplies and support.

Clifynydd and Trallwn community centres also applied for grant funding from Wales Council for Voluntary Action who administered funds raised by actor Michael Sheen.

Kate Fullstone, a local resident and volunteer, said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for their kind donations and offers of help.

“The effort that was put in by the local community was a real team effort.”

Local musicians and creative people came together on St David’s Day for “We are Ponty” at Temple Baptist Church to raise money.

The event celebrated the town and its people with original poems and songs.