£21,000 awarded for new playground at Pontneddfechan Village Hall
We’re excited to announce that £21,000 has been awarded to Pontneddfechan Village Hall to install a new community playground.
The previous play area, in place for many years, was removed in 2022 due to safety concerns. Since then, the local community has made it clear that replacing it is a top priority. At a village meeting attended by over 100 residents, creating a new play space for children was overwhelmingly supported. The playground will provide a safe, welcoming space for local children, many of whom attend schools across different counties, to play and socialise.
Pontneddfechan is also a popular destination for visitors exploring the nearby waterfalls and walking trails. The new playground will enhance the facilities at the Village Hall, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
The project reflects strong community engagement, with residents helping to shape the playground design. The Village Hall committee and volunteers will maintain the area, ensuring it remains a hub for families and visitors for years to come.
“We’re delighted to support Pontneddfechan Village Hall in creating a new playground for the community. The Fund is committed to initiatives that meet local needs and ensure all communities – big or small – have access to facilities. This project will provide children with a safe space to play, bring families together, and create a hub for residents and visitors alike.”
— Shayla, Fund Support Officer – Community
“The committee of Pontneddfechan Village Hall are overwhelmed with gratitude at the grant provided by Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund. The significant contribution has ensured that the children of Pontneddfechan, and surrounding areas, now have something that can be used for many years to come. Diolch Yn Fawr I Cronfa Gymenudol Fferm Wynt Pen y Cymoedd am y cyfraniad anhygoel.” – Pontneddfechan Village Hall Committee
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.