Pontypridd Town Council is the proud recipient of a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to create WW2- style, ‘Dig for Victory Garden’ at Berw Field allotments. Pontypridd Town Council workers uncovered a pillbox dating from 1940 on the site, which would have been one of many situated along the Taff Valley in preparation from possible invasion by Germany during the Second World War.

It is hoped that the pillbox and the garden will be visited by schools, community groups and others interested in the history and heritage of Pontypridd for years to come.

Pontypridd Town Council Chief Executive Tony Graham said, “On discovering such an incredible piece of local history we decided to help preserve it and also to use it as an educational aid for future generations. We are passionate about ensuring that the history of our area can be enjoyed by both our local community and visitors from further afield and we hope that people enjoy visiting the site and learning about Pontypridd.”

With the support of the National Lottery Players, Pontypridd Town Council has been able to create a Dig for Victory Garden, install an Anderson shelter, and build a ty bach (outhouse) at Berw Field allotments. The pillbox is one of very few along the Taff that survive which makes it of  important historical interest.

The project has been funded by the 15-Minute Heritage Fund grant programme which was run by Cadw – the Welsh Government’s historic environment service and The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales.

Pictured

Outgoing Town Mayor, Cllr Lyndon Bengough and National Heritage Lottery’s Moe Horikawa.