Residents and dignitaries gathered on a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon in early September to celebrate the completion of an important project for Monmouth town.

The project, funded by the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics Tourism Infrastructure Scheme and with additional support from Monmouth Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council, has been a collaborative effort coordinated through the Grounds and Cleansing team.

The project has given the picnic area by the Monnow Bridge a much-needed new lease of life, with many facets coming together to transform the area. A timber rail now separates the green space from the car park, while rosemary and lavender borders have been planted by volunteers from Monmouth Rotary Community Champions. Rowan trees have also been set out along the edge to provide shade and berries, with the spring set to bring forth a mixture of flowering bulbs and wildflowers planted by the children of Overmonnow School.

New picnic tables and riverside benches, made from hard-wearing recycled plastic, have been provided, emphasising the project’s commitment to recycling. 

Additionally, a sculpture, “Guardian of the Rivers,” created by local mosaic artist Stephanie Roberts, overlooks the green space. Residents, students, and young people all played an essential role in designing the sculpture made from recycled ceramics, tiles, glass, and found objects.

Completing the tidy-up also involved the installation of new black railings between the car park and the road, leaving a favourable impression for visitors entering the town. 

The project also saw new litter bins for the town, encouraging recycling and sustainability. Volunteers from the Monmouth Litter Group had long advocated for more opportunities to recycle litter for people who are out and about, and the project has provided technology that senses when the bins are getting close to being full, preventing overflowing litter bins.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Paul Griffiths, paid tribute to the teamwork that resulted in this successful project: “This project has showcased what collaborative working can do to an area. I’m certain that over the coming years, this will be a popular and well-used area for residents and visitors who head in and out of the high street. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing this to life. I’d especially like to thank the students of Overmonnow School, whose work planting flowers will be evident over the next few years with a variety of colours on show here.”