Ystradynglais’ playing fields are shared by the town’s rugby, cricket, football, tennis, and bowls sides and serves the whole community. However, the 100-year lease is due to expire.
Ystradgynlais Community Welfare Ground Association struck a deal with the landowners to lease the land at a rate of £2,000 per year. But it now must be paid 50 years in advance. This essentially means the group must raise £100,000 to save their playing fields; fundraising campaigns and events are planned to take place and try and raise the total amount.
The issue has already been raised by prominent figures, such as Michael Sheen, who slammed the decision from the landowners.
The issue has already been raised by prominent figures, such as Michael Sheen, who slammed the decision from the landowners.
Who the hell is demanding that the community of Ystradgynlais come up with 100k all at once to keep their playing fields after everything that’s happened??? They should be ashamed of themselves. #ystradgynlais #landowners https://t.co/Bl8I4AeXLF
— michael sheen 💙 (@michaelsheen) August 8, 2021
Some fundraising events have already taken place, such as the local junior rugby side Tiger Blues raising £3,000 through a sponsored walk.
Tom Sloane, Ospreys in the Community foundation manager hopes the gifts will make a small difference: “We were saddened to hear of the situation the community found itself in and wanted to do anything we could to try and help out one of our clubs.
“We pulled together some gifts that the club could use to generate some funds in any way they would like; and they were presented to the club by Ospreys players Sam Parry, Will Griffiths, and Matthew Aubrey. I hope these gifts will contribute in some small way to Ystradgynlais’ fundraising campaign and raise awareness of their battle to save vital facilities for the area.”
The group has raised over 10% of the target already, but still have some ways to go. If you would like to support Ystradgynlais, please consider donating to their fundraiser.
