Hilltop estate marks anniversary

When Penrhys opened in 1968, there were 951 homes

A hilltop community which was once the largest social housing scheme in Wales is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Penrhys in the Rhondda, 1,100ft (335m) above sea level, comprised 951 homes when it was officially opened in 1968.

Social problems blighted the area in the 1970s and 80s and Penrhys acquired a poor reputation as many tenants looked to move elsewhere.

But efforts have been made to improve life on the estate and about 1,000 people live in 300 remaining homes.

The Reverend John Morgans set up Penrhys Partnership in 1991 to help turn the estate's fortunes around.

Hazel Jones has lived at Penrhys since 1969 'There's good and bad on the estate and I love Penrhys'

In 1993, a 'village centre' was developed from derelict homes to create a surgery, post office, grocery store and offices for community groups.

Three years later, the partnership created a housing complex for people who felt vulnerable in the community.

An arts and education centre was also built featuring a recording studio, performance area, computer suite and workshops.

Penrhys Partnership manager Wayne Carter, who was brought up on the estate, said rather than people leaving, there was now a waiting list.

"There's a good community infrastructure in place for residents where in previous years, like the 80s, there were very limited opportunities for young people and adults," he said.

"The people who live in Penrhys now, the vast majority, want to live here whereas through its lifetime, because it's social housing, people possibly haven't wanted to."

Penrhys today is home to about 1,000 people

Events have been taking place to mark not just the estate's 40th anniversary, but also the 470th anniversary of the destruction of the shrine to Our Lady of Penrhys.

The original statue was destroyed in 1538 as part of Henry VIII's dissolution of monasteries.

Penrhys Pilgrims Festival runs until 26 September, including the Penrhys Carnival on the estate's actual 40th anniversary, Saturday 13 September.

Mr Carter said challenges remained but Penrhys could now look forward to a brighter future.

"It's a stable, close-knit community with an excellent community spirit," he said.

"One of the biggest challenges that remains is a valleys issue not just a Penrhys issue and that's outward migration.

"We've still got a lot of work to do."