Valleys promoting heritage trail

Cllr Robert Bevan launches the trail at Rhondda Heritage Park

A heritage trail has been launched to promote historic locations in the south Wales valleys.

It follows the creation of 30 Blue Plaques honouring significant people, places and events in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Visitors to a new website - www.heritagetrailsrct.co.uk - can download a series of walks and motoring trails around the county borough.

The information is also available as a brochure from local libraries, museums and tourist information points.

Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's cabinet member for tourism and recreation, said the launch of the trail was a culmination of a successful three-year project.

A Blue Plaque marks the birthplace of opera singer Sir Geraint Evans

"There have been 30 Blue Plaques introduced county borough-wide, commemorating famous people, places and events and these trails link the plaques and other interesting places," he said.

"There is a wealth of heritage locally and many people will be fascinated and surprised to find out more about our incredible past which has created such a vibrant county borough today."

The council's libraries and museums service has worked closely with voluntary organisations and individuals to identify sites in the area which had yet to be recognised for their historical significance.

Locations marked by the new Blue Plaques include the birthplaces of opera star Sir Geraint Evans in Cilfynydd and cremation pioneer Dr William Price in Llantrisant.

Another commemorating the 1910 Tonypandy riots will be placed on the Powerhouse in Llwynypia following restoration.

Heritage Lottery Funding of £49,200 had been granted to finance the project.