The Cwm Ogwr Fach section of the Celtic Trail between Tonyrefail and Blackmill was officially opened by Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones.

The attractive traffic-free route near the entrance to Lakeside Farm Restaurant on the A4093 forms part of a trail stretching across the breadth of Wales.

The five-mile section follows the former railway line and parish road, and prevents walkers and cyclists having to drop onto the busy A4093 to continue along the Celtic Trail.

The scheme is part of the Celtic Trail Phase 2 Project funded through the Welsh European Funding Office.

The aim of the Environment Improvement Strategy is to provide a framework for improving the living space of Rhondda Cynon Taf from 2005 and up to 2015. The document also sets out priorities for environmental improvement and demonstrate how we can enhance the quality of our living space over the next ten years.

There were many range of delegates in attendance representing groups with a common interest in the environmental improvement agenda such as the Rambler’s Association, and also Too Good To Waste, the 10-year old furniture re-use Charity based in Aberdare and Ferndale.

Ecycle Rhondda Cynon Taff’s biggest grasssroots recycling organisation – gave their wholehearted support to working with other similar local groups to help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

Rhondda Cynon Taff’s Environmental Improvement Strategy was developed after wide-ranging consultation in partnership with many other local organisations.

Carwyn Jones AM, Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment, pledged his support by signing the pledge board which will later tour Community sites across the County Borough.

Members of the Environmental Strategy Partnership give their pledge. Lynda Davies, pledges on behalf of Too Good To Waste.