# What happened A one-day town centre makeover took place on Beaufort Street in Brynmawr. The Towns Together programme, run by Blaenau Gwent Council, brought together council staff, businesses, community groups and residents to give the high street an immediate visual refresh.
# What was done Volunteers and council neighbourhood teams carried out a coordinated set of tasks during the event and in the lead-up:
- Painting of shop fronts and street furniture.
- Deep clean including jet washing and road sweeping by the council's neighbourhood teams ahead of the event.
- Weeding and litter clearance across the street.
- Installation of new planters and flowers to improve greenery and curb appeal.
- Creation of a nature-themed mural painted by local artist Matt Dey.
- Installation of a banner reading "Thank you for supporting Brynmawr Town Centre."
A resident volunteer said the town centre already looked much better after the morning's work.
# Who took part The makeover was a collaboration between Blaenau Gwent Council and a wide group of local partners. Named participating organisations include the Rotary Club, Dawn at the Hospice for the Valleys, Ross Cable, the Men's Shed, Brynmawr Town Partnership, and Brynmawr Museum. Councillor John Morgan, cabinet member for economy and place, thanked volunteers of all ages and described Towns Together as an example of the Blaenau Gwent Deal, where communities work with the council to improve local areas.
# Funding and selection Beaufort Street was chosen for the project after a public survey in which more than 70 per cent of respondents picked the location. The makeover was funded by the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund.
# Why this matters locally The intervention is intentionally short and visible: a one-day concentrated effort to lift appearance and encourage footfall. The measures taken—paint, planting, cleaning and visible public art—are aimed at making the street more welcoming for visitors and more attractive for potential business investment. The council framed the event as community-led, relying on local volunteer time alongside council resources.
# Practical results and next steps
# What to watch for