Wildmill street sign design project

The street sign project is a joint initiative between Valleys to Coast Housing Association (V2C), and the Groundwork Bridgend Youth Works programme at Wildmill. Local young people aged between 8 and 18 years of age have designed the vibrant signs.

Local youngsters were invited by V2C to help improve the street signs around the estate, and have been assisted by United Design graphic designers who spent two days with the young people taking their initial drawings to professional designs. A number of sign designs are now being looked at, through a community consultation period, with the finalised designs being turned into colourful and legal street signs. One of the sign designs submitted for community consultation include the slogan 'Respect Our Roads and Our Community, Thank U', and also features the 30mph speed limit sign.

Wildmill Youth Works Project Co-ordinator, Tyrone Hughes, stated "It's important that young people have a say in the regeneration of Wildmill, and this street sign project will act as a catalyst for even bigger projects, in the future. The street sign design project will both brighten up the estate, and will deliver important messages to drivers, about the dangers of speeding."

Peter Cahill, Chief Executive of V2C said "V2C has always regarded it important to engage with young people. Their involvement in the regeneration of Wildmill will help to ensure that the estate and the community is able to continue to thrive and succeed."

Tyrone Hughes continues "I have been very impressed with the hard work of the local youngsters, who have worked in partnership with Valleys to Coast, to raise awareness of vehicle speeding through the estate."

Local youngster, Rhian, who has been involved in the design project, stated "We did this to help prevent speeding on the estate, and to remind people of the 30mph speed limit."

Assembly Minister (AM) Carwyn Jones, who recently visited Wildmill Youth Works, has also seen the design work by local youngsters.

AM Carwyn Jones stated "The last time I was in this building it was empty, and the youth club was just an idea. Its great to see the club working so well, and having such a positive effect on the local community."

The issue of vehicle speed through the Wildmill Estate was identified as a priority for partnership action, in a recent (PACT) Partners and Communities Together Meeting.

The next Wildmill PACT meeting will be held on Thursday 5th October 2006, at Wildmill Community Hall, commencing at 19:00.