Property News · May 5, 2017

Let’s move to Blaenafon, Gwent: ‘Money and hard work have spruced it up’


It lacks the obvious beauty of Hay and the Wye valley, but it’s as picturesque as a former mining town can getWhat’s going for it? Last time we came here, 14 years ago, news was Blaenafon was going to magic itself into Hay-on-Wye. This, the crucible of the Welsh coal industry, had set upon its postindustrial future: books, cakes and ’eritage. Well, the magic has worked – kinda. It was always a tough task. Blaenafon lacks the obvious beauty and quaintness of Hay and the Wye valley and much of its thunder has been stolen by the revival of Abergavenny, just over the hill. Blaenafon may be as picturesque as a former mining town in the Welsh valleys can possibly get, but its beauty comes more from other directions: its doughty community; the stories of bravery told in the Big Pit museum; and the flavour of the lamb chops sold in the butchers. Hard work and money have spruced the place up. Broad Street, with its bunting, cake shops and the Cheddar Company (its cheeses maturing in the old pits), is jolly. The museums are busy. It hasn’t been transformed into Poshville, but Blaenafon is surviving and didn’t sell its soul to the devil in the process.The case against On the grey side, visually. Winters can be cruel. Move here for the long haul, and roll up your sleeves. Continue reading…

Source : theguardian.com
Read more…Let’s move to Blaenafon, Gwent: ‘Money and hard work have spruced it up’

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