A FAMILY are appealing for help as they look to build a memorial to miners who died working in Cwmllynfell Colliery.

Phil Turner, along with wife Sandra, grandson Joe and fellow residents, have reclaimed land in Y Goedlan and Woodland Road to build a memorial for miners of the colliery which neighboured the road.

The group are hoping to transform the previously overgrown area of land into a fitting tribute for miners who lost their lives.

It is a project that was sparked by an idea Phil had in February of last year.

He explained: “I was sat up there one day and thought it was disgraceful the state that it had gotten in. A former resident used to tend for it and we did not realise how much work he was doing until he died.

“We picked up from there with the inclination of keeping it as a memorial to those that died in the colliery.

“We contacted the councils to try and reclaim the land. Neath Port Talbot said it did not belong to them, as did Carmarthenshire, and the farmer who owns the field next to it said he owned what went up to the fence but didn’t have a problem with anything the other side.”

The family set about planning a fitting makeover for the site.

A number of flower beds are set to be installed, as is a memorial sculpture, new memorial bench, and other features including a replica drift mine entrance.

Phil added: “The residents up here have really pulled it all together and supported the idea.

“I want it to be somewhere relatives or residents can come up and sit down, remember what used to be here, and enjoy the flowers.

“It is only the three of us currently working on it, myself, Joe and Sandra, so we are after donations from anyone who is happy to help, be it materials or work.

“We have had a lot of donations of flowers which we are extremely grateful for and are now looking for some building materials and bits like that.”

Phil is also looking to set up a newsletter to inform people of the colliery’s history and keep them up to date with the project, earmarked to take five years.

To support the project, contact 01639 830530 or agurnosrebel017@gmail.com.