CHOOSING the silent hours of a very early Sunday morning, three Abergavenny residents set out on a covert mission to rid a roundabout of weeds, overgrowth and litter.

Known only by their first names; volunteers, Ian, Judith and Roy, set out to give Cantref Roundabout a long-overdue makeover.

Judith told the Chronicle, ‘This ugly sight has been dismaying many residents for some time, we have aimed to bring some pride back to this corner of Abergavenny.’

Having accomplished their initial mission, the trio turned their attention to the roundabout by Llanfoist Bridge where further significant and much-needed tidying up took place.

Judith stated,’Astonishingly, beneath all the detritus at the Cantref Roundabout, there was a paved Celtic Cross, on the centre of which stands a large blue planter, which was also full of weeds.

‘We decided to put some colour into the planter by purchasing some shrubs and bedding plants, but it was pointed out by a member of Friends of Bailey Park that the transformation would likely be short lived and the plants would probably be stolen as they have in the past.’

‘Recent vandalism in the Park saw trees in the Sensory Garden destroyed by vandals. Hence the lack of interest in keeping our roundabouts in good order.

‘This was a particular blow, as the landlady of the Cantref Pub had generously organised a raffle, and with her kind customers, had raised more than sixty pounds to cover the cost of the plants.

It is now a difficult decision as to whether any planting should go ahead. What an indictment of our society that we are unable to put a bit of colour and joy in a very public place without fear of it being vandalised.’