AM supports Ystradgynlais Wood Store's Funding Search

5.30.00pm GMT Thu 22nd May 2008

Kirsty Williams with Caroline Bull, Manager of Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre; Gary Pearson, Store Co-ordinator and Store Volunteers - as she is presented with a wheelbarrow made at the store.

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire recently visited Ystradgynlais Wood Store after they sought her support in finding funding for the project.

The innovative project, set up by Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre, takes domestic and trade waste wood out of the waste stream and reuses it.

They have collected over 15 tonnes of timber in the past 8 months, which would otherwise have gone into landfill.

To date the store has over 20 volunteers who sort and den-nail timber; make firewood and kindling; doors; worktops; floor boards; joists; garden planters, bird boxes and rabbit hatches along with other bespoke items. They have also recently started woodworking classes.

Volunteers range from 6th Formers from Measydderwen School to people with long term ill health.

Sadly the current funding ends in June and they are looking for more funding to continue the successful scheme into the future.

Kirsty Williams said "This is a fantastic project - with landfill filling up and local authorities being taxed - reducing, reusing and recycling is definitely the way of the future and this is one inventive example of how best it can be done locally.

"I was very interested to spend the morning finding out a bit more about what they do; seeing some of the volunteers at work and the benefits and skills they are getting from this project.

"I am lobbying the Assembly Government, Powys County Council to support this wonderful initiative - which is good for the environment and the local economy. I would call upon local businesses and local people to support the scheme and have a look at what they are doing and selling."