An eyesore Mountain Ash building has been demolished as part of the ongoing regeneration and improvement of Wales' town centre.

Bulldozers raised the former shop at number 47 Oxford Road to the ground following months of work and negotiations on behalf of residents and businesses by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Pressure now continues from local councillors Andrew Morgan and Simon Lloyd and representatives to ensure the site is redeveloped and regenerated, to ensure it is in keeping with the modern, vibrant new town centre.


Progress to deal with the building, which has been empty and run-down for years, was delayed due to difficulties tracing its owner.

However, Welsh Assembly Government officials, with the support of ward members and the Council's Development and Regeneration Unit, persisted to secure the rights needed to begin demolition.

The work forms part of the ongoing regeneration effort across Mountain Ash. Significant projects such as the opening of the Relief Road and an overhaul of the traffic and parking infrastructure to attract more visitors have been completed.

These schemes are now being complemented with ongoing work to ensure the town centre is as vibrant and attractive as possible, which includes improving the appearance of buildings to create a fresh and modern area.

(CD/JM)