³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

A regeneration initiative in Blaenau Ffestiniog aims to bring the words, thoughts and poetry of the town's people together in a new street art project.

Poet and author Dewi Prysor has been appointed to lead the project and to organise workshops in the local schools with other artists and poets.

Ideas from residents from the area will also be accepted and the composed words, which will hopefully stretch for a quarter of a kilometre, will be inscribed in slate by artist Howard Bowcott and then installed in two of Blaenau's streets.

Gai Toms and Dewi Prysor with pupils during a workshop in Ysgol y Moelwyn

Prysor said: "I hope that we'll receive all sorts of ideas, some about Blaenau as it is today and how it used to be. They could be short statements, or local sayings that reflect the area's history. Some could relate to specific shops and who knows, perhaps we could fit them outside of those particular shops in town.

"Street art is to be seen in towns and cities across Europe and this is an excellent opportunity for residents to give their unique stamp on work that will be seen in the town for years and generations to come."

Richard Thomas, a member of the Blaenau Ymlaen regeneration group who are developing the project in partnership with Gwynedd Council and the Welsh Assembly, said: "the aim of the project is to celebrate the area's rich history and culture, and this particular project is a great opportunity to do this."

To contribute to the scheme, or for more information, contact blaenauymlaen@gwynedd.gov.uk and find out more about the on the Gwynedd Council website.