LTSs are semi-permanent structures and this will remain on site for long periods to improve access for Torfaen residents. It will be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, and will be operated by the Department of Health and Social Care using self-swab PCR tests. The leader of Torfaen Council, Cllr Anthony Hunt, said: “The longer opening hours of this LTS will give residents improved opportunity to book a test quickly and efficiently. An LTS is a designed as a walk through facility but residents can drive to the site and there is ample parking. We will continue to use the mobile testing units where we see spikes in the community but the LTS gives our area greater certainty of long term access to testing facilities.
1. Cross the bridge and pass the front of the Active Living Centre to enter Pontypool Park. Beyond the building turn right and follow the broad drive heading towards Pontymoile Gates for a short distance. Ignore the first left turn towards the ski slope but around 100 yards further on turn left to take a clear but unmade path rising into the woods. The path soon becomes a wide sandstone track climbing through the trees. Further up it passes through a tunnel and emerges to ascend a grassy glade. Near the top a sign post indicates a right fork to the Shell Grotto, which you can now see crowning the top of the ridge ahead. A final short but steep climb brings you up to the building.
The Pontypool to Crumlin canal at Trosnant in a late eighteenth century (1790s) print. Picture: Torfaen Museum. A FEW years ago, the museum was sent a copy extract of American industrialist, James Patterson’s diary. He sailed from New York in October 1827 to visit relatives in Ireland and then onwards to industrial sites in England and Wales – where he hoped to gain information ready for the opening of tinplate works in Pennsylvania. The diary extract is fascinating reading and highlights of the Patterson’s trip are visits to all Capel Hanbury Leigh’s works and others around Pontypool, Abersychan (The British) and Blaenavon.
Pontypool Active Living Centre in Pontypool Park THE CEO of Torfaen Leisure Trust has apologised for the sudden closure of their facilities. Yesterday it was announced that Wales would enter a level four lockdown, which began at midnight, and is now in effect throughout the entire of Wales. Mark Drakeford made the decision based on a new strain of coronavirus which is believed to spread more rapidly than the previous version. Torfaen Leisure Trust manages Pontypool Active Living Centre, Cwmbran Stadium, Fairwater Leisure Centre, Bowden Active Living Centre and Pontypool Ski Centre. As the new restrictions mean the closure of businesses deemed non-essential, Torfaen Leisure Trust has now closed their facilities.