The Abertillery Park Terraces

The Abertillery Park Terraces.
There had been a need for terraces at the park sports ground for a while, the many spectators attending rugby football matches who didn’t use the grandstand would have to stand on the steep banking on the opposite side of the field (as seen in the image left).

In the early 1920’s the provision of spectators concrete terracing was proposed and planning was put in motion. The terraces were initially constructed without barriers, these were added during a later reconstruction. 
 
The Parks Improvement Committee.
On Friday 6th of May 1921, the South Wales Gazette reported – A letter, dated 22nd of April 1921, from the secretaries of the Parks Improvement Committee, a cheque amounting to the sum of £350 was given by the secretary for terracing at the football ground.

The Unemployment Workers Scheme.
The work on the new terracing was carried out under the Unemployment Workers Scheme by twenty-five unemployed workers of Abertillery under the instructions of the Chief Surveyor Mr Lionel D. Lewis (son of the former Cwmtillery Collieries General Manager and ex-Councillor, Mr Daniel Lewis of Blaenau Gwent). The Unemployment Workers Scheme was carefully managed and none of the men working in connection with the scheme had less than six children under fourteen-years of age, one man had a family of thirteen children.

On Friday 13th of May 1921, it was stated that the task of terracing the bank on the popular side of the football ground at the park is proceeding rapidly. 

Benefit Payment Rates.
In June 1921, the South Wales Gazette printed a report on the local unemployed and the rate of benefit payments. The payments rates were as follows –
Man – 10s. per week.
Wife – 10s. per week.
First Child – 8s. 6d. per week.
Second Child – 6s. 6d. per week.
Third Child – 6s. per week.
Every child after – 6s. per week.
Based on a family of four, that is equivalent to a weekly unemployment benefit payment of approximately £105.00 in today’s money.

Money Spent on the Park Terracing.
On Friday 17th of June 1921, the South Wales Gazette stated that £1,700 is being spent on terracing at the park at Abertillery. That sum is equivalent to £102.644.02p in today’s money.

An Application for a Further Grant.
On Friday 12th of August 1921, the South Wales Gazette reported on an application made to the Unemployment Grants Committee for a further grant towards the cost of completing the terraces at the park. It also stated that the concreting will be delayed until the made-up ground had time to settle.

Reconstruction Work.
In February 1947, a council meeting proposed extensive repairs to the Abertillery Park, including – Recontruction of the park terraces and a new approach over the river at a cost of £3,500. There were arguements over these proposals and a delay to the work. Tenders were invited but must have been postponed.

On Friday 9th of April 1948, the South Wales Gazette reported on improvement works at Abertillery Park. The council were inviting tenders from experienced public works contractors to – The reconstruction of the terracing. Construction of a new concrete girder bridge with a 20′ foot span. Reforming and resurfacing access roads. An extension to the bowls pavilion and conveniences at the cricket pavilion.

The Renovations to the Park Terraces.
In 2025 a group from the Abertillery Rugby Supporters voluntarily renovated, cleaned and painted the steps and handrails of the terraces.

Old Photograph – Published by Smith & Son, Booksellers, Abertillery.