AN artist's impression of the plans for Penygarn American Gardens has been revealed to the Argus.

The development of the gardens has been part of the ongoing Green Gateways project, which includes Cold Barn Farm, Penygarn Allotments and community gardens.

The American Gardens Environmental project - which is part of the work by Communities First and the Heads of the Valleys project - are undergoing a major revamp.

Communities First Development Officer, Cerys Jones, said: "It will be amazing when the whole project is complete but that will take a couple of years.

"We're hoping that by March the fencing, gates and driveway will be finished.

"The front entrance is already complete. A lot of hard work has already gone into the project, such as clearing pathways. A lot more is to come.

"We've made sure the money from Green Gateways being spent on things that the community wanted."

Emma Davies, Development Officer, said: "The pond has been completely cleared and has come up looking fabulous already."

The pond - which is more than 100 metres long - is usually dried up but is currently full to the brim with water due to the heavy rainfall.

Ms Davies said: "The pond is looking great. It's one of the highlights of the garden.

"We been working on the project for about two years and throughout that time nearly 50 children have been involved.

"It's important to get the community involved, especially the children. They'll enjoy the final outcome much more.

"It's also benefits their education because we will tell them if they suggest an inappropriate idea and then recommend alternatives."

There are to be two opportunities to view and comment on the masterplan created as part of the American Gardens Feasibility Study.

Tuesday, February 5 between 2pm and 5.30pm and Wednesday February, between 6pm and 8pm.

These sessions will be held at the Communities First Resource Centre Hall and the consultants and project volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.