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Risca’s war memorial has been given a makeover ahead of Remembrance Sunday, after volunteers cleared weeds and overgrowth, planted shrubs, and repainted benches.

The Risca branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) joined forces with Caerphilly County Borough Council and construction firm Willmott Dixon to get the memorial and surrounding garden area ready for the event on November 10.

The work has seen new metal military silhouettes added to the memorial, along with a ‘poppy waterfall’ created by Risca RBL and Risca Yarn Bombers.

A new “flagship” housing development for the over-55s is currently being built on the site of the former Ty Darran care home, opposite the war memorial. Caerphilly County Borough Council and Willmott Dixon are behind the scheme.

The hoarding around the site will become a temporary extension of the war memorial for Remembrance Sunday, when the existing display will be replaced with the names of all those from the Risca area who lost their lives in both World Wars.

Councillor Shayne Cook, cabinet member for housing, said: “We know Ty Darran was an important part of the community in Risca. We’re committed to ensuring the community also remains at the heart of the new development.”

Cllr Cook, along with Steve Veysey of Risca RBL, both thanked Willmott Dixon and the development team at Caerphilly Homes for engaging with the community.

Mr Veysey said: “The work was divided between the three teams, and everyone was very enthusiastic to get the improvements made in time for the biggest day of the Legion’s year – Remembrance Sunday. “

He continued: “It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to ensure that the memorial is looking its best and is a fitting tribute for the fallen.”

Ian Jones, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “To be part of the transformation of the war memorial that’s close to our Ty Darran project is an honour.

“We’re extremely proud to work with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the RBL to ensure that the memorial is a fitting recognition to those from the local area who lost their lives.”