Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Forty-one years ago, Billy Hughes headed to the allotments on Upper Glyn Gwyn Street, Trethomas, to see his new plot for the first time.

Coincidentally, the plot he was given happened to be the exact same one his father used to own.

In the years since, Billy has gone on to play an active role in the Trethomas Allotments Association – which dates back more than a century – and within the community itself.

Over the years, the allotment association’s community work has seen it win a host of awards from organisations such as the council, Keep Wales Tidy, Green Flag and more.

A number of these awards came as a result of its work with the nearby Ty’n y Wern Primary School.

Part of this work has included planting crocuses in and around Trethomas, including near James Street – with around 100,000 crocuses planted by the association since 2016 with help from school pupils.

It has been made possible by donations from Tesco, Machen Rotary Club, association members and residents.

“The pupils get a tremendous amount out of it,” said Billy. “It’s that sense of outdoors and taking pride in the community, as well as learning to respect the environment.”

Billy’s community work is driven by his passion for green spaces. Over the last 30 years, he has regularly volunteered with the council on a host of environmental projects.

Every other weekend, Billy meets with around ten other volunteers to maintain areas such as the river walk in Trethomas and Redbrook Woods near Lower Graig Y Rhacca.

“The council’s parks department has always been very supportive of what we’ve done,” he said. “I can’t say enough good things about them – they’ve been a very important part in everything I’ve done.”

He recently received an award from Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen (BTM) Community Council for his volunteering.

“I can’t function without open spaces. This is why I volunteer. For me to feel closed in would be a disaster.”

He continued: “Mental health-wise it’s fantastic. I’ve always been spurred on by green spaces.”

Billy is even keen for others to enjoy the benefits of green space and dreams of seeing what he describes as a “wrap-around country park” within the Caerphilly basin.

Lifelong Trethomas resident and association member Don Maguire said: “The crocuses are great. They plant them every year.

“Billy puts so much work into it. He’s all for the community and he’s saved green space.”

Martin Evans, the beekeeper at the allotments, also spoke of the importance of the crocuses: “They’re one of the first flowers out – everyone comments on them.”

However, Billy fears the efforts put into planting the crocuses could be scuppered.

Last year, Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed eight later-living bungalows on land to the north of James Street, Trethomas, and 12 one-bedroom apartments on land to the south of James Street.

Crocuses have been planted by the association on both plots of land.

Both areas are currently public open space, but are described by the council as “low-quality”. A tree survey has been carried out and any trees “of value” will be retained.

According to a council report, the three ward councillors – Cllr Liz Aldworth, Cllr Lisa Phipps, and Cllr Jill Winslade – collectively disagreed with the proposals.

“I felt terrible when I found out about these plans,” Billy admitted.

“We’ve done all this hard work. The school has been involved, councillors too.

“There’s some very active people in the area who deserve better than the council riding all over them.”

When asked by Caerphilly Observer for an update on the proposals, a council spokesperson said: “The proposal to deliver later-living bungalows on James Street north is still being explored and site investigation works have been commissioned.

“In relation to the proposal to develop James Street south – this has been placed on hold.”

Billy said he wanted to work with the council to protect the crocuses and explained that while he wasn’t against the developments, he didn’t agree with the proposed locations.

“I don’t want it there because of the work we’ve done with the crocuses. We followed all the council’s procedures to do this,” he said.