Valley, Anglesey

Valley ( ) is a village, community, and former electoral ward near Holyhead on the west coast of Anglesey, North Wales. The population during the 2001 census was 2,413, decreasing to 2,361 at the 2011 census.

Toponym

The origin of the name has been the subject of much debate for more than a century. Thomas Morgan derived the name as a corruption of "Mael-dy" (house of trade). Morgan links the name with the writings of Tacitus, who stated that trade with Ireland was conducted from here in the time of Julius Agricola.

Gwilym T. Jones and Tomos Roberts state that early accounts name the area as ''Glan Môr Tŷ Coch'' and ''Glan Môr Castell Llyfaint''. They offer two further possible derivations of the name ''Valley''; firstly that the name derives from the Irish word ''Baile'' (a settlement) and secondly that it developed when the Stanley Embankment (known by locals as 'The Cob') was built in the 1820s and a depression (or valley) was dug to yield rubble for its construction. The cluster of dwellings nearby was then given the name by these labourers.

In Modern Welsh it is referred to as either ''Y Dyffryn'' (meaning The Valley) or '' Fali'' (pronounced as Valley).

Political boundaries

Prior to the 2012 Anglesey electoral boundary changes Valley was an electoral ward to the Isle of Anglesey County Council. It is now part of the larger Llifon ward, together with Llanfaelog and Llanfair-yn-Neubwll.

The community includes the village of Llanynghenedl and part of Four Mile Bridge.

About Valley Community Council

Valley Community Council is the statutory local authority for the Valley area, consisting of 13 elected councillors who represent the interests of the local community. Councillors are elected by local residents, with terms of office typically lasting four years. These elections are usually held in May, in line with other local or general elections. Should a vacancy arise between elections—such as through a resignation—it is filled either through election or co-option, depending on the circumstances.

As the tier of local government closest to the people, Community Councils have an essential role in representing and responding to the needs of residents. We listen carefully to the concerns, ideas, and aspirations of the community, and we make decisions and recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of life and environment in our area.

Chair and Vice Chair:

Chairman: Cllr Neil Tuck

Vice-Chairman: Cllr Gordon Browne MBE, JP

Clerk and Financial Responsible Officer - Mrs Rhianwen Sheldon

Our Responsibilities and Powers

Valley Community Council has a wide range of responsibilities and statutory powers. In addition to providing and managing specific local services, we have the right to comment on matters such as planning applications, traffic and highway issues, and public rights of way. While we are no longer consulted on licensing issues, we continue to play a vital role in other areas of local governance.

The Council is supported by a part-time Clerk, who also serves as the Responsible Financial Officer. The Clerk manages the Council’s administration and ensures the smooth day-to-day running of Council business.

Services We Provide

* Cemetery Management: We manage and maintain Ynys Wen Community Cemetery and hold the official Register of Burials.

* Recreational Facilities: We maintain Parc Mwd, located off Station Road, which includes football pitches, benches, boules area, and footpaths.

* Children’s Play Area: We lease and maintain the play area on Spencer Road, including upkeep of the equipment and grounds.

* Community Representation: We act as a voice for the Valley community, presenting residents’ concerns to the Council and, where appropriate, to Anglesey County Council, the Welsh Government, and other agencies.

* Communication & Engagement: We provide feedback to residents on issues that affect them and promote transparent and responsive governance.
* Consultation & Advocacy: We are consulted on and provide input into planning applications, highway maintenance, traffic calming measures, street naming, and more.

* Public Rights of Way: We are involved in the maintenance and improvement of footpaths and bridleways in the area.

* Village Amenities: We maintain public amenities such as bus shelters, the village clock, and community benches.

* Community Involvement: One of our councillors serves on the Board of Governors for Valley Community School. We also participate in other committees and boards to represent community interests.

* Local Funding: We have the authority to spend a limited budget on projects or initiatives that benefit the community, including grants and donations to local charitable causes.
Valley Community Council

Transport

RAF Valley is a nearby Royal Air Force station concerned with the training of fast jet pilots. The runways are also used by Anglesey Airport who make commercial flights to Cardiff (and previously the Isle of Man). Valley railway station is on the North Wales Coast Line and its signal box is Grade II listed. Thomas Telford's A5 road bisects the village.

Sport

Valley has a football club, whose senior team, CPD Y Fali, play in the North Wales Coast West Football League Division One. They play their home matches on Station Road which is situated between the North Wales Coast railway line and the A55 North Wales Expressway.

Climate

Notable people

* Gareth Williams (1978–2010) was a Welsh mathematician and employee of GCHQ seconded to the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS or MI6) who was found dead in suspicious circumstances; he came from Valley and is buried in Ynys Wen Cemetery.
* George North is a professional rugby union player who plays for Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship and for the Wales national team. He attended Ysgol Gymuned Y Fali.

References

External links

Valley Community Councilphotos of Valley, Anglesey and surrounding area on geograph.org.uk

{{Authority control

Former wards of Anglesey