How the name came about
A watercourse called the Nant Brân runs through the area. translated into English this means 'the crow stream'. Crow is felt to refer to the black colour of the water, rather than the bird itself; and the word 'cwm' means Valley. The area was therefore the valley of the black stream.
How the region developed
The region is situated on the South Wales coalfield and iron ore was available nearby, and so it was natural that during the 19th century industrial development to place. Mining, quarrying and metalworking was carried out and both railways and canals were built to carry goods and raw materials. Industrialists may have made good profits from the area but for the ordinary inhabitants life was not so good; by the 1930s poverty and malnutrition was the norm, and diseases such as tuberculosis and diphtheria took their toll.
The population nosedived as people moved out of the area, many even emigrating to Canada to find new lives.
With more than a third of the population unemployed, and unemployment throughout the rest of the UK at a high level, the British government decided to embark on an ambitious programme of development, and build new towns. The purpose was to provide decent housing for people close to their places of work.
The New Towns Act
World War II intervened but by 1946 the New Towns Act was passed by the then Labour government. 22 new towns were built in Britain altogether; only one of these was in Wales, and this was Cwmbran New Town.
Major employers moved into the area to take advantage of the well-planned infrastructure, and the lives of the inhabitants were transformed, with plenty of well built housing available and ample work opportunities.
From a scattering of isolated hamlets the area has now been transformed into a major hub with a pedestrianised shopping centre complete with supermarkets, banks, restaurants, theatre, bowling alley, an arts centre, and there are even a number of small radio stations in the town.
Housing
Rather than piecemeal development the town was properly planned with plenty of green spaces and wide roads to replace the overgrown pathways that older residents remembered. Yes a lot of the architecture left a little to be desired; multi-storey blocks were a harsh contast to the more traditional older houses but they were a vast improvement from the overcrowded slums that many of the newcomers had recently lived in. House prices were cheap and mortages plentiful; home ownership levels soared.
The population decline has been reversed with a large number of younger people coming into the area so it is hardly surprising that athletics has such an enthusiastic following! Boxing, rugby, rambling, boating on the lake, running, all have their supporters and not least amongst them are the members of the Griffithstown Harriers.
Rise in Short Term Car Insurance Due to Travel Restrictions in Monmouthshire's Smaller Towns
During the COVID-19 epidemic, Britain faced stringent travel restrictions that had a significant impact on the movement of people. In Monmouthshire, particularly in its smaller towns, these restrictions saw an unexpected outcome — the rise of short term (temporary) car insurance policies.
Adapting to Local Travel Limitations
Residents in smaller towns often rely on public transport or car sharing for their daily commute. However, with travel restrictions in place, there was a pressing need for individual travel means. Short term car insurance became a practical solution for residents who needed to use a car infrequently, offering a legal way to drive when necessary without the commitment of a long-term policy.
The Need for Flexibility
The uncertainty brought about by the epidemic meant that residents' usual patterns of life were disrupted. Many people found themselves in situations where they needed a car at short notice, whether for essential shopping, medical appointments, or to assist vulnerable neighbors. Short term car insurance allowed for this flexibility, providing cover for periods as brief as a single day.
Economic Sense in Uncertain Times
In an economy hit hard by the epidemic, the residents of Monmouthshire's smaller towns were looking to manage expenses tightly. Short term car insurance policies aligned well with this mindset. These policies meant that locals did not have to pay for insurance they did not need, which was particularly advantageous for those who were driving much less during the epidemic.
Conclusion
The travel restrictions during the COVID-19 epidemic inadvertently steered many in Monmouthshire's smaller towns towards the practicality of short term car insurance. This trend was a clear reflection of the community's ability to adapt to new challenges, ensuring that residents remained mobile and could manage their finances during a time of great uncertainty.