More from Llechwedd

Slate aggregate for roads and gardens (etc) is made in a relatively small scale at Llechwedd compared to the huge amount of slate waste that could be used for such purposes. With major issues in employment, Blaenau needs jobs. However, both the feasibility of the aggregate scheme and the potential visual changes to Blaenau's 'man-made mountains', which are to many seen as the industrial heritage of North Wales, means this new industry is often viewed with apathy. Father Deiniol, an Orthadox Priest who has lived in the town for 30 years and our kind guide for a day has been campaigning for decades for this secondary industry to be launched on a large scale and thus create broad employment (although major funding would be needed). Others are promoting tourism as the new and primary industry in the area and a multi-milion pound scheme has been launched for relative regeneration with an obvious focus on tourism.

This is not my town and I'm very aware of this. I dont live there and it's not my family generations who made those mountains. Dont forget - every last stone was moved by hand. What is certain is that Blaenau's in a difficult transitional period and it feels like the town understands industry - it's what it's good at. Tourism on the other hand is a difficult and un-walked path for Blaenau.  Here's some pictures of the few men who are crushing slate waste, the landscape they're working in, and a few from around Llechwedd quarry.