Trisha's Butty Hut and Cafe located in the village of Cefn Coed seemed busy for 11am on a Thursday. A group of local carers who regularly dine at the business were just finishing up breakfast as we arrived, filling the welcoming family-run eatery with life. But, as they left, owner Patricia Vivian said with a hopeless look on her face: "That's my trade gone for the day now. I might get one or two more people in if I'm lucky. Every day is a struggle."
Located just under two miles from Merthyr Tydfil town centre, Cefn Coed is the contained community to the right of the A470 before you head northbound into the Brecon Beacons National Park. For decades, the pubs, cafes, and shops in the community have benefited from being a popular pit-stop for motorists and cyclists who pass through.
However, in 2021 business came to a complete standstill for many owners because of the 11-mile stretch of major roadworks on the A465 which cuts through the village. Section five and six of the work spans from Dowlais Top to Hirwaun and is costing the Welsh Government £590million.
