April Jones: Extraordinary Solidarity Of Town

In the hills surrounding Machynlleth, a lone tree has been covered in April's favourite colour of pink.

People have knitted small sections and sewn them together around the trunk and branches.

It is a dedicated, unique space in this remote part of Mid-Wales to think and reflect, and perhaps in the years to come, heal.

"At the time it happened, it was a really sad and tragic place and I don't think we've really moved on from there" cafe owner Mercia Hammond said.

"I just think it's a sad place. When you drive into the town, you still feel a big cloud which I don't think is going to go for quite a long time."

During the trial, the jury passed Ms Hammond's delicatessen in the centre of Machynlleth as they visited the town to help them understand the case.

"I didn't want to look, but you can't help it," she said. "The coach went past, then the jury got out near here by the clock and had a little walk down the passage near the shop here.

"That was horrible. They were so young, the people on the jury, and I just kept thinking how awful it was for them to have to deal with that.

"It was a surreal situation, they looked like a coach party who had got off to have a cup of tea."

The pink ribbons, made in haste and hope at the request of April's mother Coral, are still tied to railings and taped to shop windows in the town, but they are here now in memory.

A pink bow has been chalked onto a cliffside and a candle at a local hotel burns at all times in remembrance of the little girl.

Superintendent Ian John had a unique role during the investigation as he was privy to the latest details but also had to liaise with the community.

He said: "I think what I've noticed in the last seven months really is a strong and silent resilience.

"I think there's a certain numbness there and as this case has unfolded there have been elements of shock about the detail and the terrible news that has come out, but I think the town of Machynlleth is ready to move on."

For centuries the market town has been known as the ancient capital of Wales but, like Soham, locals know Machynlleth will now be associated with a horrific crime.

Tourism here has inevitably been hit by events but while the mood remains sombre, people are looking to the future.

"Moving on is different to forgetting of course," said town mayor Cllr Gareth Jones.

"We have moved on but virtually every conversation you have one way or another the subject comes back because the uncertainty hasn't left us."

However, the extraordinary solidarity of the town remains.

"We feel sad especially for April's family and for the community as a whole, and of course Mark Bridger's family, who are still very much part of our town," the councillor said.

"Nothing which has occurred should be considered to have any blame attached to them at all. We're all one community, we've stuck together through thick and thin and we'll carry on doing that."