The challenges facing a rapidly developing urban community were a concern to the relatively small middle class of Aberdare as well as the more community-spirited of the industrialists.
One of the leading figures in persuading the community to adopt the Health of Town Acts was the nonconformist minister, Thomas Price.
[2] The first board, elected in 1854, included David Davis, Blaengwawr, Crawshay Bailey, Thomas Price and Richard Fothergill who became its first chairman.
'We hope', reflected a local newspaper, 'after so much delay, that active measures will now be taken immediately, as a very wide field for exertion is open to the board'.
[5] In 1866, Thomas Price, after an absence of some years, resumed his membership of the Board, heading the poll ahead of David Davis.