August 2011 - Tor-faen

www.torfaen.gov.uk
01495 762200
TORFAENTalks
Your Community Newspaper
August 2011 - Awst 2011
SUMMER’S big events
Inside »
Multi-million pound
boost for Torfaen
see page 3
Thousands of people enjoyed a
spectacular start to the summer,
thanks to a series of community
events throughout the borough.
Torfaen cemented its position as the
place to be this summer, with festivals
and celebrations being held in Blaenavon,
Pontypool and Cwmbran, as people
welcomed the summer in a party mood.
The streets of Blaenavon were over-spilling
for the World Heritage Day parade, before
visitors enjoyed a relaxed day at the Garn
Lakes Country Fayre.
As always, Pontypool’s colourful carnival
procession drew massive crowds to the
town centre and many more people visited
Pontypool Park throughout the day to
sample many of the rides, attractions, stalls
and entertainment on show.
Finally, the Cwmbran Big Event lived up to
its name, as countless people took part in
this massive celebration of culture and sport.
Events were held throughout the week
in the borough, with free taster sessions
in a range of sports and pastimes proving
popular.
Launched this year to complement the
established events in the borough, the Big
Event Finale at Cwmbran Boating Lake was
the icing on the cake of a packed summer of
family events in Torfaen.
Torfaen council is inviting people to post
pictures from the events at
www.facebook.com/torfaen
Turn to the centre-pages for more
pictures for all the big summer events.
Premier line-up for jazz festival
This year’s Pontypool
Jazz Festival is
promising to be the best
yet.
With another classy
collective of musicians set to
take to the stage, a wonderful
and diverse festival of live
music will take place on 2-4
September.
Visitors to Pontypool Active
Living Centre will be able to
enjoy the sounds of some of
Wales’ best jazz musicians, as
well as some internationallyrenowned stars.
Jeff Hooper and his Big Easy
Swing Band will be dominating
the main stage on Friday 2
September, while Snake Davies
and the Suspicions headline on
the Saturday night.
Protect the Beat will bring
the festival to an energetic
close on the Sunday.
The deputy leader of Torfaen
council, councillor Lewis Jones,
said: “The jazz festival has
gone from strength to strength
and I’m delighted we have
such a wonderful festival
taking place on our doorstep.
Ski slope’s fortunes
are not on the slide
see page 4
Local charity receives
top digital award
“Some exciting
performances are expected
this year and I am sure it
will be another memorable
occasion for everyone who
attends.”
Tickets (£8 per day or £15
for the weekend) are available
at The Congress Theatre in
Cwmbran or 01633 868239.
see page 5
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see page 15
NEWS IN BRIEF
Business club celebrates ten years of success
A special celebration will be held at Greenmeadow Community
Farm on 8 September, to mark the tenth anniversary of Torfaen
Business Voice. There will be a hog roast and comedian Mike
Doyle will be the guest speaker. Supported by the council’s
business support team, Torfaen Business Voice provides members
with an annual programme of meetings and networking events
where professionals offer advice and guidance. Members also
receive a quarterly magazine full of news, business tips and useful
information to help businesses grow. To find out more, visit
www.torfaenbusiness.co.uk or call 01633 648644.
New A-Z guide hits the streets
The Torfaen A-Z of services and street map is out. Copies can
be picked up from Torfaen’s Customer Care Centres and many
council buildings throughout the borough.
Council’s Welsh scheme approved
Torfaen council’s Welsh language scheme has been approved
by the Welsh Language Board. The scheme sets out the ways
Torfaen council will ensure equality between the Welsh and
English languages when delivering services to the public,
whether by letter, email, over the phone or in person. For further
information, contact 01495 762200 or visit www.torfaen.gov.uk
Comprehensive housing website now live
A new website provides comprehensive housing information,
advice and assistance to Torfaen residents. The website,
www.torfaenhomes.co.uk, is regularly updated and contains
information on a wide range of housing related issues, including
accessing accommodation, improving your home, energy
efficiency advice, housing support, financial inclusion and a
private landlords’ section.
Grant ties up company’s loose ends
A Local Investment Fund
(LIF) grant of £10,000
has helped tie up the
loose ends at a Torfaen
cable factory.
Gwent Cables has been
supplying businesses across
the UK for almost 20 years;
however, it was recently in
desperate need of new stock
control software and a new
website. The company’s
managing director Keith
Gibbons contacted Torfaen
council and was given the
support he needed to apply for
a LIF grant.
He used the £10,000 grant to
develop a website and purchase
new stock control software for
the warehouse, which led to the
creation of two full-time jobs.
“I have a good relationship
with the staff at Torfaen – I
have received support from
them since I started the
business from home almost 20
years ago,” Mr Gibbons said.
“I would recommend getting
in touch with the council
to anyone who is running a
business.
“The application process can
seem daunting, but there is
always someone available to
help you on your way.”
The executive member
for neighbourhood services,
councillor John Cunningham,
said: “I have visited the factory
to see first hand the work that
goes on.
“It is great to see
another quality
business in Torfaen.
“I wish Keith and
his staff all the best
for what I’m
sure will
be a successful future.”
LIF grants of £1,000-£10,000
are available, subject to criteria,
to small and medium sized
enterprises, employing less than
250 people.
For more information, call
01633 648644.
Charity supports people with sight issues
A Pontypool-based charity is helping people in south Wales who
are visually impaired. Sight Support offers advice and counselling,
as well as the opportunity to attend clubs and activity groups.
Volunteers are always needed. Contact 01495 763650 for more
information.
Dance team available for hire
The Rebel Stompers line dance team is helping to raise funds
for charity. There is no charge to hire the group, all it asks
for is a donation to charity. Contact 01633 861504 for more
information.
Bag tax comes into force in October
A carrier bag charge is being introduced in Wales, to dramatically
reduce the number of carrier bags used in the country. From 1
October, there will be a 5p minimum charge on all carrier bags
from all retailers in Wales, not just those that sell groceries.
It is hoped this charge will reduce the number of bags given
out without putting an unnecessary burden on shoppers or
preventing impulse shopping. During 2009, people in Wales took
home an estimated 350 million carrier bags from the major
supermarkets alone. That’s 273 bags per household and does not
include any bags from other shops.
Older people forums welcome new members
Forums for older people are available throughout the borough.
Blaenavon Older Persons Forum meets at Baker Street Housing
Complex on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm-4pm.
Supporting Active Seniors meets at Torfaen’s People’s Centre,
Trosnant on the second Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm3.30pm, while Cwmbran 50+ Forum meets every fourth Tuesday
of the month at Cwmbran Library at 2pm-4pm. New members
welcome, contact Tracey Jones or Kirsty Hughes on 01495
762151 for more information.
Page 2
Contact the business support team on 01633 648644
Landmark agreement signed
A pioneering collaboration
between two Welsh
councils and a police
authority was formally
launched with the signing
of a landmark agreement.
Torfaen and Monmouthshire
councils and Gwent Police
have combined ICT services,
to form the Shared Resource
Service (SRS). This is delivering
significant efficiency savings
for the partners, which will then
be re-invested, helping them
protect frontline public services.
The SRS has been quickly
recognised as a model for
successful public service
collaboration in Wales. Based at
a £3million facility in Blaenavon,
it is one of the most digitally
connected buildings in Wales
and home to three state-of-theart secure data halls.
The enormous interest in
the facility has already seen
the service draw up plans
for expansion, with Torfaen
and Monmouthshire councils
creating a business arm called
SRS Business Solutions, which
offers services to the private
sector.
The leaders of Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils and Gwent
Police sign the agreement.
Adult learning
The Torfaen Adult
Learning Partnership
Brochure is being
distributed to all
houses in the borough
throughout the first
two weeks of August.
Whether you are looking
to learn new skills, improve
your job prospects or return
to learning, it has classes on
offer throughout Torfaen that
are stimulating, enjoyable,
challenging and affordable.
The partnership is holding
open days on Tuesday
23 August at Pontypool
Community Education Centre
and Thursday 25 August at
Croesyceiliog Community
Education Centre.
Between 10am-12pm,
1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm,
specialists, tutors and
managers will be available
to answer questions
about courses starting in
September.
Call 01633 647700 or
01495 742600 for more
information.
Training boost for Torfaen
Torfaen Training has been
awarded a multi-million
pound contract from the
Welsh Government.
This success means hundreds
of people in Torfaen will
benefit from a wider range
of opportunities to gain
qualifications while they are
working or on work experience.
The funding, worth at least
£4 million per year for the
next three years, will be used
to offer more opportunities to
jobless people and low-skilled
youngsters.
Torfaen Training, which is
part of Torfaen council, is one
of Wales’ largest and most
successful training providers,
supporting more than 1,800
people every year.
It works with more than 1,000
companies, locally and across
the region, providing workbased training in administration,
customer service, retail,
construction, plumbing and
electrical, childcare, health and
social care, hospitality, youth
work and education.
SmartWater cuts crime
What can’t you see,
despite it being spread all
around Torfaen?
The answer is SmartWater – a
forensic liquid used by Torfaen
council in its fight against metal
thieves. Its officers have been
marking council-owned property
with the invisible liquid that
only shows up under UV light.
Each bottle of SmartWater
has a unique code which can
be traced. It means the police
can now stop anyone they see
carrying metal and scan it for
SmartWater.
If they find the liquid on any
metal, they can send a source to
the SmartWater labs where they
can link that particular liquid’s
code with the building it had
been applied. SmartWater has a
100 per cent success rate when
it has been used in court cases
across the UK.
“Metal thieves cost the
authority £107,000 last
year and they have already
cost £64,000 in 2011/12,”
councillor John Cunningham,
Torfaen’s executive member for
neighbourhood services, said.
“That is why we are using
Bridgetime director, Robbie Evans is pictured with some of the
trainees.
Torfaen Training’s head of
adult education and training
Anne Davies said: “We’re really
proud of the success of Torfaen
Training and over the past
two decades we have helped
thousands of young people get
their foot on the ladder, leading
to hugely successful careers.
“This contract is reward for
the hard work of our dedicated
staff and partners and is a real
boost for the area.”
Supporting people in
employment and providing
training that leads to work
opportunities is one of the
council’s key priorities over the
next five years.
Among the companies that
work with Torfaen Training is
Bridgetime Transport Ltd in
Cwmbran, which currently has
three trainees working for it.
Transforming Cwmbran
Torfaen councillors have unanimously approved
a multi-million pound development that will
transform the centre of Cwmbran and create more
than 1,000 jobs.
SmartWater across Torfaen – we
have protected our property
and we have also provided
scrap dealers with SmartWater
detection kits. These thieves
should know that we are taking
this issue very seriously and
we will prosecute anyone who
is caught in the possession of
SmartWater-marked metal.”
Two men and a woman have
been charged with stealing lead
from Pontypool Indoor Market
and Jubilee Centre. At the time
of going to press, they were
scheduled to attend Newport
Magistrates’ Court for a first
hearing.
The single biggest regeneration project of its kind in the
town’s history will see the 32-acre Arvin Meritor site substantially
redeveloped to include a 37,000 sq ft Morrisons store with a
petrol station and a 497-space car park.
The development will create 1,170 jobs and also include offices,
a 60-bedroom hotel with the option of a pub or restaurant and a
225-space car park. The hotel and offices will provide 270 jobs,
while the number of staff at the Arvin Meritor braking division will
increase from 400 to 550.
The council has been working with the applicant on the
proposals, which form a key part of its plans for the future
expansion and development of the town, as set out in its Local
Development Plan. The council negotiated free car parking at
the Morrisons site, while the development will be well served by
transport links within the town centre and the railway station.
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington,
said: “This is great news and a major milestone for Cwmbran’s
regeneration programme. Cwmbran already boasts a first class
shopping centre that rivals any town of its size and this will
provide even greater choice for people.
“This development will provide jobs for more than 1,000 local
people and ensures the viability of this area of Cwmbran –
exceptional news given the current economic climate.
“This development will transform the leisure and retail
opportunities in the heart of the town and I know the people of
Cwmbran share our excitement and can’t wait to see the work
start on what will be a superb, high-quality development.”
Contact Torfaen Training on 01633 875929 or [email protected]
Page 3
Ski club’s popularity
gains momentum
Pontypool Ski Centre may only
be operating one night a week
through the summer, but the
standard certainly hasn’t gone
downhill.
In February, Torfaen council decided to
close the ski centre in the summer as part
of measures the council was taking to
save £9.2million. During consultations, the
council, Torfaen Ski Club and Snowsport
Wales worked together and it was agreed
to open the ski centre for two hours on
Wednesday nights on the condition that
Torfaen Ski Club took responsibility and
covered operational costs.
The members not only rose to the
challenge but, with support from the
council, the club is now going from
strength to strength and attracting new
members.
Women rugby
players needed
The recently reformed
ladies team at
Croesyceiliog RFC has
completed its first season
in the WRU women’s
development league.
The team came second in the
league and also got through
to the second round of the
national plate competition.
New members aged 18 or
over are always welcome. The
team trains on Mondays and
Thursdays at 7pm at Woodland
Road Sports and Social Club.
Contact Kate on 07834
914545 or visit the
Croesyceiliog Women’s RFC
Facebook group.
A youth side for girls aged
12-17 also trains on Thursdays
at 6pm-7pm.
For more information, contact
Nicola on 07768 197897 or
Emily on 07896 988997.
Alternatively, visit the
Croesyceiliog girls rugby team
Facebook group.
Page 4
It is offering two hours of skiing or
snowboarding for just £10, including ski
hire and instruction. Junior full members
get the same benefits for just £7.50. Day
membership for non-members costs £1.
Club treasurer Gary Cooper said: “We
have been extremely pleased with the
progress we have made.
“With support from the council, we have
been able to continue the club’s activities
and are now attracting new members
who enjoy everything from recreational
skiing and boarding, to race training with
coaches.”
Torfaen council deputy leader Lewis
Jones said: “I am delighted to see the club
doing so well. As a council facing huge
budgetary pressures, we will have to make
tough decisions but this is an excellent
example of what can be achieved when
people sit down and work together.”
Points mean prizes
Getting fit, healthy and active are no longer the
only benefits of attending Torfaen leisure centres.
Since July, every time you swipe your Torfaen Leisure Card
you earn points which could win you a prize up to the value of
£150. Cards allow access to a selection of discounted activities
and services at Cwmbran Stadium, Fairwater Leisure Centre
and Pontypool Active Living Centre.
Whether you’re a regular or casual visitor to the council’s
leisure centres, make sure you register for your free Torfaen
Leisure Card today.
Every three months, adult users and under-16 users will win
health-related prizes that include everything from heart-rate
monitors to quarterly fitness membership.
New cafe
at Heritage
Centre
A new café has opened
at Blaenavon World
Heritage Centre.
Fresh!, which is run by Cottage
Catering, offers a varied menu
including tasty traditional
home-cooked meals, snacks,
sandwiches and afternoon teas
at the centre.
David Walden, owner of
Cottage Catering, said: “We
hope to provide visitors the
opportunity to experience the
traditional tastes of Welsh food.
“Our aim has always been
to cater for people with both
quality and value in mind and
this will also stay true in the cafe
provision.”
The café is open 9.30am4.30pm (April-September) and
9.30am-3.30pm (OctoberMarch), closed Christmas to
New Year.
For more information, go to
www.visitblaenavon.co.uk, email
[email protected] or
call 01495 742333.
Feast of
football fun
at festival
Pupils from across
Torfaen descended on
Nant Celyn primary
school for a football
festival.
Llantarnam Comprehensive
A-level students studying
sports leadership refereed the
tournament between pupils
from Nant Celyn, Llantarnam,
Greenmeadow, George
Street, Coed Eva, Victoria,
Woodlands and Ponthir
primary schools.
Each team featured six
players and two substitutes,
with Woodlands winning the
final against Nant Celyn on
penalties.
Recycle Torfaen Talks - pop it into your black recycling box
Top award for local charity
A Torfaen charity has
won a national award for
its work in improving the
digital skills of residents.
Garnsychan Partnership
manager Emma CambrayStacey was presented with a
National Digital Leaders Award
on behalf of the charity.
Emma said: “We are
delighted. It recognises our
on-going hard work to raise
the standards of digital skills
in the area. Since we launched
the Learn to Win project, we
have supported more than 600
people through free courses to
enhance their
IT skills. This
improves
their
chances
of gaining employment and we
also help people with CV writing
and improving their interview
techniques.”
The National Digital Leaders
Awards recognise people
and organisations who have
contributed to technological
innovation and made a
difference to individuals and
hard to reach groups.
Microsoft nominated the
Garnsychan Partnership for
the award and its corporate
affairs director, Matt Lambert,
said: “We saw the passion and
drive we were looking for. We
were very pleased to be able to
make recognition of the hard
work and achievements made
by Emma and the Garnsychan
Partnership’s Learn to Win
project by nominating
them for a National
Digital Leaders Award.”
For more
information,
visit 55
Stanley Road,
Garndiffaith,
or call 01495
774453.
Trustee Giles Davies and Emma Cambray-Stacey with the award.
School’s topping out ceremony
Construction of the new £13million
school for Blaenavon has reached a
significant milestone.
A special ‘topping out’ ceremony was held to
mark the final element of work on the highest
roof point of the school, which is on target to
open in spring 2012.
The 450-place Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary
School will replace the existing schools and
accommodate all primary school-aged children
from the town. It will also feature a 130-place
nursery.
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob
Wellington, said: ‘This is another significant
milestone on our journey to provide the
children of Blaenavon with a first-class learning
environment to help them reach their full
potential.
“There is a real positive atmosphere among the
children who can see the excellent progress being
made.
“I am sure everyone, from staff, parents to the
wider community, shares their excitement at the
prospect of a new community-focused school with
first-class facilities and a landmark design.”
The school will have a strong community focus.
It will be physically linked to community leisure
facilities, including a two-court sports hall, dance
studio, fitness suite and external multi-use games
area.
New rural projects launched in Torfaen
Torfaen council has
launched two new
projects, as part of its
Rural Development Plan
(RDP).
The restoration of Llanyrafon
Manor and A Taste of Torfaen
projects are to benefit from
European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development (EAFRD)
funding.
A Taste of Torfaen will see
£361,444 of funding help
producers in Torfaen’s rural
wards develop land-based
production activities.
Support and advice will be
available to producers, as well
as revenue grants up to £3,000,
a series of festivals and events
to celebrate local produce, and
the development of producer
networks.
The restoration and
transformation of the GradeII 17th century Llanyrafon
Manor and grounds into a
rural heritage centre will cost
£1.6million, which is being
funded by RDP, CADW, Welsh
Government and Cwmbran
Operational Group.
businesses, community events
and a café using local produce.
The leader of Torfaen council,
councillor Bob Wellington,
said: “This is a substantial
Work progresses on
Llanyrafon Manor
This new facility will be a
tourist attraction displaying
the history and significance
of the manor house and
its surroundings. It will
also feature education and
training rooms, spaces for rural
investment. Never has it been
so important for businesses to
improve diversity, expand
their businesses and
increase their appeal to
customers.
“A Taste of Torfaen
will play an important role in
this process, by helping local
people develop land-based
produce such as food and drink,
arts and craft, energy and
recycling.
“Our plans for Llanyrafon
Manor will encourage even
more people to visit this
wonderful part of Torfaen
and to see for themselves
how important our rural
communities are.”
For more information on
Torfaen rural projects, contact
RDP team on 01495 742147.
A
Taste ofn
Torfae
Blas ar n
Dorfae
Expenses
published
Torfaen council has
published the allowances
and expenses for all its
councillors over the last
financial year (2010/11).
Every year all councils publish
the allowances and expenses
paid to their members and
Torfaen’s can be viewed
at www.torfaen.gov.uk/
CouncilAndDemocracy
All councillors are entitled to
claim a basic salary to reflect
the work that they do as local
representatives. Some posts,
for example the leader, cabinet
members, scrutiny chairs and
committee chairs, have special
responsibilities over and above
other councillors. These posts
entitle councillors to claim a
senior salary.
The mayor and deputy mayor
are also paid an allowance.
For full details, go to
www.torfaen.gov.uk
For details of Torfaen’s rural projects call the RDP team on 01495 742147
Page 5
Forward Facing Improvement Plan
Torfaen council has recently published its Forward
Facing Improvement Plan for 2011/12.
This year, the council has linked its improvement activities to the
seven priorities of its new Corporate Plan.
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “We
are committed to delivering high-quality, value for money services
that improve the quality of life and environment for our citizens and
communities.
“By linking our Forward Facing Improvement Plan to the council’s
new Corporate Plan, we can clearly show everyone how we are
working to provide support to Torfaen’s most vulnerable citizens and
communities.
“The plan contains a set of clear and measurable objectives for
the council to deliver over the coming years that will have a positive
impact on the lives of Torfaen residents.”
The council has set the following improvement objectives as
the council’s aims until 2016:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Ensure people receive the benefits they are entitled to
Encourage social inclusion
Raise standards of educational attainment
Provide opportunities for people to improve their health
Raise awareness of available housing options
Ensure the range and quality of housing is appropriate to
meet people’s needs
Enable good, sustainable housing development
Ensure learning for all children and young people is inclusive
and accessible
Ensure children are safe
Develop educational provision for pre-school children
Support and protect vulnerable children
Improve access to social care services
Ensure people’s needs are assessed in a timely manner and
the care provided is appropriate
Ensure the range and quality of social care services are
appropriate to meet people’s needs
Promote people’s independence
Support people and local communities to engage in positive
activities
Coordinate activities that reduce anti-social behaviour
Ensure the local environment is safe, managed and
maintained
Deliver efficient and effective waste and recycling services
Ensure roads and streets are safe, maintained and clean
Work in different ways to reduce costs
Create new learning settings that are appropriate for the
21st Century
Support communities to become sustainable, empowered
and prosperous
Improve people’s access to learning opportunities,
qualifications and training
Transform educational provision for young people
aged 14 to 19.
Page 6
The council, working with partner agencies such as Heddlu Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan Health
Board and voluntary organisations, will meet these objectives this year by undertaking a range
of activities including:
• Improving the information and advice
available for citizens
• Ensuring benefit claims are promptly and
accurately dealt with
• Helping parents improve their parenting skills
• Ensuring pupils leave education, training
or work-based learning with approved
qualifications
• Working with partners to support people to
tackle their medical conditions
• Maximising opportunities to bring empty
properties back into use
• Making appropriate provision for Gypsies and
Travellers
• Improving pupil exclusion and attendance
rates
• Consistently applying safeguarding and child
protection practice across all agencies
• Promoting speech and language development
for pre-school children
• Meeting the needs of children with complex
needs through collaborative working
• Reducing the number of inappropriate
admissions to hospital
• Assessing the needs of carers, so they are fully
supported
• Reducing occupational therapy waiting lists
• Raising awareness of and tackling domestic
abuse
• Visiting premises licensed to sell alcohol to
reduce underage sales
• Reducing the amount of untidy and poorly
maintained land and buildings
• Increasing recycling rates and introducing a
new waste collection system
• Maintaining roads and pavements to safe
standards
• Reducing the amount of office space used by
the council
• Transferring more surplus assets to community
organisations
• Modernising school buildings
• Enabling pupils aged 14–16 to participate in
digitised learning
• Creating social enterprises and increasing the
number of new business starts
• Increasing visitor footfall and spend
• Engaging people in work-based learning
• Reducing the number of young people not in
education, employment or training.
The council’s 2011/12 performance assessment report will be published in October 2012. This will
be a review of performance for the 2011/12 financial year.
Each year, the council will review its improvement objectives to make sure they remain relevant
for residents and affordable. To take play a part in this review, sign-up to Torfaen People’s Panel at
www.torfaen.gov.uk/peoplespanel
Comments can be sent to the Improvement Team, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB or
[email protected]
To obtain a copy of the council’s second Corporate Plan or the Forward Facing Improvement Plan,
call 01495 742547 or visit www.torfaen.gov.uk
Call 01495 742547 or email comments to [email protected]
Cynllun Gwella Tua’r Dyfodol
Mae’r cyngor wedi cyhoeddi ei Gynllun Gwella Tua’r
Dyfodol ar gyfer 2011/12 yn ddiweddar.
Eleni, mae’r cyngor wedi cysylltu ei weithgareddau gwella â saith
o flaenoriaethau ei Gynllun Corfforaethol newydd.
Dywedodd arweinydd cyngor Torfaen, y Cynghorydd Bob
Wellington: “Rydym yn ymrwymedig i ddarparu gwasanaethau o
safon, sy’n cynnig gwerth am arian, ac sy’n gwella ansawdd bywyd
a’r amgylchedd i’n dinasyddion a’n cymunedau.
“Trwy gysylltu ein Cynllun Gwella Tua’r Dyfodol â Chynllun
Corfforaethol newydd y cyngor, gallwn ddangos yn glir i bawb sut
yr ydym yn gweithio i gefnogi’r dinasyddion a’r cymunedau mwyaf
agored i niwed yn Nhorfaen.
“Mae’r cynllun yn cynnwys cyfres o amcanion clir a mesuradwy i’r
cyngor eu cyflawni dros y blynyddoedd nesaf, fydd yn cael effaith
gadarnhaol ar fywydau trigolion Torfaen.”
Mae’r cyngor wedi gosod yr amcanion gwella a ganlyn fel
nodau’r cyngor tan 2016:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Sicrhau bod pobl yn cael y budd-daliadau y mae ganddynt
hawl iddynt
Annog cynhwysiant cymdeithasol
Codi safonau o gyrhaeddiad mewn addysg
Rhoi cyfle i bobl wella eu hiechyd
Codi ymwybyddiaeth ynglŷn â’r opsiynau tai sydd ar gael
Sicrhau bod ystod a safon y tai’n briodol i gwrdd ag
anghenion pobl
Galluogi datblygu tai da a chynaliadwy
Sicrhau bod addysg i bob plentyn a pherson ifanc yn
gynhwysol ac yn hygyrch
Sicrhau bod plant yn ddiogel
Datblygu darpariaeth addysgol i blant cyn ysgol
Cefnogi ac amddiffyn plant agored i niwed
Gwella mynediad at y gwasanaethau gofal cymdeithasol
Sicrhau bod anghenion pobl yn cael eu hasesu’n amserol a
bod y gofal a ddarperir yn briodol
Sicrhau bod ystod a safon y gwasanaethau gofal
cymdeithasol yn briodol i gwrdd ag anghenion pobl
Hyrwyddo annibyniaeth pobl
Cefnogi pobl a chymunedau lleol i gymryd rhan mewn
gweithgareddau cadarnhaol
Cydlynu gweithgareddau sy’n lleihau ymddygiad
gwrthgymdeithasol
Sicrhau bod yr amgylchedd lleol yn ddiogel, yn cael ei reoli,
a’i gynnal a’i gadw
Darparu gwasanaethau gwastraff ac ailgylchu effeithlon ac
effeithiol
Sicrhau bod y ffyrdd a’r strydoedd yn ddiogel, yn cael eu
cynnal a’u cadw, ac yn lân
Gweithio mewn ffyrdd gwahanol i leihau ein costau
Creu amgylchiadau dysgu newydd sy’n briodol ar gyfer y
21ain Ganrif
Cefnogi cymunedau i fod yn gynaliadwy, yn ymrymusol ac yn
ffyniannus
Gwella mynediad pobl at gyfleoedd dysgu, cymwysterau a
hyfforddiant
Trawsnewid y ddarpariaeth addysgol i bobl ifanc 14 i 19 oed
Bydd y cyngor, trwy weithio ag asiantaethau partner megis Heddlu Gwent, Bwrdd Iechyd
Aneurin Bevan, a sefydliadau gwirfoddol, yn cyflawni’r amcanion hyn drwy ymgymryd ag ystod
o weithgareddau sy’n cynnwys:
• Gwella’r wybodaeth a’r cyngor sydd ar gael i
ddinasyddion
• Sicrhau yr ymdrinnir â cheisiadau am fudddaliadau’n brydlon ac yn gywir
• Helpu rhieni i wella eu sgiliau rhianta
• Sicrhau bod disgyblion yn gadael addysg,
hyfforddiant neu ddysgu seiliedig ar waith
gyda chymwysterau cymeradwy
• Gweithio gyda phartneriaid i gefnogi pobl i
fynd i’r afael â’u cyflyrau meddygol
• Hyrwyddo cyfleoedd i ailddechrau defnyddio
eiddo gwag
• Gwneud darpariaeth briodol ar gyfer Sipsiwn a
Theithwyr
• Gwella graddfeydd gwahardd a phresenoldeb
disgyblion
• Cymhwyso arferion diogelu ac amddiffyn plant
yn gyson ar draws yr holl asiantaethau
• Hyrwyddo datblygiadau mewn lleferydd ac
iaith ar gyfer plant cyn ysgol
• Cwrdd â gofynion plant ag anghenion
cymhleth trwy waith cydweithredol
• Lleihau nifer y rhai sy’n cael eu derbyn i’r
ysbyty’n ddiangen
• Asesu anghenion gofalwyr, i sicrhau eu bod yn
cael eu cefnogi’n llawn
• Lleihau rhestrau aros am therapi
galwedigaethol
• Codi ymwybyddiaeth ynglŷn â cham-drin
domestig, a mynd i’r afael â’r mater
• Ymweld â safleoedd sy’n meddu ar drwydded i
werthu alcohol er mwyn gostwng yr achosion o
werthu i’r rhai dan oed
• Lleihau nifer yr adeiladau a thir blêr nad ydynt
yn cael eu cynnal a’u cadw
• Cynyddu cyfraddau ailgylchu a chyflwyno
system casglu gwastraff newydd
• Cynnal ffyrdd a phalmentydd hyd safonau
diogel
• Lleihau faint o swyddfeydd a ddefnyddir gan y
cyngor
• Trosglwyddo mwy o asedau dros ben i
sefydliadau cymunedol
• Moderneiddio adeiladau ysgol
• Galluogi disgyblion 14–16 oed i gymryd rhan
mewn addysg ddigidol
• Creu mentrau cymdeithasol a chynyddu nifer y
busnesau newydd
• Cynyddu nifer a gwariant ymwelwyr
• Cysylltu pobl mewn dysgu seiliedig ar waith
• Lleihau nifer y bobl ifanc nad ydynt mewn
addysg, gwaith na hyfforddiant
Bydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi adolygiad o’i berfformiad ar gyfer blwyddyn ariannol 2011/12 ym mis
Hydref 2012.
Bob blwyddyn, bydd y cyngor yn adolygu ei amcanion gwella i sicrhau eu bod yn parhau i fod yn
fforddiadwy ac yn berthnasol i’r trigolion. I gymryd rhan yn yr adolygiad hwn, ymunwch â Phanel
Pobl Torfaen yn www.torfaen.gov.uk/peoplespanel
Gellir anfon sylwadau ar weithgareddau eleni at y Tîm Gwella, y Ganolfan Ddinesig, Pont-y-pŵl,
NP4 6YB neu [email protected]
I gael copi o ail Gynllun Corfforaethol y cyngor neu’r Cynllun Gwella Tua’r Dyfodol, ffoniwch
01495 742547 neu ewch i www.torfaen.gov.uk
Cysylltwch ar 01495 742547 neu e-bostiwch [email protected]
Page 7
Spectacular
summer scenes
FROM ACROSS TORFAEN
ay
D
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a
it
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e
H
ld
r
o
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Blaenavon
Live music hits
Hammering home th
e fun
the right notes
Garn Lakes Country Fayre
Colourful children en
joy a day of
country fun.
wcome
Archery aims to attract ne
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Page 8
‘Spec’ tacular fu
n at costume
parade
Fantastic entries in the dog
show
Thousands basked
in the sun at the
country fayre
Wonderful w
ildlife viewe
d up close
ide
People relax at the lakes
Upload your photos of the summer events to www.facebook.com/torfaen
Tug-o-war pulled
Dressing up, I love it!
y pupils
Greenmeadow Primar
om Annie
performed songs fr
in the crowds
Young and old join in the
carnival parade
Taking
streets
w around
nt dre
rtainme
Paddle boats we
re popular
with punters
to the
live music
nte
Super e rs
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7,000 vis
Big event proves a
swinging success
All generations agree the Big Event
Finale was fun for all the family
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5,000 people as
The sun shone on
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they enjoyed th
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Face painting in th
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BE TRE at…
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High jinx in
Pontypool Park
D
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Cwmbran Big Event
Pontypool Carnival
Pontypool
JAZZ
Upload your photos of the summer events to www.facebook.com/torfaen
Page 9
Connecting communities Connections
Green award for council
Torfaen council has
been presented with
an International Green
Hero wall-shield, in
recognition of the
good environmental
work undertaken by its
community-focused
schools.
The trophy was presented
by the Green Organisation
during a ceremony in London,
where the judges commented:
“Torfaen has involved its
schoolchildren in carrying and
promoting the sustainability
message into the community.
“The children have learnt
and spread the ethos
throughout the borough,
giving them a feeling of
ownership for the country
around them.”
The International Green
Apple Awards are presented
annually in recognition of
companies, councils and
communities carrying out
projects that enhance
the environment.
There were 500
nominations this year.
Cwmbran Learn IT Torfaen Talks June 2011:Layout 1
05/07/2011
The
to the capital
Torfaen residents who
commute to Cardiff can
now take advantage of
Arriva Trains Wales’ new
weekday timetable.
A £135,000 project
to safely connect two
communities has been
successfully completed.
Churchwood Path leads from
St Cadocs Church, Trevethin
shops and the Yew Tree Italian
Restaurant to Penygarn Road.
The Trevethin Communities
First Partnership Board worked
with Torfaen council to secure
a grant for the work from the
Welsh Government’s Safe
Routes in Communities scheme.
The work consisted of
upgrading the existing public
rights of way from St Cadoc’s to
the lower section of Penygarn
Road,
thePage
installation
of new
11:15
1
handrails, kissing gates and
During the morning peak,
Arriva now offers a half hour
service from Pontypool-New
Inn station to the capital as
opposed to the two-hour service
that had operated previously.
Between 7.15am and 8.45am,
trains will now depart the
Pontypool-New Inn station
every half hour, with the
standard two-hour pattern to
Cardiff then resuming.
Commuters can now also
benefit from an improved return
timetable from the capital
between 5.21pm and 8.17pm
before the two-hour frequency
resumes.
Copies of the new timetable
can be viewed at
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
For more information, contact
08457 48 49 50 or 0871 200
22 33.
gates, and the creation of steps.
The work also saw new
surfacing, paths and crossings
introduced at St Cadoc’s church
and the Yew Tree.
Improvements were also
carried out to highways,
footways and crossings on
Penygarn Road and there is now
easier access to Old Penygarn
Road. The new route represents
the first step in delivering a
range of new and improved
footpaths and cyclepaths within
the Pontypool Settlement Area
project.
Supported through European
and Welsh Government funding,
the project will also provide
improvements in Pontypool,
Trevethin and Garndiffaith.
Cwmbran
New Beginnings, New Opportunities, New Short Courses for 2011
In a central location in Cwmbran Town Centre, The Learn-IT Centre Cwmbran is now offering a great selection of IT & non-IT courses.
Title
ACCOUNTANCY
C&G Computerised Accounts - L1 / L2
Computerised Payroll - L1
Computerised Payroll - L1
C&G Computerised Accounts - L1 / L2
C&G Computerised Accounts - L3
ART AND DESIGN
Digital Photography
Composition and Skills - L1
Creative Textiles - L1
Guitar for Beginners - L1
Botanical Illustration - L1
Drawing & Painting - L1
Garden Design - L1
Interior Design - L1
GENERAL EDUCATION
Sign Language Stage 1 - L1
Brush-Up English / Maths / Job Skills
Brush-Up English / Maths / Job Skills
IT AND COMPUTING
PC/Laptop - Essential Health and
Maintenance - L1
OCR/RSA Text Processing
(Business Professional) - L1-L3
Basic Web Design - L1
Web Design - L2
Computers for the Terrified! - LE
Adobe Photoshop – L1 / L2
L3 Adobe Photoshop Workshop - L3
Day
Time
Wks
Start
Cost
Upgrade Your IT Skills – Start Anytime!
The following IT courses are all workshop based. This means you can enrol and start at any
time and learn at your own pace.
Mon
Mon
Tue
Tue
Thu
09:30 - 11:30
09:30 - 11:30
13:00 - 15:00
15:15 - 17:15
10:30 - 12:30
15
15
15
15
36
Flex
12/09/2011
13/09/2011
Flex
15/09/2011
TBC
£120
£95
TBC
£179
Mon
Tue
Tue
Wed
Wed
Thu
Fri
10:00 - 12:00
09:30 - 12:00
18:00 - 19:30
09:30 - 12:00
13:00 - 15:30
09:15 - 11:15
09:30 - 11:30
15
12
30
12
12
15
15
12/09/2011
13/09/2011
13/09/2011
14/09/2011
14/09/2011
15/09/2011
16/09/2011
£67
£67
£114
£67
£67
£67
£67
Mon
Tue
Fri
09:30 - 11:30
13:00 - 15:00
13:00 - 15:00
15
15
15
12/09/2011
Flex
Flex
£67
£0
£0
Wed
13:00 - 15:00
15
12/09/2011
£67
Fri
Thu
Thu
Fri
Fri
Fri
13:00 - 15:00
09:30 - 11:30
13:00 - 15:00
09:30 - 11:30
09:30 - 12:30
13:30 - 15:30
30
15
15
8
15
15
13/09/2011
15/09/2011
15/09/2011
16/09/2011
16/09/2011
16/09/2011
TBC
£67
£67
£45
£91
£67
Approx
Hours
IT Basics – First steps in IT (for the complete beginner)
CLAIT ITQ Award (3 unites)
ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) Essentials
ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) Extra
ECDL Advanced Units (each)
e-Type (Touch Typing)
45
45
40
90
30
20
All OCN below £25 each + one-off reg fee of £20 per level
Word Processing – Using Microsoft Word 2010
Drawing in Microsoft Word – Using Microsoft Word 2010
Graphics in Microsoft Word – Using Microsoft Word 2010
Spreadsheets – Using Microsoft Excel 2010
Graphs & Charts – Using Microsoft Excel 2010
Databases – Using Microsoft Access 2010
Desktop Publishing – Using Microsoft Publisher 2010
Presentation Software – Using Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
Internet and E-Mail – Using IE9 & Yahoo/Hotmail
File Management – Using Windows Explorer (Windows 7)
Simple Image Creation and Editing (non-Photoshop) –
Using Paint.Net
Image Editing – Using Photoshop Elements
Digital Camera, Scanning and Simple Video Montage - Various
Tuition/
Reg Cost
£20
£112
£93
£199
£130
£77
Level E
4
4
4
4
4
4
6
4
6
6
Level 1
4
4
6
4
6
4
4
4
4
4
Level 2
4
6
6
4
6
4
6
4
4
6
Level 3
4
6
6
4
6
4
6
4
6
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
6
6
6
6
6
6
You may qualify for a fee waiver. Please contact us for futher information
The Learn-IT Centre™
19 The Parade, Cwmbran NP44 1QR. Tel 01495 333306 or email [email protected]
Page 10
Become a fan ofThis
Torfaen
is theatleft
www.facebook.com/torfaen
page title
IN BRIEF
Gypsy Traveller communities in Torfaen
With television shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding
proving popular with TV audiences, never has there
been such interest in the lives of this community.
However, the show has been criticised for not being
representative of normal Gypsy or Traveller life and is helping to
fuel prejudice. Pontypool is home to three Gypsy Travellers sites
and Torfaen council’s support of plans for the development of one
of the sites has divided opinion. Here are some key facts about
Gypsy Travellers and their lives in Torfaen.
• Gypsies and Travellers are two distinct ethnic groups under UK law.
• The Romany originated in northern India and migrated through
the Middle East, northern and central Europe, eventually
reaching the UK around 1,500.
• The Romany language which is still spoken
today, originated from Sanskrit.
• Census records show that Gypsy and
Travellers have lived in the Pontypool
area since at least 1871.
• Irish Travellers are a separate and
distinct ethnic group.
• They share some cultural values with
Romani Gypsies, such as a preference
for self-employment and living and
travelling in caravans or “trailers”.
• Most Irish Travellers are Roman
Catholic and their language is Cant,
which originates from Irish Gaelic.
• Many were forced into the nomadic lifestyle
due to the Irish famine.
• Many more Gypsy and Traveller children are staying in
school for longer and getting qualifications.
Gaining qualifications
A £4.6million initiative is helping young people
from Gypsy Traveller communities in Wales into
employment.
The Pembrokeshire-led project is targeting 11-19 year olds
from Gypsy Traveller communities across seven areas, including
Torfaen, to help them gain skills and enter the workforce.
Torfaen is receiving £522,473 of European funding over
three years to deliver the project which will provide support
tailored to individual circumstances and aspirations.
Consultation continues
Residents can still give
their views on whether
and where Dog Controls
Orders should be
introduced in Torfaen.
The areas currently being
considered are:
Total dog bans
• Children’s play areas
• Primary School grounds
• Lapwing breeding area
at Garn lakes Nature Reserve
(breeding season only)
• Marked sports pitches
Dogs on leads
• Canal towpath – Canal Path,
Cwmbran to Sebastopol
• Cycle Paths – all designated
cycle paths in Torfaen
• Garn Lakes Local Nature
Reserve – footpaths and land
adjacent to lakes only
• Cwmbran Boating Lake –
footpaths and land adjacent to
lake only
• The Folly – footpath from
Folly Lane to Pontypool Park via
the Folly
Dog fouling
Extended provisions to cover
all publicly accessible land in
Torfaen – including roads, parks
and other public places.
For more information, go to
www.torfaen.gov.uk/dogcontrol
or email commercial.services@
torfaen.gov.uk
Young people’s forum
Play equipment safety
A pioneering project at West Monmouth School is
helping to make the voices of young Gypsies and
Travellers heard.
Torfaen council officers are
visiting premises with play
facilities to test their safety.
There are approximately
40,000 visits to hospital
each year in Wales following
accidents in playgrounds,
which could be down to
poor equipment design,
installation or failure through
lack of maintenance.
Officers are visiting places
that may have indoor or
outdoor play facilities, to
assess the condition of
the equipment, cleanliness
levels, maintenance checks
and how well the facilities
are managed. Where
necessary, officers will advise
businesses on areas where
improvements may minimise
the risk of injuries to children.
For more information on
the project or on play safety
issues, contact 01633
647260.
The Equal project has developed a Gypsy Traveller Youth Forum
at the school, which is only the second of its kind in Wales. Last
year, all members of the forum went to the Senedd to launch
Travelling Ahead, a website for young people to discuss important
issues, learn more about their rights and upload media content.
It also has a toolkit for professionals, which contains resources
to support them in their work with young Gypsies and Travellers,
information on culture, rights and policy context.
Shepherd’s Hill
Shepherd’s Hill has been in
existence for many years, with
council records dating back to
1974 when the original planning
consent was given to the site.
The site was set up in 1975 and later
expanded and refurbished in the early
1990s. The council took control of the
site in 2006 from the Gypsy Council.
The site currently has 26 permanent
residential pitches and one transit pitch,
which comprises caravans and mobile
homes. Last year, a community centre
was provided on site to facilitate community
interaction, while Welsh Government funding was
also secured to improve the existing facilities on site.
There is subsidence on the site and the site’s sustainability is
being investigated.
LDP proposals
The Local Development Plan (LDP) has allocated land
at Rose Cottage Gypsy Traveller Site for 10 permanent
pitches, primarily for local Gypsy and Travellers.
This proposal is currently under consultation and the council is
involving the local settled community and members of the Gypsy
and Traveller community in the process. Other permanent sites
may need to be identified once the future of the council owned
Shepherd’s Hill site has been clarified.
Walking for Velindre
Go the extra mile for
charity in September on a
sponsored walk in aid of
Velindre Cancer Centre.
Held every year in memory
of Jonathan Conick, this year’s
Jon Show Walk will be held on
Saturday 10 September.
You can either complete the
whole 15-mile walk from Big
Pit in Blaenavon to the Three
Blackbirds pub in Llantarnam,
or join walkers for a shorter
distance along the way.
Starting times and distances
are:
• Big Pit to the Globe pub,
Talywain (4.3 miles) – 10am
• The Globe pub to Pontypool
Active Living Centre (4.4 miles) –
11.30am
• Pontypool Active Living
Centre to the Cross Keys pub,
Pontnewydd (3 miles) – 1.30pm
• The Cross Keys pub to
the Three Blackbirds pub,
Llantarnam (3.8 miles) –
2.30pm.
Jon was employed by Torfaen
council until June 2009, when he
lost his fight with cancer at the
age of 29. He was being treated
at Velindre Cancer Centre.
To take part, call Lynne
Mattravers on 01495 742486
or Keri Gould on 01495 766495.
Alternatively, sponsor the
walkers at www.justgiving.com/
thejonshow2011
Cwmbran’s Got Talent
The grand finale show of
Cwmbran’s Got Talent will
be held at Our Lady’s School
Church Hall in Cwmbran at
6pm on Saturday 6 August.
For information or tickets,
call 01633 870119 or email
cwmbransgottalent@hotmail.
co.uk
Housing service
Charter Housing Association
is offering a new service to
private sector landlords.
Charter Options letting
agency is working with
Newport, Torfaen and
Monmouthshire councils to
offer a managed lettings
service while helping those
in housing need. It provides
both landlords and tenants
with free set-up and admin
fees, as well as free access
to specialist staff such as
surveyors, welfare benefit
specialists and legal services.
Call 01633 678545 or visit
www.charteroptions.co.uk for
more information.
Writers’ club
Pontypool District Writers
meet every Monday at 2pm4pm at Blaenavon Library. All
writers, whatever the genre,
are welcome to join.
Sponsor the Velindre walkers
This is the
at www.justgiving.com/thejonshow2011
right page title
Page 11
Sarge treads the boards
For one night only, a
musical production
highlighting the issue of
domestic abuse included
a special guest.
Sergeant Clive Elliot, of
Pontypool Neighbourhood
Policing Team, joined TSP
Voices Community Choir for its
performance of ‘Carmen Jones
From Trevethin’ at the All-Wales
Domestic Abuse conference in
June. Sgt Elliot attended the
final rehearsal at Trevethin
Communities First Hall to offer
tips and advice to Ryan Howell,
who was playing the role of a
sergeant in the play.
He was so impressed with the
production that he accepted an
invitation to join the cast at
the conference
in Cardiff.
All the storylines and
characters have been reinvented
and some of the cast have
personal experiences of
domestic abuse.
Sgt Elliot said: “This musical
production had a real impact
at the conference. The choir
members worked really hard
on their performances and the
play sends out a very powerful
message – that domestic abuse
will not be tolerated.”
To report domestic abuse,
call Gwent Police on 101 or the
Wales Domestic Abuse Hotline
on 0808 8010 800.
Anti-drugs message delivered
to pupils through school drama
Delivering the anti-drugs message
to younger school children is being
achieved through the medium of
theatre.
A specially written drama about drugs called
Wings to Fly was performed by Rougemont
School pupils (pictured above) to year six children,
aged 10-11, from every school in Torfaen and
Monmouthshire. The production was staged at
Cwmbran’s Congress Theatre in May.
The play, which is annually performed to
children in their last year of primary school, has
become a huge success throughout Gwent for
more than 10 years.
Since 1998, hundreds of Gwent youngsters
have performed Wings to Fly, which is part of the
All Wales School Liaison program. The play tells
the story of a group of teenage friends who have
differing encounters with drugs.
It focuses on topics such as the influence of
peers, upbringing and personalities – and how
each can have an effect on a person’s experience
of drugs.
Wings to Fly reaches its climax as one
character’s life is left hanging in the balance.
Partnership Sergeant Lyndon John, of Torfaen
Local Policing Unit, said: “Wings To Fly is a
long-standing and important event in the school
calendar.
“This is reflected by the consistent
high attendance from both Torfaen and
Monmouthshire boroughs, which was achieved
again this year.
“We know that the play has a lasting impact
and therefore continues to deter children from
experimenting with illegal substances long after
they have attended the performance.”
The cast from Rougemont School also
performed another play about Internet safety on
each evening at the theatre.
This production is called ‘Cyberweb’ and was
written by the school’s drama department.
group for residents
Countering countryside crime in Torfaen Support
this by providing a platform
Have you been a victim
Torfaen council and Gwent Police
worked together to target people
committing crimes in the Blaenavon
World Heritage Site and its
surroundings.
The operation targeted a wide range of
countryside crime such as illegal off-road riding,
vehicle crime, scrap metal thefts, fly-tipping and
wildlife crime.
The operation covered Brynmawr down
to Abertillery and Cwmtillery, over into
Monmouthshire around Clydach, and down to
the Blaenavon area of Torfaen.
During the operation, two vehicles were seized,
15 warnings were issued and six fixed penalty
notices were handed out for riding on common
land.
Landscape crime officer PC Rob Maddocks
specifically tackles problems in the area. He
said: “The countryside covered by the Forgotten
Page 12
Landscapes project is a beautiful area, which is
currently being spoiled by a minority of people.
“My role within the project is to help protect
and preserve the landscape, keeping it free from
anti-social behaviour, so it can be enjoyed by
residents and visitors to the area.
“We will continue to carry out operations such
as this to bring offenders to justice and improve
the local area for residents and visitors to this
beautiful part of the world.
“Anybody caught riding off-road vehicles
on the land, fly tipping or lighting fires will be
prosecuted and could face a court appearance.”
Rob patrols the area on a daily basis to deter
people from committing crimes and visits schools
and community groups to raise awareness of
landscape crime and explain how members of
the public can report incidents and look out for
suspicious activity.
To report landscape crime, call Gwent Police on
101.
of crime or harassment
due to hostility towards
your sexual orientation or
gender identity?
If so, the Gwent Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT)
Community Liaison Group can
help.
A group spokesperson said:
“We know that victims of
incidents, which are motivated
by prejudice towards a person’s
sexual orientation or gender
identity, often decide not
to report them to the police
because they fear that their
report will not be dealt with
sensitively and they will not
receive appropriate support.
“The group aims to address
for raising awareness of these
issues within the criminal justice
system and encouraging people
to have the confidence to report
crimes.”
The group meets every two
months. Contact Jenny Porter
on 01492 622202 or search
Gwent LGB&T Community
Safety Forum on Facebook.
Call 101 or 0800 555111 to report any criminal behaviour
Pupils pound pavements
Don’t fall foul of food poisoning
The rain clouds parted long enough for 243
children, teachers and adjudicators to participate
in the annual Giant Walking Bus record attempt at
Maendy Primary School recently.
Make sure you don’t fall
foul of food poisoning
this summer, by
remembering some basic
hygiene advice.
The event, organised by road safety charity Brake, gives a visual
reminder to passing drivers that they should slow down around
schools.
Leading the crocodile of more than 240 pupils clad in hivisibility tabards were the year-5 junior road safety officers Josh
Williams and Emma Tapp.
Teacher Alison Wicks, the walk organiser, said: “It has been
hard work, but everything has worked out as planned.
“The Giant Walking Bus fulfils many curriculum requirements
and also helps towards our eco-school submission.
“Best of all, we’ve all had a lovely morning. Maendy School will
definitely be participating in next year’s Giant Walking Bus!”
Penny Thorpe, principal road safety officer with Capita
Symonds (Cwmbran), said: “I was one of the adjudicators and
went on the walk with the pupils.
“I was very impressed by their interest and how well they
behaved on the walk, especially the older children who took
responsibility for younger pupils and talked about some of the
visible road safety issues as they walked.”
Food poisoning cases double
over the summer. It is usually
mild and most people get
better within a week; however,
sometimes it can be more
severe, even deadly.
Children, older people and
those with weakened immune
systems are particularly
vulnerable to food poisoning.
The safest option is to cook
food indoors using your oven
and then put the cooked food
on the barbecue for flavour. If
cooking only on the barbecue,
the two main risk factors are
undercooked meat and germs
spreading from raw
meat onto food that’s ready
to eat.
This is because raw or
undercooked meat can
contain germs that cause food
poisoning, such as salmonella,
E.coli and campylobacter.
However, these germs can be
killed by cooking meat until it is
piping hot throughout.
To stay safe this summer,
make sure:
• The coals are glowing red
with a powdery grey surface
before cooking
• Frozen meat is properly
thawed before you cook it
• You turn the meat regularly
and move it around the
barbecue to cook it evenly
• Meat is piping hot in the
centre
• Meat has no pink meat
• Any juices are clear
• Always wash your hands
after touching raw meat
• Use separate utensils (plates,
tongs, containers) for cooked
and raw meat
• Never put cooked food on a
plate or surface that has had
raw meat on it
• Keep raw meat in a sealed
container away from foods
that are ready to eat
• Don’t put raw meat next
to cooked or partly cooked
meat on the barbecue
• Don’t leave food out of the
fridge for more than a couple
of hours, and don’t leave
food in the sun.
‘Gem of a site’ inspires Chris
A group of environmentally friendly
residents is helping to champion
sustainable living in Torfaen.
Blaenavon’s biodiversity blitz
Wildlife lovers flocked to Blaenavon World Heritage
Site to take part in a ‘biodiversity blitz’.
The unique event saw four groups scour the area surrounding
Keeper’s Pond to record the different types of species living in the
habitat.
Each group focussed on different groups of animals, including
invertebrates and plants, birds, mammals, butterflies and day flying
moths.
Sarah Lewis, volunteer recruitment and training officer for the
Forgotten Landscapes Partnership, said: “A long list of species was
found and the highlight of the day seems to have been a sighting of
two green hairstreak butterflies mating!
“The species lists will continue to help us build up a picture of
wildlife in the World Heritage Site.”
Volunteer rangers are always needed to carry out a range of tasks
in the area, including practical conservation, wildlife monitoring and
environmental education.
The Forgotten Landscapes Project is funded by the Heritage
Lottery and a range of other partners.
Contact [email protected] or 01495 742333 for
information.
One of the main initiatives of Torfaen
Sustainability Week, the council has been
inviting local people to volunteer to spread the
message of how small changes to people’s
every day lives can help make Torfaen a more
sustainable place to live.
The Torfaen Sustainability Champions receive
support and training, as well as the satisfaction
of knowing that they’re changing things.
Here’s one of the champions:
Name: Chris Partridge
Age: 37
Lives: Henllys
Why did you get involved?
Torfaen has an incredible mosaic of green
spaces of fantastic visual beauty and of superb
biodiversity value.
Green spaces give us a chance to breathe,
exercise, meet other people and are crucial for
our health and well-being. Looking after them is
a difficult and time-consuming business and in
a period of dwindling resources we can all have
a role to play in maintaining and enhancing our
green spaces.
Henllys Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is
extremely popular with local residents and
visitors who are often walking their dogs.
The
management
of the reserve
is undertaken
by Torfaen
council;
however, there
is only so much
it can do. Last
summer, I set
up the Friends
of Henllys LNR.
We are a very small group so far, but have
pulled up thousands of Himalayan balsam
slowing the spread across the grassland and
woodlands. Moreover, the word has spread and
countless people are getting involved in doing
their bit towards safeguarding this gem of a site.
We recently made and put up dormouse and
bat boxes, ran a bug hunt and will be performing
a hay rake to improve the wildflower quality of
the meadow. In the winter, we’ll be starting a
rotational coppice.
Anyone is welcome to join. For more
information, call 07717 412 270, follow
@HenllysLNR on Twitter or visit http://
friendsofhenllyslnr.blogspot.com
• Can you help? Torfaen council is continuing
to gather information about the energy
efficiency of homes. Go to www.forms.
torfaen.gov.uk/homeenergy/survey.htm to
take part.
For energy efficiency tips go to www.torfaenhomes.co.uk
Page 13
Diary dates
The dates and times
given below are correct
at the time of publication
and may be subject to
additions or change.
New homes unveiled
More than 1,100 homes
in Torfaen have been
surveyed, to establish
the condition of private
residential homes in the
borough.
An updated list is posted in
the foyer of the Civic Centre
weekly. Agendas and minutes
are available at www.torfaen.
gov.uk/CouncilAndDemocracy
Planning committee
23 Aug
Pensions committee
12 Sept
Cabinet
13 Sept
Audit
14 Sept
Learning communities
14 Sept
O&S committee
Safer O&S committee
15 Sept
Planning committee
20 Sept
Resources
21 Sept
Healthier communities
22 Sept
O&S committee
Gwent Joint Records
23 Sept
Council
27 Sept
Cleaner communities
O&S committee
Cabinet (equalities)
sub-committee
28 Sept
4 Oct
The survey found:
• There are 29,000 private
sector dwellings in Torfaen
• The majority of properties
were constructed during
1945–1964
• The largest proportion
of dwellings is medium/large
terraced houses (43.6 per cent)
• 95.5 per cent of respondents
were satisfied or very satisfied
with their home
A Melin development
has officially opened at
Clos Odyn, Pentwyn.
The homes, costing nearly
£4million to build, were
completed with the help of
£2.3million from the Welsh
Government.
Resident Mrs Gwyer loves
her new home. She said: “This
bungalow has made a huge
difference to our lives. Before
we had the Melin bungalow
my husband, because of ill
health, had to sleep in the
conservatory as he could not
Meet your councillor
ABERSYCHAN
manage the stairs. I am now
able to work in the garden,
which I love, and still be close
enough to hear my husband if
he needs me.”
Mark Gardner, chief
executive of Melin Homes,
said: “When I hear stories such
as that of Mr and Mrs Gwyer it
shows me exactly how vital the
work we do is.
“Knowing that we have
made such a positive
difference to their lives, and
many others like them, is a
huge encouragement for us at
Melin to want to do more.”
Councillor Doug Jones
FAIRWATER
01495 773737
Councillor Phil Seabourne
Councillor Ray Williams
01495 774723
Councillor Seabourne holds surgeries on the first
Saturday of every month 10.30am - 12pm Fairhill
Methodist Church
01495 774953
BLAENAVON
Councillor Jeff Rees
Councillor Stuart Evans
01495 792335
Councillor Brian Whitcombe
01495 790704
01495 791822/
07980682669
BRYNWERN
Councillor Brian Matthews
01495 757288
COED EVA
Councillor Fiona Cross
01633 863744
07517 467262
Cllr Rees holds surgeries on the last Saturday of
the month 10am - 12pm Fairwater Leisure Centre
07881 855553
Councillor Cross holds surgeries on the second
Saturday of the month 10am - 12pm Coed Eva &
Hollybush Community Centre
Councillor Catherine Lewis
01633 766557/
07948 373090
Councillor Bob Wellington
01633 868402
ST DIALS
Councillor David James
01495 758559
Councillor Raymond Mills
01495 750327
Councillor Graham Smith
07527 963774
07817 609419
Councillor Graham holds surgeries on the
first Saturday of every month 11am - 1pm
Llantarnam Leisure Centre
01633 770349/
07875 120491
Councillor Julianna Biggs
PANTEG
Councillor Cynthia Beynon MBE
01495 751740/
07806 617156
TREVETHIN
Councillor Norma Parrish
01495 763067
Councillor John Marshall
01495 755812
Councillor Lewis Jones
01495 756950
Councillors Beynon and Parrish hold surgeries on
the second Saturday of every month
11am - 12pm Griffithstown Labour Hall
alternating with Sebastopol Labour Hall
TWO LOCKS
01495 753778
Councillor Peter Cathcart
01633 863189
Councillor Aneurin James
01633 864736/
07980 682478
Councillor Brian Mawby
01633 484948
The three councillors share a surgery on the first
Saturday of every month 10.30am - 12pm Mount
Pleasant Hall
Councillor Ron Burnett
01633 874157
Councillor Alastair Cunnington JP
01633 874631
Councillor Colette Thomas
01633 482104
Councillor Thomas holds surgeries on the first
Saturday of every month 10am - 11.30am
Hollybush Community Centre and 12pm 1.30pm Henllys Village Hall
Last Friday of every month 2pm - 3.30pm Cocker
Avenue Community Hall
UPPER CWMBRAN
PONTNEWYNYDD
01633 484002
Councillor John Cunningham MBE KSG
01633 862050
Councillor Robert Jones
01633 838658
Councillors Clark and Richards share a surgery on
the second Saturday of every month
11am - 12pm in Glaslyn Court
Councillor Killick holds surgeries on the last Friday
of the month 10am-11am St Matthews Church
Hall, Pontymoile, 11.30am-12.30pm Salvation
Army Hall, Park Road, Penygarn.
The three councillors share a surgery on the first
Saturday of every month 10am - 12pm
Thornhill Community Association (1Cllr) West
Pontnewydd Community Hall (2 Cllrs)
CROESYCEILIOG SOUTH
LLANYRAFON NORTH
SNATCHWOOD
WAINFELIN
Councillor Veronica German
Seat currently vacant following the death of
councillor Tom Gould.
Councillor Mike Jeremiah
01633 480083
Councillor Sarah Richards MBE
01633 485495
Councillor Marlene Thomas
Councillor Thomas holds surgeries on the
second Saturday of every month 10am - 11am
Woodland Road Social Centre, Bowls Annex
Page 14
01633 485067
PONTYPOOL
Councillor John Killick
07957 995603
LLANYRAFON SOUTH
Councillor Margaret Pead
01495 750238
Councillor Mary Barnett
Councillor Ron Jones
Councillor Richard Clark
01495 750866
ST CADOCS AND PENYGARN
01633 482685
01633 870119
Councillor Haynes will hold a surgery on
Saturday 27 August, 2pm-4pm, at St Dials &
Greenmeadow Community Hall (Cockerel).
Cllr Williams holds surgeries on the second Monday
of the month at the Three Blackbirds Public House
at 6pm-7pm, second Friday of the month at Our
Lady of the Angels Church Hall at 4pm-5pm, second
Saturday of the month at St Michael's Church Hall,
Llantarnam at 11am-12pm, second Saturday of the
month at Court Farm and Oakfield Community Hall
at 12.30pm-1.30pm, and the second Saturday of
the month at Cwmbran Band Hall at 2pm-3pm.
CROESYCEILIOG NORTH
01633 864902
Councillor Biggs is holding a surgery on 30 July at
Cwmbran Park bowling pavilion 10am-12pm.
Councillor Elizabeth Haynes
PONTNEWYDD
LLANTARNAM
Councillor Paul Williams
Since then, the council has contacted more than 180 owners of
empty properties, offering them help and advice in bringing their
empty property back into use.
Empty properties can lead to social, economic and
environmental concerns, including creating eyesores, decreasing
the value of neighbouring properties, contributing to the housing
shortage and increasing pressure for housing development on
greenfield sites to meet housing demand.
For further information or to report an empty property, call
01495 742629 or go to www.torfaenhomes.co.uk
Councillor Kathleen Williams
Councillor Wellington holds surgeries on the
first Saturday of the month 9.30am - 11am
Greenmeadow & St Dials Community Hall,
11am -12pm Thornhill Community Centre
Councillor Maria Graham
Torfaen council’s Empty Hopes project has
successfully brought 130 empty properties back into
use since its launch last year.
The three New Inn councillors share a surgery on
the first Saturday of every month 10am - 12pm
Learning Centre, The Highway.
GREENMEADOW
Councillors Evans and Whitcombe share a
surgery on the first Monday of the month at
7pm, alternating between Blaenavon Workmen’s
Hall, Garn-yr-Erw Welfare Hall and Forgeside
Community Hall.
Councillor Tom Huish
01495 757738/
07964 792732
• 93.7 per cent were satisfied
or very satisfied with their area.
However, the survey found
that many properties in Torfaen
are in need of significant
improvement.
The home survey discovered
that:
• 28,000 dwellings (96.7 per
cent) can be classified as failing
the Welsh Housing Quality
Standard
• 15.9 per cent of dwellings
have a Category 1 Hazard
(4,600 dwellings)
• An estimated 2,500 (8.6 per
cent) dwellings are currently
in fuel poverty in the county
borough.
Making local houses homes
NEW INN
CWMYNYSCOY
Councillor Gwyneira Clark
Councillor Wayne Tomlinson
Torfaen’s homes surveyed
Councillor Neil Mason
01495 750019
Councillor Jeremiah holds surgeries on the first
Saturday of every month 10am - 11am St Johns
11.10am - 12.10pm Tranch Hall
To report empty properties call 01495 742629
01495 755830
R
Y
a
p
C
Pupils are jumping for joy
Torfaen’s newest Welsh
medium primary school
has been officially
opened.
Ysgol Panteg, Torfaen’s third
Welsh medium primary school,
was opened in September 2010.
Located on the former
Griffithstown Infant School site,
it is a 150-place primary school
with a nursery unit of 13 places
attached (26 part-time).
The executive member for
children and young people,
councillor Mary Barnett, cut the
ribbon at the school to mark its
official opening last month.
She said: “This official
opening of Ysgol Panteg marks
our on-going commitment
to Welsh medium education
in Torfaen. It is an exciting
expansion of Welsh medium
education in the middle of
the borough and reflects our
ambitions for making Torfaen
a place of learning and
opportunity for everyone. We
are a determined to listen to
what parents want and there is
clearly an increasing demand
for Welsh medium education.”
Head teacher Rhodri Harries
said: “We have recently had the
school extensively refurbished
and we are thrilled with the
results. We are incredibly
grateful for this investment
and everyone involved in the
school shares my excitement
of the prospect of the school
expanding in the future.”
All aboard for fabulous fresh
food at Fairwater High School
Cwmbran pupils were
in for a treat when they
enjoyed a special visit to
the Cooking Bus.
This giant, hi-tech
articulated lorry opens out
into a spectacular purposebuilt kitchen and classroom
where qualified food teachers
give pupils, teachers and the
community a taste of quality
cooking.
The Cooking Bus, funded by
Rocking around the clock
Young musicians in Torfaen are riding the crest of
a musical wave, after Gwent Music Support Service
presented its annual showcase at St David’s Hall,
Cardiff last month.
The concert featured pupils from across Torfaen, including
the Torfaen Brass Project. Ninety Hillside, Pontnewynydd and
Victoria primary pupils have been learning brass instruments and
entertained the capacity audience with songs including Rock Around
the Clock. The highlight saw the pupils perform the beautiful Welsh
song Suo Gan with the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band.
St Albans RC High School pupil and clarinettist Lydia Clough was
presented with the Greater Gwent Senior Young Musician Award
at the same event. For more information on Gwent Music Support
Service, visit www.gwentmusic.net or call 01633 414800.
Changes to 21st Century Schools
The Welsh Government
has announced
significant changes to
its 21st Century Schools
programme.
This will require councils to
contribute significantly more
cash to the programme than
originally anticipated. It means
Torfaen, like all Welsh councils,
will be revising its proposals
which had set out a long term
strategic plan for the future of
education in the borough.
The proposed money to be
provided to the council has now
been significantly reduced. The
council will work with the Welsh
Government to renew its plans
to meet the needs of pupils in
the borough.
the Welsh Government, visited
Fairwater High School, where
pupils climbed on-board for
lessons under the expert eye of
advisory teacher Richard Shaw.
His programme of cooking
activities is tailored to the age
of those taking part.
The executive member for
children and young people,
councillor Mary Barnett, said:
“We know when young people
eat healthy food regularly they
are sharper and more alert
Skills funding boost
Torfaen council has been awarded almost £2million
to improve the basic skills of young people.
The Pre-VENT (Pre-Vocational Education and Training) 14-19
project is targeting about 8,000 teens in south east Wales who
are at risk of becoming or actually are NEETs – a term used for
those not in education, employment, or training. Its aim is to
help young people improve their skills so that they are better
prepared for the worlds of work, training or further education.
For more than two years, officers from five south east Wales
councils – Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil
and Torfaen – have worked as a partnership to develop Pre-VENT
14-19. Now the project is getting £8.2million from the European
Social Fund through the Welsh Government, about £1.9million of
which will be used in Torfaen.
The executive member for children and young people,
councillor Mary Barnett, said: “This project will support young
people who are at risk of becoming disengaged from education
and also to re-engage young people who have already
disengaged. It will make a real difference to the lives of those
involved, helping them improve the skills they need to succeed in
education and supporting them to achieve their full potential.
“The Pre-Vent 14-19 project is another example of crossboundary public sector working, which will help us meet the
challenge of change. It will play a pivotal role in improving the
education and skills of young people in south Wales.”
The project will be delivered up to autumn 2013.
Visit www.gwentmusic.net or call 01633 414800
in class, while playing sports,
or while carrying out other
activities.
“Healthy eating is high on the
agenda in both primary and
secondary schools. Many of our
pupils are involved with growing
vegetables and the topic of
diet is discussed extensively at
school.”
Key aspects of food education
including nutrition, food
safety and hygiene and food
preparation skills were taught.
Improving
attendance
Torfaen council has a
new policy to improve its
school attendance rates.
Schools contacting parents
on the same day their child is
absent is improving attendance,
while regular truancy sweeps
in partnership with the police
support this. The changes were
made after behaviour expert
Professor Ken Reid worked with
the council to redraft its existing
policies and train staff.
Information leaflets for
parents and carers are also
being developed covering firstday absence, truancy sweeps,
holidays in school time and
guidance on prosecution.
There is a strong link between
attendance and education
attainment, so it is essential
children are in school.
For more information, contact
01633 647385.
Page 15
ood
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ip
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ixture of leftover
‘Soup’er re
4. Then sprinkle a m
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Here is a great reci
icken and any
up any leftover ch
u might have in
vegetables that yo
the fridge.
In Wales, we throw away a staggering 410,000
tonnes of food and drink each year.
Some of this waste is made up of things like peelings, cores and
bones, but the majority is, or once was, perfectly good food that
should have been eaten.
That is why Torfaen council is supporting Waste Awareness Wales
in promoting Love Food Hate Waste, to help reduce the amount of
good food we all throw away.
The environmental costs of food waste are enormous. The
amount of food we throw away is a waste of resources. Just think
about all the energy, water and packaging used in food production,
transportation and storage.
It is estimated that more than 20 per cent of the UK’s
greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food production,
distribution and storage.
If this isn’t shocking enough, then consider the financial
implications. In Wales, we buy, and then waste, about £600million
every year on food and drink that could have been eaten.
That’s an average of £420 per household per year and, for
households with children, it’s even more at around £610 a year!
Over the next few months, Torfaen council will be bringing you
tips on how to cut down the amount of food waste we produce – if
you have any tips that you would like to pass on and share with
others, email [email protected]
Serves 2
570ml chicken stock
1 sliced garlic clove
s, roughly chopped
4 over-ripe tomatoe
beans, chopped
A handful of runner
memade tomato
1 tablespoon of ho
puree
ketchup or tomato
d beans
A drained tin of mixe
French bread
Leftover soft cheese
e soup bowls. Ladle
soft cheeses into th
d top
over the cheese an
the bubbling soup
gin
vir
of
good drizzle
it with the toasts, a
ck
bla
of
rous grating
olive oil and a gene
pepper.
Virgin olive oil
Black pepper
Instructions
stock in a saucepan
1. Heat the chicken
s,
c, chopped tomatoe
and add sliced garli
ato
m
to
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em
m
ans, ho
chopped runner be
puree.
ketchup or tomato
beans and let the
2. Then add mixed
out 4-5 minutes.
soup bubble for ab
utes, cut slices, not
3. For the bread cro
le French bread stick
too thick, from a sta
der the grill.
and toast them un
Best baking tips
From sliced bread to bagels, Love Food
Hate Waste has lots of top tips for
making the most of all your bakery
products.
• Most bakery products have a ‘best before’
date – these dates refer to quality, so your bakery
products can still be eaten after this date, but may
no longer be at their best
• Sliced breads, pitta breads, crumpets, hot cross
buns and bagels are all are great for freezing and can
be toasted straight from frozen as and when you like
• Make slightly stale bread and leftover bread crusts
into breadcrumbs by whizzing up in a food processor,
and store in the freezer to use later in bread sauces,
savoury crumbles or as a coating for chicken or fish
• Use up leftover croissants and muffins to make a
traditional bread and butter pudding with a twist – take
a look at the recipe on lovefoodhatewaste.com
• Freeze leftover cake in slices; defrost slice by slice
for a tasty treat – or if you have a whole cake to freeze,
wrap in a layer of plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil,
and freeze for up to one month
• Storing bread in the fridge can make it go stale
quicker. The best place to store bread is in a cool, dark
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and
dry
place, your
bread bin or store
cupboard is perfect
• To freshen up a day old loaf, hold it very briefly
under a running cold tap. Give it a good shake and pop
in a hot oven for about 10 minutes; it will be as soft
and crusty as freshly baked bread
• Spread the crusts from a loaf with garlic butter and
toast under the grill, cut into fingers and serve for a
quick and easy snack.
For more top tips and recipes to help reduce food
waste, visit lovefoodhatewaste.com
Send your cooking tips to [email protected]