Design Examples - Tabloid Publications

Winter 2016

News of Conwy County Borough Council

New Council Offices

Receive Your Bill Electronically The Council aims to continuously improve service delivery and reduce costs, such as reducing the amount we spend on postage and printing.

This year over 5,000 Council Tax bills and over 1,400 Business Rates bills have been issued electronically, as well as over 24% of all sundry invoices.

To receive your bill electronically: COUNCIL TAX To arrange for your Council Tax bill to be sent to you by e-mail or viewed online, visit: web: www.conwy.gov.uk/counciltax e-mail: ctax.e-billing.enquiries@ conwy.gov.uk telephone: (01492) 576607 BUSINESS RATES (NATIONAL NON-DOMESTIC RATES) To arrange for your Business Rates bill to be sent to you by e-mail, visit: web: www.conwy.gov.uk/nndr e-mail: nndr.enquiries@conwy.gov.uk telephone: (01492) 576609

Demolition work starts as the project to build new Council Offices gets underway in Colwyn Bay town centre.

The contractors have moved on site and work to demolish the existing buildings will start in mid-December to make way for the new Council Offices. The site clearance is expected to take about 12-16 weeks.

Construction of the new offices and car park is then scheduled to start during Spring 2017, with completion expected in Autumn 2018.

Over recent years, the Council has been reviewing its Office Accommodation portfolio, looking at issues such as lease expiry dates, ageing buildings, spread over numerous locations, and the need to operate more efficiently.

The new offices at Coed Pella Road in Colwyn Bay will accommodate around 750 staff and could replace up to thirteen existing inefficient and poor performing buildings, thereby reducing the Council's accommodation and carbon footprint. For

SUNDRY INVOICES (Bills for services received e.g. homecare, trade waste etc) To arrange for your Sundry Invoice to be sent to you by e-mail, visit: web: www.conwy.gov.uk/ sundryincome e-mail: sd.enquiries@conwy.gov.uk telephone: (01492) 576610

Cllr Dilwyn Roberts with Wes Erlam from Muse and Ken Skates AM example, the Council currently occupies a leased building at Dinerth Road, with over 350 staff based at the site. The lease has now come to an end and the Council has negotiated an extension to the lease until the new office is ready.

The new office building will streamline the office accommodation, but it’s also a key part of the Council’s vision to revitalise Colwyn Bay town centre - bringing people into the heart of a town brings vitality, footfall and spend.

To sign-up for e-billing you will need your unique reference / invoice number - it is printed on the bill you have received from us.

For more information on ways to pay your bill or invoice visit www.conwy.gov.uk/payment

News of Conwy County Borough Council

in this issue

www.conwy.gov.uk

Welcome... to the Winter edition of Bulletin.

If you or someone you know would prefer to receive this publication on CD, in large print or electronically please telephone  01492 576007.

Conwy Business Support Grant Page 2 l Become a Councillor l Annual report Page 3 l Bin Collection Changes l Hedge Trimming Page 4 Active Travel l Conwy Bridge Refurbishment l Aladdin l

Page 5 l Bereavement Services l Conwy Valley Railway l Place Plans Page 6 l Waterfront Project l Jack and the Beanstalk Page 7 Community Response Team l Councillors Allowances l

Page 8 l Starting l Bees

School and Butterflies

Page 9 l Keep Walking l The County Conversation Page 10 Ready for Winter

l Get

Produced and Published by Conwy County Borough Council.

Designed by NWN Media LTD Tel: (01352) 707705 or email: design@nwn.co.uk

When you’ve finished reading the Bulletin please recycle it.

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Small businesses in Conwy can apply for a grant of up to £1,000.

The Conwy Business Support Grant is a discretionary grant to support the growth of businesses, social enterprises or farm diversification projects within the county.

Grants between £200 and £1,000 are available.

Whether your enterprise has just started trading, or is well established, this grant can help towards projects which will increase your profitability or turnover. Alternatively, if the project is likely to increase the number of jobs in the organization, or

lead to significant improvements to the environment, we would like to hear from you.

We are happy to receive applications from most sectors, and if your project is eligible, we can help with the purchase of capital equipment, marketing materials or even specialist training.

To find out if your project is eligible, please contact: The Business Support Team - Conwy County Borough Council on: 01492 574525, or email: ecodev@conwy.gov.uk

Become a Councillor - Make a Difference Do you care passionately about your local community?

Is there something you want to change?

Are you ready to take challenging decisions?

Why not stand for what you care about and become a local Councillor?

Thursday, 4 May 2017 is an important day for democracy in Conwy County Borough, it’s the day we all vote to elect councillors to represent us on the County Borough Council for the next five years. The elections for Town and Community Councils will take place on the same day.

Conwy Councillors decide how the Council should provide a range of different local services such as schools and school transport, refuse collection and recycling, highway maintenance, public transport, child protection, leisure centres, and libraries… the list is long and varied.

Councillors are also responsible for ensuring that the public purse gets the best value for money at a time when the funding available is decreasing.

Councillors are responsible for representing the views of their local community. Being a Councillor is an important role and to reflect this they

receive a wage and travelling costs (which is set by an independent national body) for their work. The Government is eager to help younger people and parents to become Councillors and, if needed, support is available to pay for childcare.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has produced a really useful guide for anyone thinking about standing as a Councillor, which is available on their website at: www.wlga.gov.uk/be-a-councillor-2017 You can also receive a copy by phoning (01492) 576068/9 or by e-mailing member.services@conwy.gov.uk The Council will also arrange some information sessions in the New Year, as an opportunity to find out more about what is involved in becoming a Councillor - the practical details and the information you’ll need.

Get in touch if you are interested in becoming a Councillor.

How has Conwy County Borough Council performed?

Every year Conwy County Borough Council writes an Annual Report to account for the progress that’s been made to meet the Council priorities during the financial year.

The report also explains what the council does, how the council is financed, as well as assessing where improvements are needed.

The Annual Report for 2015/16 was approved by Council on 20th October 2016.

Copies of the Annual Report and a Summary Report are available to view in all Council Offices and libraries, the documents and a short video are available on the Conwy website at: www.conwy.gov.uk/annualreport

Vacancy for a Lay Member of the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee Could you voice a strong and independent opinion on your local authority's financial affairs? Are you interested in local government and want to play a role in reviewing council governance?

Conwy County Borough Council is looking for a citizen to sit as a Lay Member on the Audit and Governance Committee. The Audit and Governance Committee is important because it independently reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s system of internal control and risk management, governance and value for money arrangements.

We will be advertising the role in March 2016 on www.conwy.gov.uk In the meantime if you want more information about the role and qualities we are looking for please contact Mike Halstead, on 01492 576210 or email: mike.halsted@conwy.gov.uk

www.conwy.gov.uk

News of Conwy County Borough Council

A GREEN CHRISTMAS Christmas Bin Collections FOR ALL! Christmas is full of festive fun but it’s often a hectic time - cards to write, shopping to do, presents to wrap and parties to attend. With so much going on, recycling can fall to the very bottom of the priority list.

But Christmas is the ideal time to recycle even more than normal.

Festive food and drink often means fridges and cupboards stocked to the brim. Plastic drinks bottles and pots, tubs and trays can go straight into the Trolibocs after a quick wash and squash.

Drinks cans, food tins, glass bottles and jars are all suitable for recycling. Just make sure they’ve been given a quick rinse and pop them into your Trolibocs, or take them to your nearest recycling bank. Egg boxes, cardboard sleeves on food packaging and cake or biscuit selection boxes can all be recycled.

Food waste including vegetable peelings, turkey bones, plate scrapings, tea bags and any out of date food can be put in your food waste caddy.

Also, while we spend extra time getting ready for Christmas and New Year nights out, just remember that items including plastic shower gel and shampoo bottles, deodorant and shaving gel aerosols, along with card packaging from face creams and moisturisers can all be recycled.

Once Christmas presents are unwrapped, the mountain of boxes, paper bags and wrapping paper can go into the Trolibocs, just make sure you flatten them to save space. Larger cardboard boxes can be flattened and securely left next to your recycling containers on your collection day.

If you have any excess recycling then please visit your local recycling centre or recycling bank.

Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable and will be collected on your scheduled green waste collection day. The trees are usually shredded into chipping, which is

then used in local parks and woodland areas - doing your bit can make a huge difference.

Finally don’t forget to download the Conwy App - Conwy’s new recycling app for smartphones and tablets.

Providing helpful notifications about collection dates, location information for your nearest recycling bank, request new food waste bags or even to ask if a specific item can be recycled if you are unsure.

Visit www.conwy.gov.uk/conwyapp to download the app for free today.

Usual Collection Day

will be collected a day later than usual, as outlined in the table below. If you normally have collections on a Friday, it will be collected on the Saturday.

Changes To

Monday 26th December Tuesday 27th December

Tuesday 27th December

Wednesday 28th December

Wednesday 28th December Thursday 29th December Thursday 29th December

Friday 30th December

Friday 30th December Saturday 31st December

Check your collection calendar to find out which waste and recycling containers will be collected from your household on Christmas week.

Usual collection days will resume from Monday 2nd January.

Garden Waste, Textiles & Electrical Items Please note there will be no Garden Waste,Textiles or Electrical collections between Monday 26th December 2016 and Friday 6th January 2017. All collections will operate as usual from Monday 9th January 2017 and are listed on your collection calendar.

Christmas Trees You can dispose of real Christmas trees on your next garden waste collection day beginning from Monday 9th January 2017 - please remember to remove all decorations.

Alternatively you can take unwanted real or artificial trees to the Household Recycling Centres in Mochdre and Abergele.

3 & 4 WEEKLY COLLECTION UPDATE Households in Conwy County are now part of the threeweekly refuse collections scheme, with some areas trialling four weekly collections. With these

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES MOCHDRE AND ABERGELE RECYCLING CENTRES Monday 19 9am - 4pm December

There will be changes to recycling and refuse collection days over Christmas this year.

All collections due between Monday 26th December and Friday 30th December

Monday 26 December

CLOSED

Tuesday 20 9am - 4pm Tuesday 27 December December

9am - 6pm

Wednesday 21 9am - 4pm December

9am - 6pm

Wednesday 28 December

Thursday 22 9am - 4pm Thursday 29 December December

9am - 6pm

Friday 23 9am - 4pm December

Friday 30 December

9am - 6pm

Saturday 24 9am - 4pm December

Saturday 31 December

9am - 6pm

Sunday 25 CLOSED December

Sunday 1 January

CLOSED

changes we are on-track to significantly improve our recycling rates and reduce landfill costs in 2016/17.

A big thank you to everyone for your efforts.

Does your hedge need trimming?

December to January is the perfect time!

Hedges are valued features on farmland and in towns and villages throughout Conwy. They can provide screening, shelter livestock and of course provide food for birds and other wildlife, as well as nesting sites in spring.

If you have a hedge growing on your land and bordering a highway, public footpath or a pavement, it is your responsibility to trim it so it doesn’t encroach onto the highway/ footpath.

Winter is far and away the best time to get this done. Farmers are not allowed to trim during spring or summer to avoid damaging wildlife and we recommend that everyone, farmer or not, follows this rule. From a wildlife point of view, midDecember onwards is the best time to trim hedges as birds will have had time to feast on the berries and nuts.

If hedges are not trimmed and as a

result cause an obstruction or otherwise affect highway safety, under the Highways Act 1980, the Council can issue a notice requiring the work to be carried out.

When you cut your hedges you should remove any cuttings that fall onto a road or footpath. Hedge cuttings left on roads can cause injury and thorns can puncture tyres.You must also remove any cuttings which fall into roadside ditches, drainage grips and road gullies. Under section 149 of the Highways Act 1980, if you do not remove the cuttings we may do this and charge you.

The side of the hedge next to the road/ footpath will need cutting most years, you could consider only cutting the top every two to three years to keep any berries for the birds. And if you have holly in your hedge you may want berry bearing branches for yourself at Christmas time.

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES Public toilets will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 3

News of Conwy County Borough Council

Have your say on Active Travel Conwy County Borough Council is asking for opinions and ideas about Active Travel in large towns in the County.

‘Active Travel’ means walking or cycling as an alternative to motorised transport (cars, buses, etc) to make everyday journeys. The Welsh Government’s Active Travel Act aims to increase levels of this kind of travel in towns with populations over 2,000 people.

Councils have to consider the needs of walkers and cyclists and identify an Integrated Network Map (INM) with routes for Active Travel. The routes need to be suitable for commuting and connecting facilities and services like workplaces, schools, hospitals or shopping areas - they are not simply recreational routes.

The towns in Conwy County where Active Travel is being considered are: • Abergele and Pensarn • Colwyn Bay • Conwy • Llandudno • Llanfairfechan • Llanrwst • Llansanffraid • Glan Conwy • Llysfaen • Old Colwyn • Penmaenmawr • Rhos-on-Sea • Towyn and Kinmel Bay

www.conwy.gov.uk

Conwy Bridge Refurbishment Conwy Bridge’s refurbishment is set to be complete by the end of 2016.

The bridge was badly corroded and in need of both a drainage upgrade and lighting service.

Work has been ongoing since April, when around 33,000 fittings and 10 miles of poles were erected as scaffolding.

As well as scaffolders and pest control, corrosion removal gangs and painters have been working to restore the structure, which is the largest under Conwy’s control. Built in 1958, the bridge

has been repainted in its original ‘signal grey’. As workers have been working above water and particularly treacherous currents, a safety boat has also been patrolling the waters below.

During the work, the bridge has been encapsulated in a plastic membrane to prevent waste materials from falling into the river and provide a controlled environment for the operatives who washed, blasted, primed and painted over 15,000m2 of structural steel. It’s the first time the works have been carried out since 1981.

The Council is currently looking for suggestions on which routes should be developed for Active Travel. We’ll then consult with the public on the proposals before submitting the final routes to Welsh Government for approval in September 2017.

You can find information about Active Travel and INM Routes in Conwy County and how to contribute to the consultation on the Council website here: www.conwy.gov.uk/activetravel email activetravel@conwy.gov. uk or call 01492 575529 The closing date for submitting comments and ideas is 31 March 2017.

Aladdin

n Venue Cymru n Saturday 10th - Saturday 31st December 2016 n Starring Welsh Rugby star Gareth Thomas

Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients that audiences expect, Aladdin features laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Follow Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee, and of course his mother Widow Twankey, on a spectacular adventure. Expect flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs, so book your magic carpet ride to old Peking to the magical pantomime Aladdin!

Buy today at: www.venuecymru.co.uk or phone the box office on: 01492 872000.

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Getting a TV Licence

debit card or by post - just choose the one that suits you best.

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.

This could be on any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder. If you do any of the above without a valid licence, you risk prosecution and a maximum penalty of up to £1,000, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.

You will also still have to buy a TV Licence if you need one.

For more information on the ways to pay, go to: tvlicensing.co.uk/payinfo

How can I buy a TV Licence?

There are lots of different ways to buy a TV Licence. Whether that’s through weekly cash payments, using your nearest PayPoint outlet, spreading the cost with monthly, quarterly or yearly direct debit, credit/

Could I get a concession?

Are you, or is someone you live with: • 75 years old or older? You are eligible to apply for a free Over 75 TV Licence.

Call 0300 790 6112 with your National Insurance number to hand or visit tvlicensing.co.uk/over75info • Blind and can provide the appropriate evidence? You are eligible to apply for a 50% blind concession on your TV Licence. If you are partially sighted (sight impaired) you are not eligible. To find out more, go to tvlicensing.co.uk/blind What if I don’t need a licence?

If you don’t need a TV Licence, you still need to let TV Licensing know.

To find out more, go to: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

www.conwy.gov.uk

News of Conwy County Borough Council

Bereavement Services Conwy's Bereavement Service, which manages Colwyn Bay Crematorium in Mochdre, has received a number of first class awards and accreditations.

The accolades follow a commitment by the Council, which also looks after 11 cemeteries around the county, to improve customer satisfaction, performance and value for money.

computerised mapping, account management, grave deed records, receipts and invoicing.

• Dedicated Woodland, Muslim, Jewish and Children’s burial plots in cemeteries countywide.

• Introduction of new affordable cremation memorial schemes into the Crematorium Memorial Garden.

2016 service improvements include: • Major refurbishment and extension of the Crematorium building.

• Reopening the old chapel, allowing greater choice of location and times for funeral services at the Crematorium.

• Digitisation of the Book of Remembrance, allowing access to view the book at any time of day from anywhere in the world.

• Departmental restructure, increasing the number of trained staff in our team and providing more flexibility for burial times and locations.

• Introduction of a new cremation service booking timetable.

• New computer administration system, including online funeral booking,

The Bereavement Services are run by a team of 12 officers who are experienced in providing a caring, sensitive and high quality service for people at a difficult time in their lives.

2016 Service Achievements include: • Charter for the Bereaved Gold Accreditation.

• Over 97% customer satisfaction every year to date.

• Finalists in the Best Performer category at the APSE Performance Network Awards.

• Shortlisted for Service Team of the Year at the 2016 APSE Service Awards.

• Green Flag Award for Llanrhos Cemetery.

Bereavement leaflet A leaflet will help families, friends and partners who experience the sudden death of loved ones.

• Accredited to Customer Service

Excellence.

• Green Dragon Level 5.

• ISO 18001 Health & Safety Standard.

For further information, help and advice regarding all aspects of funerals, bereavements and memorialisation please contact: Conwy County Borough Council Bereavement Services Colwyn Bay Crematorium Glan Y Wern Road, Mochdre Colwyn Bay, LL28 4YL Tel: (01492) 577733 www.conwy.gov.uk

The leaflet provides practical information and sources of support including the things you need to do in the first few days after someone dies.

Also included are website links and phone numbers of organisations who can provide support and counselling.

The leaflet was launched at an End of Life Care Learning Exchange earlier this year. The leaflet was designed by Conwy County Borough Council with Conwy Voluntary Services Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales after identifying a gap in information in helping the bereaved.

If you would like further information, or copies of the leaflet please contact: cpp@conwy.gov.uk Alternatively call: 01492 574077.

Youtube rail film Conwy Valley Railway has launched a promotional film.

Place Plans There is a new requirement for Local Planning Authorities to work with communities to prepare Place Plans.

We’re currently waiting for full guidance from Welsh Government as to how Plans should be prepared and what they must include, but it is clear that Place Plans will be led by communities.

Place Plans will work alongside the Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) and will deliver or contribute to the community’s needs. Locality Plans have already made significant strides in preparing and delivering locally owned projects, and once more information is known we will have a clear approach to preparing Place Plans. We will then communicate this with councillors and Town and Community Councils.

We have been working on the Abergele Placemaking Plan for some time and this work has been chosen as a pilot by Welsh Government and will feed in to the guidance for officers and communities in preparing Place Plans. Conwy is therefore in a strong position for preparing Place Plans in the future.

Proposals on show in Abergele Proposals for Abergele town centre were on public display in October, in the latest stage of the Abergele Placemaking Plan process.

The proposals aim to bring about economic prosperity and social wellbeing in the town centre, and are based on ideas and actions collated by Conwy County Borough Council and consultants Chris Jones Regeneration at the earlier community event, from an online survey, and from feedback and comments from the community.

Amongst the proposals are ideas for creating more public space and using key buildings in the town. These ideas will be

developed further and a report will be prepared to help focus available resources.

The aim is for the plan to be formally adopted before the end of 2016.

In the meantime, you can still get involved: Website: www.conwy.gov.uk/app Facebook: www.facebook.com/ cynllungeleplan/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ CynllunGelePlan Phone: Chris Jones Regeneration on 01873 880666 Email: chris@chrisjonesregeneration.co.uk

The picturesque journey through the Conwy Valley is now available to watch on Youtube.

The four minute film was released in the summer to promote the Conwy Valley Railway and takes viewers on a journey by rail from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog, taking in the sights and attractions on the way.

Cllr Philip Evans, Chair of the Conwy Valley Railway Partnership, said: “The Conwy Valley line offers one of the most beautiful rail experiences in Britain, and I’m delighted that we can share its charm and heritage with a wider audience and encourage more to experience it first-hand.”

Melanie Lawton, Conwy Valley Railway Officer, added: “The Conwy valley railway line is one of the most scenic in the UK- from coast to mountains, and in the heart of Snowdonia. This short film gives a taster of what adventures it holds.”

To see the film search Conwy Valley Railway on Youtube.

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News of Conwy County Borough Council

www.conwy.gov.uk

Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project Phase 2 Promenade Enhancement Works Phase 2 of the Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project, which will see almost 1km of the waterfront between the Pier and the Cayley Embankment transformed, is progressing.

Work began on site in August, and is scheduled for completion by summer 2017. It will see sections of the existing promenade and road raised and widened to increase resilience to coastal flooding and create a larger promenade. A secondary seawall will provide further protection from overtopping.

New steps and a ramp are being constructed which will make it easier for people to access the beach. Three headland spaces will accommodate temporary concessions as well a single storey permanent concession building.

Hand rails, street lighting, raised planters and new seating will be installed, and the existing public conveniences are also being refurbished as part of the work. The design, materials and finishes are in keeping with the work between Porth Eirias and the Pier, which was carried out as part of Phase 1 of the Waterfront Project in 2014.

More information and project updates are available on the Council website www.conwy.gov.uk/colwynbaywaterfront

Jack and the Beanstalk JACK AND THE BEANSTALK opens at Theatr Colwyn on 17 December and runs until 31 December.

Down on his luck and barely able to afford the rent, Jack is tricked into selling the family cow for a handful of magic beans!! On his return home Jack's Mum is furious and their madcap journey to the top of the beanstalk begins. This new dazzling pantomime of this classic story is magically brought to life with amazing sets, stunning costumes, magic, illusion, special effects, song, dance, puppets and an abundance of laughter with a fabulous cast of characters.

Produced and directed by Magic Light Productions in association with Theatr Colwyn and starring Steve Bloor as Jack, Stuart Loughland as Dame Hilda Trott, Libby Edwards as Grizabella McCarter the Witch, Brooke Aylen as Fairy Aubergine, Laura Coard as Jill, Lukas Kirkby as Squire Pumpkin and from the Chuckle Brothers live theatre shows Safire's Magic Light Puppets.

A giant of a magical adventure, come and join us up the beanstalk for Fee-Fi-Fo Fun!

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You can buy your tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk from: www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk or 01492 577888.

PANTO COMPETITION Win a family ticket to Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatr Colwyn!

Enter our competition to win a family ticket (2 adults / 2 children). Answer this easy question: What does Jack sell the family cow for?

Send your answer by Friday 16 December by email to: theatrcolwyn@conwy.gov.uk or on a postcard/sealed envelope with the answer and your name, address, telephone number to: Panto Competition,Theatr Colwyn, Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7RU.

www.conwy.gov.uk

News of Conwy County Borough Council

Councillors’ salaries, allowances and expenses Councillors are entitled to different types of salaries, allowances and expenses dependent on the roles and responsibilities they have.

Each year we publish details of the payments that have been made to individual Councillors and co-opted members.

The payments for 2015/16 at available to view at www.conwy.gov.uk/ salariesandsallowances

Paying by Direct Debit The easiest way to pay your bills is

by Direct Debit. This is the method of payment used by over 80% of Council Tax payers and it’s also available to Business Rates and Sundry Invoice customers.

Home fall pilot Older people who fall at home will be cared for by a specialised response team.

The new Community Assistance Team is being piloted in Conwy and Denbighshire when vulnerable people, such as the elderly, fall at home.

It’s hoped the initiative could reduce the number of people who need to attend hospital after a fall, reducing pressure and demands on ambulance services.

The team consists of trained staff recruited from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service who are equipped to provide a service of excellence and an improved patient experience.

Stuart Millington, is the Senior Fire Safety Manager at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and explained: “This is one of a number of partnership pilot projects we're

working on to keep our communities safe.

“The benefits of collaborative working with other emergency and public services are obvious, both in monetary savings and in respect of delivering improved services to our communities.”

The Initiative is supported by Welsh Government in conjunction with the three emergency services, as well as Conwy County Borough Council; Denbighshire County Council; Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Galw Gofal / Care Connect and North Wales Regional Call Monitoring Service.

The pilot will initially run until the end of March 2017 with team members working in pairs on a shift pattern covering known peak times between 7am - 3pm and 3pm - 11pm.

The team will respond in a branded Community Assistance Team vehicle that is fully equipped with all of the necessary specialist equipment, including lifting devices so as to safely assist a person back to a seated position. The pilot also focuses on using innovative lifting technology to deliver improved health and care at lower cost.

Cllr Sue Lloyd-Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing, Social Care and Health at Conwy County Borough Council, said: “This Community Assistance initiative aims to support some of the most vulnerable residents in our communities; we’re pleased to be working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on this pilot scheme and look forward to seeing positive results.”

Conwy proving to be event capital of North Wales Lionel Richie was the highlight of a starstudded 2016 line up in Conwy county.

The Motown legend followed previous Eirias Stadium headliners, Elton John, Tom Jones, Olly Murs and Little Mix in the year Access All Eirias celebrated its fifth year of success.

Tourism is vital to Conwy’s economy, and the Council is committed to promoting high-profile events. This year the Cambrian Rally, Colwyn Bay Forties Festival, Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, Conwy Feast and the North Wales Choral Festival all helped boost Conwy’s brand and reputation as the events centre of North Wales.

Conwy’s family fun day, Prom Xtra, also attracted thousands to the area, whilst BBC Proms in the Park was hosted at Eirias Stadium. Growing from the success

of hosting outdoor concerts, a brand new music audience enjoyed the live broadcast event in September.

Then there was great sport events; a first visit from the UK Pro Surf Tour; the North Wales Cricket Festival with fixtures

against Glamorgan; Llandudno and Eirias Sea Triathlons; Welsh Rugby Union Six Nations U20’s and the well-attended Euro 2016 Semi Final Fanzone.

And don’t forget Wales Rally GB. We worked hard to secure the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship, and it paid off as we’ve just hosted the Official Start and Finish as well as Autograph Signing and Forest Stages showcasing Conwy to the whole world!

To arrange payment by Direct Debit visit www.conwy.gov.uk/directdebit Alternatively, you can set up a Direct Debit in just a few minutes over the telephone by contacting the numbers below: COUNCIL TAX (01492) 576607 BUSINESS RATES (NATIONAL NON-DOMESTIC RATES) (01492) 576609 SUNDRY INVOICES (Bills for services received e.g. homecare, trade waste etc) (01492) 576610

StreetLink StreetLink is a website that enables the public to alert local authorities in England and Wales about people sleeping rough in their area.

This service offers the public a means to act when they see someone sleeping rough, and is the first step someone can take to ensure rough sleepers are connected to the local services and support available to them.

Visit: www.streetlink.org.uk or contact the StreetLink reporting line on 0300 500 0914.

There’s even more planned for 2017, so to keep up to date with what’s on in Conwy County at: www.visitconwy.org.uk or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat by searching Events Conwy.

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News of Conwy County Borough Council

www.conwy.gov.uk

Starting School Are we doing enough for the bees and butterflies?

Apply now to avoid disappointment your child is 3 years old by 31 August 2017 - apply for a nursery class place. n If your child is 4 years old by 31 August 2017 - apply for a reception class place. n If

To apply: Pick up a form from your local school or download a form and a list of schools at: www.conwy.gov.uk/admissions Phone Education Services on: 01492 575592 if you need any help.

Your form must be returned to your preferred school by 16 December 2016. If you don’t return your form by this date it could mean that your child does not get a place at your preferred school.

Bees and butterflies are important. Not only because we love to see them going from flower to flower on a warm summer’s day but also because they carry out a really important function - pollinating our flowers and crops. Several groups of insects pollinate our flowers including bees, butterflies, flies, hoverflies, wasps and moths. They visit flowers for food in the form of nectar and pollen and inadvertently carry the pollen from one flower to the next.

This process enables the flower to create a seed and reproduce.

Sadly, many species of pollinators are declining. Most of our species of bumblebee, butterfly, solitary bees and hoverflies have declined and two species of bumblebee have become extinct in the UK since 1940. A major cause of these declines is that there are far fewer wildflowers around today. Shockingly, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows since the Second World War. The best thing we can do to help pollinators is to manage our land with pollinators in mind and give those flowers a chance to bloom!

So, what is the Council doing to help pollinators?

1) Letting the flowers bloom Regular mowing definitely still has its place but there are areas where mowing less frequently is acceptable and will provide food for the pollinators.

There can be up to 50 times as many pollinators in long grass as

in regularly mown grass. Cutting only once after the flowering season gives the flowers a chance to flower and set seed for another year, which will increase the amount of flowers in an area over time. Reducing the number of times we mow an area also reduces our carbon footprint.

There are over 40 biodiversity areas across Conwy where we leave the grass and flowers uncut over summer.

2) Using pollinator-friendly plants We have replaced some of our bedding plant displays with pollinator-friendly plants. Many highly-cultivated bedding plants do not actually produce nectar for pollinators.

3) Managing our nature reserves sympathetically Several of our nature reserves, such as Bryn Euryn, the Great Orme and Morfa Madryn have beautiful and rare wildflowers which we ensure have a chance to bloom in the summer.

4) Creating new wildflower areas attractive to pollinators and people In recent years we have sown attractive wildflower areas in our parks and green spaces, such as the ones below. They are perfect for pollinators but also create a more attractive environment for residents. We would like to work with local communities to create more of these in the future.

Lay Member on School Admission and Exclusion Appeals Have you got an interest in educational matters? If so, Conwy County Borough Council is looking for Lay Members to sit on School Admission and School Exclusion Appeal Panels.

If you answer yes to any of the following, you may be eligible.

• Have you experience in education in a voluntary capacity or as a Governor?

• Are you a parent of a child registered

in a school?

• Are you experienced in education, but not employed by Conwy County Borough Council, other than as a teacher?

• Have you other professional skills that are transferrable?

This is a voluntary position, however travelling and subsistence will be paid for any Appeals you attend. Training will also be provided.

For an application form please contact: Debbie Horton, Committee Services, Bodlondeb, Conwy, LL32 8DU Tel: 01492 576063 e-mail: committees@conwy.gov.uk Closing date: 06/01/17

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Some of the wildflower areas sown by Conwy County Borough Council in recent years.

Local pupils go Back to the Future with Colwyn Bay’s new office development Local Artist, Mai Thomas has been commissioned to work with young people in Colwyn Bay on developing imagery to be incorporated into the hoardings which will surround the construction site of the new office accommodation in the heart of Colwyn Bay Back to the Future themed hoardings will focus on the rich architectural heritage to be found along Conway Road. The young people’s designs, influenced by the decorative details on both the exterior and interiors of the buildings in the area, will be integrated into the promotional hoardings.

The aim is for small scale dioramas looking into the future, which will be seen through

a series of spy holes.

Schools / groups taking part in the project include: • Ysgol Eirias • Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn • Ysgol Sant Joseff (St Joseph’s) • Ysgol Nant y Groes • Colwyn Bay Youth Group Pupils have already identified heritagebased images at workshops and elements of their work will be captured in the final artwork for the site hoardings.

The local heritage images capture the past, whereas these young people are both

the present and the future of the town their depictions of the future will prove to be very interesting.

www.conwy.gov.uk

Keep Walking

News of Conwy County Borough Council

What's On at Theatr Colwyn l

17 - 31 December

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Presented by Magic Light Productions in association with Theatr Colwyn and Conwy County Borough Council £12 | £10 con | £9 child (group rate available)

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4 January

I, DANIEL BLAKE (Cert TBC) Directed by Ken Loach 7.30pm | £6 l

11 January

RSC LIVE:THE TEMPEST From Stratford-upon-Avon, starring Simon Russell Beale 7pm | £10.50 / £9.50 con

24 December

FROZEN SING-A-LONG (PG) 10am | £2 l

3 January

NT LIVE: NO MAN’S LAND (15 - As Live) Pre-recorded screening, starring Ian McKellen & Patrick Stewart 7pm | £12 / £11 con

www.theatrcolwyn

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6 February

LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER Presented by Blue Orange Theatre Strictly 18+ only. This show contains full frontal nudity and scenes of an explicit sexual nature 7.30pm | £14 con / £13 con

01492 577888 / 872000

The County Conversation Thank you to everyone who took part in the first County Conversation.

New Year walks will be taking place across Conwy County Borough.

The walks are being organised by volunteer organisation, Cerdded Conwy Walks, and will take place on 13, 14 and 15 January 2017.

A new programme of walks for 2017 will also be issued in the New Year at www.cerddedconwywalks.org or www.conwy.gov.uk/conwywalks Cerdded Conwy Walks are currently looking for volunteers interested in leading walks; training opportunities will take place in the New Year.

Anyone interested can contact the group via the above website or Facebook.

We have spent the autumn analysing community views and have shared this information with other public organisations.

The Council has used the information to develop the draft Conwy Priorities Plan 2017 - 2022.

This will be published for consultation in Spring 2017 and we’d love to hear your views about the priorities we are planning to focus on.

You will be able to view the draft plan online at: www.conwy.gov.uk/conwypriorities, in our reception areas, or to request a

copy by email please contact: countyconversation@conwy.gov.uk Don’t forget the conversation is continuing…

We’re developing Place Plans for your local area through the County Conversation - log on to get involved. www.conwy.gov.uk/countyconversation www.facebook.com/sgwrsconwyconvo

@sgwrsconwyconvo

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News of Conwy County Borough Council

www.conwy.gov.uk

Get Ready for Winter Make sure you’re prepared for when the weather changes and the temperature drops.

Annual Flu Jab Having your annual flu jab before winter arrives is your best defence to prevent flu.

The flu vaccination is available free every year on the NHS to protect adults at risk (and some children) of flu and its complications. There is also a nasal spray vaccine for all two, three and four-year-olds and children in school in reception class, year one, two and three, as well as children aged from 2 to 18 with a long-term health condition.

If you are in the flu ‘at risk’ group, protect yourself and others this winter by having your flu jab.

• aged 65 and over • pregnant women • children and adults with an underlying health condition (particularly long-term heart or respiratory disease) • children and adults with weakened immune systems For more information visit: www.healthchallengewales.org/beatflu-campaign or contact your GP or pharmacy.

Keeping Warm Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well in extremely cold weather.

• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.

• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.

• Keep as active as possible. Move around at least once an hour and do not sit down for long periods, even light exercise will help keep you warm.

• Keep your main living room at around 18-21°C (64-70°F), and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F). If you cannot heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.

• Wrap up warm, inside and out. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Do not forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

• Buy your heating oil early while demand and prices are lower.

• Ensure portable heaters are maintained and adequately ventilated.

For a free home fire safety check call freephone 0800 169 1234 (24hrs a day).

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Look out for elderly friends and neighbours Check they are safe and well through the winter. Make sure they are warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they do not need to go out during very cold weather. Be a good neighbour and assist other residents with clearing the snow and ice from outside their properties.

There is no law preventing you doing this as long as you are careful, and use common sense. Do not use hot water as this will melt the snow, but may well replace it with black ice.

If you are worried about the wellbeing of a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact the Council’s Single Point of Access team 0300 456 1111 or ring the Age Cymru Advice Line on 08000 223 444 or visit their website: www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru Highway Winter Service Conwy’s gritting teams are ready to go when temperatures start to drop. About a third of Conwy’s roads - 615 miles in total - are gritted over the winter months at a typical cost of £500,000 each year.

Every winter, our crews are hard at work making sure that priority routes are clear of ice and safe for drivers. This includes the main trunk roads A55, A5 and A470, as well as the County roads, allowing at least one access route to each town and village; access routes to fire stations and hospitals; and routes with high volumes of traffic.

A network of weather stations is used to determine where in the County road surface temperatures will be below zero.

Our aim is to grit roads before ice forms.

So while it may not be snowing, if you see gritters out and about, it means that the road is forecast to freeze within the next few hours.

Between them, our depots in Llandudno Junction, Llanrwst and Cerrigydrudion have 10,000 tonnes of salt in stock ready for the winter, which will be topped up if required.

The salt is made from a mix of dry salt, which is mined in Cheshire and is most effective in snowy conditions and a treated product called Safecote that lasts longer on the road.

Grit bins have been filled ready for winter, please remember this is for use on public roads and footpaths only. Theft of grit from grit bins to use on private drives and driveways is a criminal offence. If you see someone stealing grit from a grit bin, please report it.

To keep up to date with this Winter’s gritting follow us on: Twitter @graeanCONWYgrit Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery.

Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles.

Using salt, grit or cat litter on paths and driveways can lessen the risk of slipping.

Conwy residents are welcome to clear snow and ice from pavements outside their homes - it is a health and safety myth that doing so is against the law.

Weather Forecasts Listen in to regular weather forecast bulletins on TV and radio to keep up to date with the weather. Severe weather warnings are issued on the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk

Visit: www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/ get-ready-for-winter

Flooding Learn about flood risk and what to do during a flood, including how to sign up for flood alerts at: www.naturalresources.wales/flooding

Driving through ice and snow Is your journey necessary or can you wait for the weather to improve?

Plan your journey checking the route for delays and poor weather conditions.

Clear any snow off the roof of the vehicle before you drive away.

Watch out for icy conditions - look for clues such as ice on the pavement or on your windscreen before you start your journey and take extra care.

Try not to brake suddenly - it may lock up your wheels and you could skid.

Look out for winter service vehicles spreading salt or using snow ploughs. They have flashing amber beacons and travel at slower speeds - around 40mph.

Do not overtake unless it is safe to do so - there may be uncleared snow on the road ahead.

For up to date travel information visit: www.traffic-wales.com Keep an emergency kit in the car, including: • Ice scraper and de-icer. • Torch.

• Warm clothes and a blanket.

• A pair of boots. • First-aid kit.

• Battery jump leads. • A shovel for snow.

• Food and a warm drink in a flask.

• Sunglasses to help you see in low winter sun.

• A fully charged mobile phone and charger.

Power cuts There’s a new number to call if you have a power cut.

105 is a new number that you can call to report or get information about a power cut. The number will put you through to your local electricity network operator the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses in your area.

105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales, and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from anyone can call 105.

You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, call the emergency services too.

Don’t be left in the dark. Call 105.

To find out more, visit: www.powercut105.com