Swansea
Leader Issue 108
August 2017 inside
Newspaper of the City and County of Swansea
your city: your paper
School’s Out Summer fun for the whole family plus
Page 3
• GREAT SPORTS: Youngsters at Sea View Primary School have been celebrating their first sports day on their new sports field, created by pupils with a little help from the council’s NEAT team. More on page 10. Picture by Jason Rogers
WORLD-class concerts, comedians, touring shows, theatre performances and exhibitions are on the way as Swansea city centre’s regeneration gathers pace. Swansea Council has now appointed ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group) to run the 3,500-seat digital indoor arena being planned for the Swansea Central development site. ATG, a venue management and production business, own and manage arenas and theatres in cities including London, New York and Sydney. Alongside a new multi-storey car park, Swansea’s digital indoor arena is planned for the LC car park area of the Swansea Central development site that includes the former St David’s shopping centre. The arena will attract up to 200 events a year.
part of the deal
City Deal funding paving way for world-class future CITY Deal funding will also lead to a new employment district on Kingsway that will benefit from state-of-the-art digital technology. Among the developments will be a new office building for tech businesses at the former Oceana nightclub site. Construction work will also start in late autumn on the Icon 21 development on Mariner Street including purpose-built accommodation for 725 students above shops and other businesses.
Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “This is another step forward for our plans to transform the city centre into the kind of vibrant destination that meets the aspirations of local people and visitors. “An outline planning application for the overall
Swansea Central development has also recently been approved which means we’re now working with Rivington Land, our development managers for the site, to secure tenants and finalise detailed building designs for a scheme that will also include new shops, restaurants, cafés, a boutique cinema, plenty of car parking spaces and a broad new pedestrian bridge over Oystermouth Road. “The digital indoor arena forms part of the City Deal programme that will see £1.3bn invested in the Swansea Bay area. We’re looking to start on site next year, with the arena being the first phase of the overall development. In combination with other plans, this will attract more people into the city centre, generate increased spending in our city centre businesses and turbocharge the regional economy, with Swansea city centre at its heart.” • Hotel plan, page 5.
In the pink How we’re making recycling easy page 4
Our big build Going inside brand new council homes page 9
Swansea all your council information at www.swansea.gov.uk
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useful numbers Active Swansea Leisure centres
Penlan 01792 588079 Morriston 01792 797082 Penyrheol 01792 897039 Cefn Hengoed 01792 798484 Pentrehafod 01792 641935 Bishopston Sports Centre 01792 235040
August 2017
Pothole pledge helping keep us all on the move
Highways Sewers - 24 hours 0800 0855937 Drainage - Mon to Fri 01792 636121 Damage to roads etc 0800 132081 Other highways issues 01792 843330 Housing Main number 01792 636000 Repairs (out of hrs tenants) 01792 521500 Social Services General Inquiries 01792 636110 Child, family access, investigation team 01792 635700 Elderly disabled intake team 01792 636519 Child disability, family support 01792 635700 Education Main number 01792 636560 Environment 01792 635600 Main council switchboard 01792 636000
The Swansea Leader is the newspaper of the Council of the City and County of Swansea The City and County of Swansea do not accept any liability or the endorsement of any products or services advertised in the Swansea Leader.
THOUSANDS of residents have been taking advantage of the council’s 48-hour pothole pledge.
The pledge will reach its first anniversary this month and our highways teams have been pulling out all the stops so that more than 90% of reported potholes are filled-in within the pledge deadline. On top of that our PATCH repair teams have been visiting communities across the city in recent months carrying out re-surfacing and other road and pavement repairs. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said the 48-hour pledge has been one of the council’s major success stories over the past year and money is being
investment that makes a difference THE PATCH team is helping maintain city road standards up to a level which, according to independent Welsh Government assessments, is among the best in Wales. The team has already visited seven council ward areas across the city including Bonymaen, St Thomas, Cwmbwrla and Llangyfelach. In the coming weeks they’ll be heading to places like Morriston, Mawr, Gorseinon, Pontarddulais and Gorseinon.
found to make sure it continues. He said: “Our pothole pledge was a straightforward way of responding to one of the biggest issues residents raise with ward members every day. “No-one likes to see potholes but they’re inevitable given the amount of wear and tear our roads get from the sheer amount of traffic and the weather. Our solution to the problem
is extra investment and a promise to get fixes done quickly. “Over the last year more than 4,000 potholes have been reported and our hard-working pothole repair teams have fixed more than 90% of them within the 48-hour target time.” This year the council has introduced new equipment which aims to scrape-off worn road surfaces
and replace it with tarmac surfaces quickly and simply. Cllr Thomas said: “We know people appreciate what we do to fix potholes because we’ve had positive feedback on twhat’s been done so far. “Anyone who wants to report a pothole can do so online at www.swansea.gov.uk/potholes and if they include their email in the response we’ll let them know when the fix has been done. “There are some occasions when we’re not able to do the pothole repair, for example, because of the overall condition of the road or because of the weather. “But we’ll always aim to update people in those circumstances so they know what’s happening.”
August - October 201 2017 7 Poetry Café with Helen May Williams Willia 12 August A Dylan Thomas Centre Olly Murs 12 August Singleton Park Summer Crafty Fun for Children 16 & 23 August Oystermouth Castle Queen’ een’s Baton Relay Queen’s 5 September mber Starting at Knab ab Roc Rock
BB BC Proms in the Park BBC 9 September S Sin ngleton Park Singleton The Th he Luna Cinema pre esents: presents: 13 September Gladiator Gla adiator 14 September Ma amma Mia! Mamma Oystermouth Oy ystermouth Castle Ad dmiral Swansea Bay Admiral 10 k and Junior Races 10k 24 September September Sw wansea Bay Swansea
Swans sea Big Weekend Swansea 29 & 3 0 September 30 Venuess across the cityy centre Swansea Swans sea International Festival Festiva al September 29 Sep ptember October 14 Oct tober Variouss Venues Spook ks in the City Spooks 28 Oct tober October City Centre Ce entre
For more great events ts visit enjoyswans enjoyswanseaba enjoyswanseabay.com ay y.com
Halloween Hallo owee en Spook Nights 30 & 31 O October Plantasia asia
enjoyswan enjoyswanseabay.com nseabay.com
Contact Swansea Leader To contact the news team call 01792 636092
• DOWN YOUR WAY: Our PATCH teams will be in your neighbourhood this summer
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Dylan’s centre is kids’ best place
• OYSTERMOUTH CASTLE: a stronghold of family entertainment on offer at iconic landmark.
OUTDOOR cinema, Wales’ favourite and awardwinning 10K, and more free and nearly-free fun than you can shake a stick at is on the menu over coming months in Swansea. Our city hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors over the summer months for set-piece events like the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k and Oystermouth Castle’s outdoor theatre and cinema events. It’s an important time of year for the thousands of jobs which depend on tourists as well as for local residents taking a dip in an eclectic mix of attractions, scenery and
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Castle is a summer time machine for all the family THERE’S also lots going on at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery which is enjoying its first summer since re-opening after its multi-million pound refurbishment. It includes its innovative new ‘Art Trolley’ which is touring the gallery most days during August offering youngsters the chance to get creative inspired by the collections they see around them. More at www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian
events. This summer in the city, thousands have already enjoyed July’s amazing Wales Airshow and there are even more big events still to come, including Proms in the Park and the Swansea Big Weekend towards the end of September that will celebrate the city centre’s Purple Flag-winning night-time economy. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies,
Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “Our city offers visitors and residents unrivalled opportunities to let their hair down and really enjoy the long school holiday, stretching the summer into early autumn with some of Wales’ most popular events. “Young residents have the chance to enjoy free swims at council-run
swimming pools as well as not-to-bemissed fun events at landmarks like Oystermouth Castle where there’s something going on every weekend throughout the summer.” And Singleton Park is also hosting BBC’s Proms in the Park on September 9, linking up with the Royal Albert Hall for the 12th time for the Last Night of the Proms. Cllr Francis-Davies said: “Swansea’s event line-up is fantastic and supports our aim to be the UK City of Culture in 2021. With the announcement due at the end of the year, our event programme introduces people to a wide range of cultural experiences in a real and engaging way.”
SWANSEA’S much-loved place of pilgrimage for fans of Dylan Thomas is going down a storm with families so much that it’s been shortlisted for a top UK award. The Dylan Thomas Centre is going head-to-head with other top destinations across Britain for the prestigious title of the ‘Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award’. The award winner is chosen by children and their families and Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects says it’s a real result even to make the shortlist. The Family Friendly Museum Award winners are announced in October and Cllr FrancisDavies said the Dylan Thomas Centre is packed with familyfriendly opportunities ranging from the ‘Dylan’s Animals Children’s Trail’ to interactive events, themed family workshops and activities and learning space.
Summer fun at your finger-tips OUTLINING everything that’s happening this summer and beyond, over 100,000 Enjoy Swansea Bay brochures have now been distributed. The brochures have been sent out to hotels, shops, activity providers and visitor attractions in Swansea and the nearby area. Copies have also been made available in the city’s train and bus stations. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects said: “These brochures are aimed at supporting the Enjoy Swansea Bay website to raise awareness of everything that’s happening, helping attract more local people and boosting local businesses.”
Be an ambassador for glorious Gower A CALL is being made for local people to put themselves forward as Gower ambassadors to help promote the region to visitors. Thousands of people visit the region every year and now organisers of the Gower Landscape Partnership (GLP) have put together a free twoday training event to help train potential candidates as ambassadors. Find out more about being an ambassador by emaiing gareth@gka.org.uk or by telephone on (07984) 127811.
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Recycling plastics made easy
frequently asked questions
CHANGES to the way recyclable plastic is collected in Swansea are being rolled out across the city. Around half of households in the city are now using the reusable pink bags to dispose of everything from plastic bottles to food trays and empty ice cream tubs. The new way to recycle will be extended to the remaining homes over the coming weeks and will enable the council to make the most of what’s collected from the kerbside. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “The collection of plastics from residents in the city is certainly one of the most well-used services with thousands participating. “The changes we have made mean we can make the most of what we do collect. “The old system of collecting plastic in single-use sacks has been very
successful but companies that we send our plastic to no longer accept carrier bags and other film-type materials. The main reason is that the sorting system they use cannot filter out the carrier bags and film and this causes them problems. “We have to adapt to these changes so we can ensure all the plastic is recycled and not at risk of being sent to landfill. “The new system is also much more cost-effective, cutting out the need to keep buying single-use sacks.” Residents who have already had the new bags delivered will also notice that they are weighted at the bottom. Cllr Thomas added: “One of the common complaints with the old system is that plastic can be a fairly light weighted material, even when there’s a lot of it. “The purpose of the weighted bags is to reduce instances where bags are • DOING RIGHT THING: Pink bag recycling reduces landfill blown around the street during windy weather.”
When do I start using the service? Please start using the new bags immediately. We will not collect plastics in single-use sacks in your area after new bags have been delivered. What should I put in the bag? We will only collect the harder type plastic packaging such as bottles, pots, tubs, and trays in the new reusable bag. Bags will not be collected if they contain film-type plastic or carrier bags. What if I need more bags? The new reusable bags hold significantly more than the single-use plastic sacks. By washing and squashing your plastic containers most households will have sufficient volume for a fortnight's requirements. However, the council will consider issuing additional reusable bags as necessary. You also have the option to take your loose plastics to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. What if my bag has gone missing or is damaged? Please contact us on 635600 for a free replacement. What if I need more information? Lots more of your questions are answered on the councils recycling webpages at www.swansea.gov.uk/reusablepinkbag
Pupils take the safe swimming plunge PUPILS at a city school are joining up with Wales National Pool Swansea to teach youngsters how to stay safe around water. WNPS is adopting Newton Primary as its first partner school under the Royal Lifesaving Society RLSS ‘Adopt A School’ initiative which will turn a link started during June’s Drowning Prevention Week into a year-round initiative. Gower communities are never far from water so the school and the pool have decided to work together to improve under12s understanding of water safety. Jeremy Cole, general manager at WNPS,
said: “Pupils from Newton Primary School already enjoy swimming lessons with us here at the pool. Learning to swim and enjoying time spent in swimming pools and by the seaside is great fun and helps instill enthusiasm for exercise among children. School head teacher Helena Rees said: “It makes such a lot of sense for us to link-up with WNPS so pupils can learn how to swim and find out more about what to do and what not to do when they’re out having fun near water.” The RLSS initiative is a UK-wide effort to support safe swimming.
August 2017
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New consultation on city’s HMO proposals SWANSEA Council will look again at planning guidance aimed at managing houses in multiple occupation in the city. The Council has agreed to look further at concentration levels of HMOs in the city including parts of Uplands and Castle wards where the majority of HMOs exist. The move comes after planning committee councillors agreed not to proceed with draft Special Planning Guidance (SPG) which proposed to restrict HMOs in parts of Uplands and Castle that already have high concentrations of the properties to a 25% limit. The guidance also proposed a 10% level for other parts of the city. Now the Council is to look at other concentration levels, including the impact of having a lower level of 15% in the south of Uplands as well as the potential introduction of a 'non-sandwiching’ policy preventing residential properties being ‘sandwiched’ between two HMOs. The planning committee decision means the council will be asking independent consultants to look at the proposed changes and the potential impact on communities ahead of further public consultation. David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Commercial Opportunities and Innovation, said: “HMOs provide a valuable and much-needed type of housing. It’s vital we have a properly-evidenced policy to help determine future applications for HMOs while protecting communities from an over-concentration of them.”
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Play on, whatever weather brings IT’S kick-off time for two new state-of-the-art all-weather pitches in Swansea. Work on the new 3G facilities at Morriston and Penyrheol has been completed and they are now open for use. As well as providing firstclass surfaces for neighbouring comprehensive schools they are also available for rent by sports clubs for football and rugby training and matches. It is hoped they will help reduce the number of matches cancelled due to bad weather. Together they represent an investment of almost £1m by Swansea Council, supported by the All Wales Collaboration Fund. The new pitches are flood-lit so can be used night and day whatever the weather. The lplaying surfaces are suitable for competitive football and full contact rugby.
Vital services are still improving VITAL services which make a difference to the lives of residents every day are improving according to latest Council figures. School standards, community services, measures to help tackle poverty in austere times as well as economic regeneration are council services which have showed improvements in performance. Despite continuing reductions in budgets and rising demand for support, innovative new ways of delivering services have helped the council improve 73% of its performance indicators over the last year.
• HOME START: HMOs are a much-needed type of housing in Swansea.
HMOs and Special Planning Guidance - your questions answered Q: What is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)? A: A property that is occupied by a number of people who have the use of a private bedroom but share the other facilities such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom. Q: Who uses a HMO? A: HMOs provide affordable accommodation for a wide range of people, including students and professionals. They can be a particularly important form of housing for those that cannot afford to rent or buy a whole property. Q: How many HMOs are in Swansea? A: As of October 2016 there were 1,615 licensed HMOs in Swansea, the vast
majority of which are located in either Uplands or Castle wards. Q: How are applications for HMOs determined in Swansea? A: Planning applications are determined by the Council through the normal planning process, and are sometimes ‘called in’ for consideration by the Planning Committee. Q: What is Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)? A: SPG is used alongside existing planning policies when determining planning applications. Q: How will SPG help with managing numbers of HMOs in Swansea? A: Existing planning polices referred to for
HMOs do not specify thresholds or limits for acceptable numbers of HMOs in certain areas. The adoption of SPG gives us the opportunity for a threshold for HMOs to be defined and for clear percentages to be set for maximum levels in certain areas based on evidence. Q: When will SPG on HMOs be adopted? A: The version of the SPG previously recommended by the Planning Authority was not approved the Planning Committee. Further studies/consultation will now take place to take into account proposed amendments by the Planning Committee, including changes to maximum threshold levels.
Hotel could be set for arena doorstep EXPRESSIONS of interest in the Swansea Central development site south of Oystermouth Road are being sought from hotel developers and operators. Swansea Council and Rivington Land – development managers for the site – are working with a specialist investment management company called Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to gauge interest from the hotel marketplace. A site has been earmarked for a hotel close to the proposed digital indoor arena, which will be constructed alongside a new multi-level car park on the LC car park area. Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “Rivington Land, our development managers for the Swansea Central development site, have identified an
opportunity for a hotel close to the digital indoor arena that’s planned, so we’ve now started to seek expressions of interest from hotel developers and operators. “This makes sense because the hotel would complement the new, 3,500capacity digital indoor arena that will attract up to 200 events a year, including touring shows, music concerts, comedians, exhibitions and theatrical performances. “The indoor arena and hotel plans for the south of Oystermouth Road will add to our plans for the former St David’s shopping centre site to transform the city centre by attracting new businesses and considerably boosting footfall and spending.”
Finding our lost street names LOST street names in Swansea could be reintroduced as part of multimillion pound plans to regenerate the city centre. Historic street names from bygone centuries like Wassail Street, Orange Street, Rutland Street and Frog Street could make a return as Swansea Council puts heritage at the heart of its plans for the St David’s development site. Once located in the area of St Mary’s Square and the former St David’s shopping centre, these lost street names date back to Victorian times and beyond.
Leading lights SWANSEA has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading councils for transforming some of its services. Swansea Council was shortlisted for two prizes at the annual MJ Local Government Achievement Awards. The council was saluted for its Sustainable Swansea initiative and Social Services Work Development Service.
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August 2017
Rhossili the best place
ALONGSIDE breathtakingly beautiful beaches in the Far East, the USA and the Caribbean, a Swansea beach has been named among the world’s top ten. Suitcase Magazine – an online publication – rates Rhossili Bay in the same illustrious company as beaches like Tikehau Island in French Polynesia, South Miami Beach in Florida and Koh Kradan in Thailand. Rhossili Bay is the only European beach to make their top ten. Other beaches in their top ten include Pamalican in the Philippines, Bocas del Toro in Panama, Baia do Sancho in Brazil, Radhanagar Beach in India and Loblolly Beach in the British Virgin Islands. The Daily Telegraph newspaper has also recently named Rhossili Bay as one of the UK’s top five picnic spots. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “Recognition of this nature is nothing new for Rhossili Bay, but it reinforces how lucky we are to have such a world class beach on our doorstep here in Swansea. “It also shows why we include stunning images and footage of Gower’s coastline so regularly in our outdoor and online advertising campaigns.”
Festival has a lot to offer SWANSEA’S International Festival is making a welcome return to the city in September. Throughout the Festival there will be a wealth of Welsh and International talent on show including the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra perform their only concert in Wales. Also on the menu are Llŷr Williams, organist Jonathan Hope and Orpheus Sinfonia with cellist Thomas Carrol as well as Swansea-born Michael Heseltine in conversation. To get a full run-down of what’s on offer and all the information about tickets and times go to www.swanseafestival.org or head to the Swansea Grand Theatre where tickets for all events are available.
• PIONEERS: Staff at the Domestic Abuse Hub are helping local families every day
‘Without the hub I’d not have got back on my feet’ A Swansea mum who survived domestic violence has welcomed the launch of a new Domestic Abuse hub in the city. The pilot version of the hub project saved her family and now she hopes the fully fledged multi-agency hub it developed into can do the same and more for other families too. The Swansea Council-led Domestic Abuse Hub launched this summer provides a whole family approach to ensure children, young people, and their families feel safe and not afraid now and in the future - by being supported by the right people at the right time, so that they get the help they want and need.
how we’re making a difference WILL Evans, Swansea Council Cabinet member for Stronger Communities, said: “The hub enables us to work better with our partners to prevent domestic violence before people come to harm and to help survivors move on with their lives. “It prevents duplication, promotes better information sharing, and helps with early identification and intervention. Anyone who needs support can ring 0808 80 10 800
It works with families where domestic violence is happening or is at risk of becoming part of family life and uses a whole family approach to remove the risk by involving both group and individual work with children, survivors and perpetrators. The hub service grew out of a successful pilot scheme where police
reports of suspected domestic violence came into a council-led service which sought help to keep children safe and to support families. Now the new hub, the first of its kind in Wales, is taking a wider range of referrals and working more closely with all agencies, including cases where a family is at risk of domestic violence.
Mum Vanessa – not her real name said: “Even though it was just a pilot project at the time, this scheme opened many doors to so many different services that have helped me and my family. “Without the support I would not be back on my feet again. “People need help to stop the violence but much more too. The hub supported me to feel I was not alone and I was not to blame. “They gave me the confidence and advice to make the right decisions about my and my children’s’ futures. They also did really practical things too like helping us find somewhere safe to live and helped me with my employer.”
Modernisation building on past success TWO South Wales social businesses are helping hundreds of Swansea Council staff modernise the way they work. The link-up with Ministry of Furniture and Greenstream Flooring CIC (community interest company) will help the authority make savings while continuing to deliver the services people need. Neath-based Ministry of Furniture is supplying recycled and upcycled furniture to new-style offices in the Civic Centre. Much of the council’s new
furniture has been created from its own old stock. Rhondda-based Greenstream is supplying reused and new carpet tiles for the same initiative. This helps support the company’s disabled workforce and affordable flooring project which provides free carpet to low-income individuals. When the council offices move in future years, the furniture and flooring will be re-used in any new base for its officers. Cllr Clive Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Service
Transformation and Business Operations, said: “We want to be adaptable, efficient and modern – we want to remain sustainable in a fast-changing world. Ministry of Furniture managing director Graham Hirst said the company emerged from Remploy Furniture and added: “ We were excited to win this contract because the pioneering approach to the reuse and re-manufacture of old furniture stock will make a lot of difference.”
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£150m investment in pipeline AMBITIOUS plans, amounting to almost £150m, to further invest in school buildings in Swansea over the coming years, have been drawn-up. The money will be used to transform the provision for some of the city’s most vulnerable young people, expand the number of places for pupils being taught through the medium of Welsh and to further reduce a backlog in school structural maintenance and repairs. This will build on the considerable impact to date of the Band A programme which by March 2019 will have invested £51.3m in school facilities. This is in addition to the Council’s annual structural maintenance programme and earlier funding accessed from the Welsh Government – a total itself
approaching £100m. The next phase of the programme covers the period from 2019 to 2024. Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Life Long Learning, said: “Many thousands of pupils across Swansea are already benefitting from new modern facilities that are making lessons more enjoyable. “We have always taken the view that our ambition should match that of our pupils and parents in Swansea and this package, which represents an investment of almost £150m, clearly demonstrates our commitment to giving every youngster the best possible start in life.” A new centre at Cockett will replace the existing
and outdated accommodation which is used by the Pupil Referral Unit and currently scattered at various locations across the city. It will help more pupils who, at the moment, are educated other than at school (EOTAS) to remain or return as quickly as possible to mainstream education. A detailed business case will also be developed to seek the necessary capital investment to deliver a review of Special School provision. As part of the delivery of the Council’s Welsh Education Strategic Plan, there are plans to further improve accommodation and facilities at the existing secondary schools as well as for new builds and enhanced facilities for YGG Tan-y-lan, YGG Tirdeunaw and YGG Pontybrenin.
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Wales dreams pay off for pupils FOUR pupils at a Swansea School have won a national award for a film they made about their hopes and dreams for the future of Wales. Ffion Thomas, Anwen Morgan, Jack Thomas and Toby Porter from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe won this year’s Morgan Parry Foundation Award. It was set –up to remember Mr Parry, who was a leading figure in the environmental movement in Wales for more than 30 years before his death in 2014. This year the foundation challenged youngsters to create a short film on the topic ‘The Wales We Want’. The Year 8 Bryn Tawe pupils highlighted a nation that protects the environment, lives healthily, extends a hand to help others and continues to protect our culture.
Pupils’ effort is top of the class
• INSIDE TRACKS: Pupils (left to right) Jack Isaac, Leila Simon, Maddie Williams and Ashton Hartnoll in one of the refurbished music rooms.
Transformed school is music to their ears PUPILS at Pentrehafod Comprehensive School are already enjoying the benefits of a £15.1m transformation project. The CAD/CAM and design technology rooms along with the drama room and music classroom have all been upgraded and are once again being used. Over the coming months the old music demountable in the central courtyard of the school will be demolished in order to make way for the extension to the main entrance and reception area. During the summer, works with continue on the demolition of Block Two which will enable the contractor to start work on the new classrooms
investment in children’s futures THE Pentrahafod project is part of the 21st Century Schools Programme, jointly funded by Swansea Council and the Welsh Government. Together with other initiatives and funding streams it has seen more than £100m invested in school infrastructure in Swansea so far. Plans are being developed for the next phase with up to a further £150m being invested over the coming years.
in this area which are expected to be handed back to the school early in 2018. At the front of the school works are continuing on the brand-new build for the Pentrehafod Alternative Curriculum Education (PACE) programme which will allow pupils to return to campus and give them easier access to the mainstream curriculum. In the longer-term, sports facilities
on the site will be further enhanced with upgraded play areas and the refurbishment of the school sports hall along with new changing facilities. These enhanced facilities will be available to the local community out of school hours. Pupils Maddie Williams, Leila Simon and Ashton Hartnoll are members of the School Council and Student Parliament at Pentrehafod.
Maddie said: “It has been really good to see it progressing and for them to make it look like this in such a short space of time is amazing.” Ashton added: “There’s much more space so the classrooms are much easier to learn in.” Leila said pupils and teachers will be delighted to see the back of the old demountable buildings with their cramped conditions and leaky roofs. “The new classrooms are a much nicer environment to learn in.” Jennifer Raynor, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Life Long Learning, said: “It’s pleasing to see the progress that is being made at Pentrehafod and it’s good to know that pupils and teachers are already seeing some benefits.”
STANDARDS of teaching, pupil attainment and the behaviour of youngsters at a primary school in Swansea have all been praised by inspectors. They have also highlighted the strong leadership at Pen y Fro Primary and said this means it is well placed to build on a strong track record of improvement. Overall they rated the school in Priors Crescent in Dunvant as good following an inspection earlier this year. They said many pupils make strong progress as they move through the school, including those with additional learning needs. At the end of Key Stage 2 many have good speaking and listening skills.
One-stop shop has all the answers MORE services for young people than ever before are now available at Info-Nation on The Kingsway. Aimed at young people between 11 and 25, it’s a onestop shop providing free and confidential information and advice on a range of subjects including sexual health, relationships, substance misuse and finding work. Have a look at www.infonation.org.uk foe more information or call 01792 484010.
Eye spy fly-tippers COVERT cameras have been installed at a number of fly tipping hot spots in Swansea in a bid to reduce illegal fly tipping Swansea Council hopes the cameras will help to identify anyone dumping waste at any of the sites so they can be prosecuted. The cameras will also help deter people from considering illegally dumping waste in the areas.
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‘Robo-car’ is on right road THE launch of a parking enforcement camera car in Swansea has been hailed a success in changing motorists parking habits. Figures released by Swansea Council have shown that the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued by the car have almost halved in its second year of operation compared to the first year. The Council launched the camera enforcement car in 2015 in a bid to tackle parking issues outside schools and in bus stops. During the first year (2015/16) of operation, 8,144 PCNs were issued. In 2016/17 the total figure has dropped to 4,903. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “The vehicle was launched as a direct result of regular complaints to us about bus stops being obstructed by cars that are illegally parked, especially on main bus routes leaving the city centre.”
Be quick and have your say RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on a number of different strategies and policies over the coming months. Residents have until August 7 to have their say on our Prevention Strategy and our Poverty Strategy. The stragegies look at how we can help turn the idea that ‘prevention is better than cure’ into practical action and how poverty can be tackled. Resident responses will considered before any final decisions are made. There’s more info at www.swansea.gov.uk/h aveyoursay
Make your voice heard RESIDENTS who want to have their say on council services and local issues can join our Swansea Voices citizens’ panel. The Council has been successfully operating the Panel since 1999. Its membership is regularly refreshed to ensure the Panel continues to be representative of the County's population and to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part. Apply at:www.swansea.gov.u k/article/7002/Swanse a-Voices
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August 2017
Why being a carer is such an inspiring opportunity If you like working with people and are interested in making a real difference to their day-to-day lives, why not consider a career in caring. Care workers are needed to help transform services so residents can be supported to live as independently as possible by having the right services, at the right time, in the right place. There are potentially hundreds of paid care worker jobs available right now across the Western Bay region of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. You don’t have to be qualified to apply as training and qualifications are provided. What’s really essential is a desire to care, the ability to empathise with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures, the ability to communicate effectively, and to be a strong and reliable team player. As a care worker you earn while improving the quality of life of people by providing a wide variety of care and support. Working hours can fit in with your other commitments such as family life or training. And if you want to further develop your career the experience and opportunities offered in care work make people well-placed for future nursing and social work posts. Mark Child, Swansea Council Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are proud to be part of the Western Bay Join Our Caring Community campaign to be officially launched this autumn. “We are grateful for the dedication and care of all care workers whether they are employed by the council direct or via on of the private providers we contract to provide care on the council’s behalf. “They are a great support in helping residents to achieve the outcomes that matter to them. “I would urge people to find out whether a career in care is for them.” He added: “It’s a paid job, with training, career prospects and flexible hours if needed that people fall in love with because it’s a chance to do those important things which make a difference to people’s lives.” To find out more about the opportunities available head to http://www.westernbay.org.uk/care
• CARING: Georgia Wilson finds being a carer is rewarding on many levels
georgia’s story GEORGIA Wilson, aged 19, from Brynhyfryd, Swansea, is one of the faces of the care workers recruitment campaign. Georgia has been care-working for 14 months fitting it in around her college studies including health and social care and law. She said: “Like lots of young people I was not sure what I really wanted to do. I knew it had to involve people but I could not decide whether a career in the police of in nursing was the way I should go.
“Someone suggested that I consider being a care worker. From my first day I loved it. I knew that I wanted to care for people and it has given me the inspiration to consider nursing. “I might be considering being a nurse eventually but that is not to say I don’t love what I do right now. Being a care worker is really rewarding. It has helped me see my strengths and how to address my weaknesses. “I hope to continue to carework throughout my future studies.”
Independence is the way ahead RESIDENTS receiving care at home will be among the first to benefit from a new model for social services which aims to provide the right support at the right time and in the right place The new approach will see people given more control, choice and independence over the care services they receive. And it is beginning with a redesign of care at home services (domiciliary care), backed by residents in a recent consultation, to help people to live as
independently as they can. Cllr Mark Child, Swansea Council Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Social care is a big issue now for residents receiving care and for future generations who may need support in the years to come. “The Council has listened to residents including those who use existing services and their relatives, care workers and others, about what they think works well now and what will work well in future.
“At the heart of what we’re planning is to create a caring, responsive and flexible provision which helps people to live their own lives at home as independently as possible for as long as possible.” The programme also aims to approach people’s wellbeing based on four tiers of independence ranging from advice networks such as local area coordination helping people stay active and happy at home, to providing 24-hour care for those with complex needs.
August 2017
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Taking a rest with arresting views RESIDENTS seeking a picturesque moment of rest on a stroll along Swansea prom will have noticed the benches there have been enjoying a makeover just in time for summer. Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council joined forces to refurbish or install 58 benches between Norton and Knab Rock. And other sections of the prom from the Civic Centre westwards have also been benefiting from locally-made benches constructed from cast iron and hardwood slats. Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “I might be a bit biased but the views across the bay from Swansea Prom are worldclass, so I’m also delighted with the effort put into upgrading the benches.
Car parks get a makeover • BUILDING FUTURES: Some of Britain’s most energy-efficient homes are being built in Swansea
Pioneering properties make ready for tenants TENANTS in Swansea will be moving into the some of the UK’s most energyefficient homes later this year. A phased handover for the council homes being constructed on Milford Way in Penderry is planned for the autumn. The scheme, made up of ten twobedroom homes and eight onebedroom apartments, is being funded by revenue from council rents and not from council tax. Specialist, highly-airtight doors and windows are being fitted to the new homes to ensure the properties meet certified Passivhaus standards. Designed according to principles originally developed in Germany, Passivhaus homes use very little
investing in our city’s housing stock SITE clearance works have now started for a similar scheme at Parc-y-Helig in Birchgrove, with construction earmarked to start in the autumn. Also designed to Passivhaus standards, this scheme will consist of a number of other one and two-bedroom homes. Both schemes are being designed to Lifetime Homes standards as well, meaning each home can be easily adapted to meet the current and future needs of tenants.
energy for heating and cooling. Cllr Andrea Lewis, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Energy and Building Services, said: “This is an exciting time for council home building in Swansea. “Restrictions that had been in place since the 1980s meant we couldn’t build new council houses for many years, but those restrictions have now been lifted, so we’re
looking to benefit as many Swansea people as possible. “The new homes at Milford Way will be the first of many more because their design will help inform the specification of others in years to come to make sure we continue to best meet people’s needs. “With these homes being designed to innovative Passivhaus standards, there are so many benefits for tenants of the future to look forward to.
“As well as being comfortable and spacious, the energy-efficient nature of the properties will lead to significantly-reduced fuel bills, helping put more money in people’s pockets while also tackling Swansea’s need for affordable one and two-bedroom accommodation. “From the autumn, we’re looking to start a phased handover of the new Milford Way homes to tenants. “As well as so many advantages for tenants, these schemes will have many other benefits too,” said Cllr Lewis. “Not only will they benefit local employment through the use of a local workforce and local supply chain businesses, but they’ll also help Swansea meet its global obligations by cutting the city’s carbon footprint.”
Purple Flag flies over our city centre SWANSEA city centre has successfully retained prestigious Purple Flag status for 2017. This was how independent assessors described the city centre on a visit to score the destination earlier this year when determining whether it should be awarded the status. Run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flag status rewards city centres where visitors can expect an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out. Swansea city centre was first awarded the status in 2015 in recognition of the excellence of its night-time
economy between 5pm and 5am. In granting the retention of the status for 2017, independent assessors, who visited the city centre earlier this year, said Swansea has one of the strongest and best supported evening and night-time economy partnerships they've ever seen. Retention of the status, they say, is well-deserved because of so many examples of best practice. Cllr Mark Child, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "It's extremely pleasing to have retained prestigious Purple Flag for another year
because it's an indication of all the hard work that takes place to make the city centre evening and night-time visiting experience as vibrant, safe, diverse and enjoyable as possible. "Despite consecutively winning the status in 2015 and 2016, we're determined not to rest on our laurels, which is why a specific group was set up after last year's success, bringing all partners together with a focus not just on retaining the status for 2017, but also on developing a strategy for the continuous improvement of Swansea city centre's evening and night-time economy.”
SIX city car parks have been resurfaced as part of a £100,000 makeover. The Swansea Council-run car parks recently upgraded include Salubrious Passage, Pell Street, East Burrows, The Dairy – Mumbles and Brighton Road, Gorseinon. The work also included the installation of a new barrier at the Gorseinon site to make it easier for motorists using it. Stuart Davies, Head of Highways and Transportation, said: “These are relativelysmall surface car parks but they are regularly used and it’s important that we make sure they are fit for purpose. “The investment will help maintain quality parking.”
Parents’ idea made of the write stuff A GROUP of mums and dads from Swansea have proved the old saying that everyone has a book inside them. The young parents, who have been working with Swanseabased Jig-So team, have drawn on their own experiences to create an illustrated children’s book that is now on the shelves in libraries across Swansea. Called ‘An Adventure With Gramps’, the story aims to encourage parents, grandparents and guardians to play with their children.
Don’t get caught SCAMS about HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) are on the rise in Swansea according to Trading Standards. Officers from Swansea Council’s Trading Standards have sent out alerts to residents via its scam network to warn of the ongoing activities. Residents can find out how to protect themselves by visiting the Council's dedicated scam webpage at www.swansea.gov.uk/scams
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August 2017
Sport day’s never been so NEAT Pupils at a city primary school Swansea have got a fantastic new playing field and community garden to enjoy thanks to the hard work of the council’s NEAT team. The NEAT team has worked with Sea View Primary School in Mayhill for the project. And one of the first events staged on the playing field was the school’s annual sports day which youngsters agreed was an extra special occasion after all the effort everyone had put in. The school’s headteacher Julie Dunn said: “It has been fantastic to hold Sea View’s Sports Day on the school field for the first time. “This has made such a difference to our children and we are really looking forward to making full use of the field, the community garden and the school woodland. Our sincere thanks to the NEAT team for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication.” The NEAT teams are made up of adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues who work alongside council employees on
projects to improve communities while developing work skills. Mrs Dunn said: “We basically started with a derelict piece of land near the school which we adopted and with the contribution of the NEAT teams we’ve been able to create a community garden and a school field so our children can now play football and use it for play times and sports days.” Debora Webb, manager of the council’s Work Development Service, said during the design of transforming the wasteland school staff, pupils and local residents were asked what they would most like to see. “The general consensus was that they would like a safe environment to play in, with access to a football pitch, a playground for them to play on and to increase active community participation,” she added. “The teams take great pride in their work and a number of individuals who have worked on this project are from the local area so they are contributing to something that will benefit their whole community. They have shown a • GREAT SPORTS: Pupils at Sea View enjoy their first Sports Day on the new great work ethic, working through playing field they helped create. some tough weather conditions.”
PUBLIC NOTICES THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA CIVIC CENTRE, OYSTERMOUTH ROAD, SWANSEA SA1 3SN TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER 2017 NORTHWAY, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA SCHEDULE NOTICE is hereby given that on 31 July 2017 The Council of the City and County of Swansea made the above order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) and all other enabling powers. The order will be effective from 7 August 2017, as set out in the schedule(s) below. A copy of the order and plan may be inspected during office hours at the Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN (Reference DVT/00222504/LJR). Any person wishing to challenge the validity of the order or procedures used in making the order may apply to the High Court within 6 weeks of the date on which the order was made.
SCHEDULE SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS This order revokes all previous orders insofar as the length or lengths of street(s) are referred to herein. SCHEDULE 2 PROHIBITION OF WAITING AT ANY TIME Northway North side From a point 25 metres west and opposite the western kerbline of The Glebe to a point 63 metres east and opposite the eastern kerbline of Northlands Park. South side From a point 10 metres east of the eastern kerbline of Northlands Park to a point 63 metres east thereof. 31 July 2017 TRACEY MEREDITH Head of Legal, Democratic Services & Business Intelligence
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA
SCHEDULE 2
CIVIC CENTRE, OYSTERMOUTH ROAD, SWANSEA SA1 3SN
HEOL Y GOG
TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER 2017 GOWERTON LIBRARY AND HEOL Y GOG, GOWERTON, SWANSEA
East side From its junction with the southern kerbline of Mansel Street to a point 5 metres south thereof. MANSEL STREET
NOTICE is hereby given that on 31 July 2017 The Council of the City and County of Swansea made the above order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) and all other enabling powers. The order will be effective from 7 August 2017, as set out in the schedule(s) below. A copy of the order and plan may be inspected during office hours at the Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN (Reference DVT/00217540/LJR). Any person wishing to challenge the validity of the order or procedures used in making the order may apply to the High Court within 6 weeks of the date on which the order was made. SCHEDULE SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS The existing Orders are revoked insofar as they are inconsistent with the proposals hereinafter contained which relate to the length or lengths of the road or roads referred to in the schedules hereto.
We value equality because quality services need people from the whole community
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AT ANY TIME
South side From its junction with the eastern kerbline of Heol Y Gog to a point 5 metres east thereof. SCHEDULE 3 PROPOSED DISABLED BADGE HOLDERS AND LOADING/UNLOADING ONLY MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM – 6PM AND SATURDAY 9AM – 1PM OUTSIDE GOWERTON LIBRARY Where a bay marked to the TSR&GD 2002 (1028.3) standard and a corresponding upright sign/notice. 31 July 2017 TRACEY MEREDITH Head of Legal, Democratic Services & Business Intelligence
August 2017
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New bridge over troubling waters A POPULAR Gower walking route has been boosted by the construction of a new river bridge and a flight of steps. Swansea Council’s Countryside Access team has been working with volunteers from the Ramblers and the Gower Society building the bridge which links up walking routes either side of the Pennard Pill River at Parkmill. The new eight metre bridge will ensure that walkers, horse riders and mountain bike riders can cross the river between the paths without the need to venture onto the main road (A4118). Previously people were only able to cross the river at low tide using a stepping stones further down Pennard Valley. The project was funded by the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, the Gower Society and Heritage Lottery Fund.
Day out is music to your ears • GOING DIGITAL: Our digital services give you access to the council 24 hours a day from anywhere
Do business with us anytime, anywhere THOUSANDS of residents are catching up with Swansea Council by choosing the time and the place to do business. Almost 40,000 people are now following the council on Twitter and 10,000 are catching up with the latest information about us on Facebook as well. Not only that more and more residents are turning to our web pages to do business with us at a time and place that suits them instead of having to come to the Civic Centre during office hours. Clive Lloyd, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transformation and Business Operations, said doing business online was becoming normal for almost every kind of organisation from buying a driving
what business can I do online? • YOU can apply for services like resident parking permits, skip licences or council tax single person discount, request bulky waste collection or appeal against parking tickets by going to www.swansea.gov.uk/doitonline • To report missed recycling collections, a full litter bin, flytipping, or dog mess go to www.swansea.gov.uk/reportit • Report a pothole at www.swansea.gov.uk/potholes • You can also follow us on: Twitter: www.twitter.com/swanseacouncil or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swanseacitycouncil Instagram: www.instagram.com/swansea_council licence from the DVLA to purchasing avocados from a supermarket. He said: “So it’s no surprise that Swansea Council is getting in on the act too. Now residents can do a huge range of things with the council from the comfort of their living rooms
ranging from reporting a full litter bin to requesting a resident’s parking permit or a bulky waste collection. “On top of that our Twitter and Facebook feeds are among the mostfollowed of any local authority in Wales because residents know they are the go-to place for the latest
information or ‘breaking news’ about council services. “In the fairly recent past if you wanted to get a resident parking permit you had to come to one of our offices armed with a range of documents and wait to be seen. Now you can do it quickly and efficiently online at a time of your choosing. “Technology helps the council do its work more efficiently and effectively which cuts our costs. But it also speeds up services to residents, reduces the chances of errors and makes it easier for us to track people’s business requests through our systems. “It’s a win-win all round. People can still do their business with us face-to-face or over the phone, but where the options exist, more people are choosing to do it online.”
Easier and quicker ways for you to pay RESIDENTS are now paying for more council services online - and will soon be making quicker in-person payments thanks to new self-pay kiosks in the Civic Centre. You will be able to use our Payment Point touchscreens to pay bills by debit or credit card, cash or cheque. You can pay regular bills such as Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Rents and Council Invoices as well as many more. The Payment Points, similar to those in banks,
are due to be unveiled in September. They will help transform the council in line with modern needs. They will provide a receipt and give change in notes and coins. They meet security standards and all our chip and pin terminals will have additional security features. The kiosks will be bilingual and accessible to customers of all abilities. We have spoken to customers to listen to their views. Housing Rent and Council Tax customers with our plastic reference
cards will be able to scan them at the kiosk. Many of our future bills will have bar codes which can be scanned at the kiosk. The Payment Points replace two cashier windows in the Civic Centre entrance hall and will free up staff to carry out other essential work. No jobs have been lost. Civic Centre visitors will be able to enjoy personal interaction with council floor walkers. There is more information at www.swansea.gov.uk/payments
A SWANSEA beauty spot will be coming alive to the sound of music this month. Live music has been arranged every Sunday from 3pm to 5pm throughout August at Singleton’s Botanical Gardens to mark the annual Botanics in Bloom festival. Swansea Council is behind the festival. The live entertainment includes the U3A Ukulele Band on August 6, Trim Bling Star on August 13, covers by local musicians on August 20, and the Swansea Accordion Orchestra on August 27. To find out more about what’s on offer at the gardens this summer head for www.enjoyswanseabay.com
Visions of the past HISTORIC footage of Swansea has emerged that shows how parts of the city looked in the 1950s and 1970s. The footage, discovered by Swansea Council staff at the West Glamorgan Archive Service, includes videos of Castle Street, the closing of South Dock, and motorists on a local stretch of the M4. To find out more about Swansea’s historic past take a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/westglam organarchives or call 01792 636589.
Plugging the gap MORE charging points could be made available across South West Wales in future to cater for an increase in the use of electric vehicles. Swansea Council is exploring introducing more charging points in collaboration with local authority, university and health board partners in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire.
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Babies feel the benefit
A CAMPAIGN to encourage new parents to ditch disposable nappies and try real ones has prompted a group of Swansea parents to give them a go. Parents in the city have been encouraged to sign up to the Real Nappy scheme with Swansea Council and benefit from a cashback offer of £100 for using them. Many of the parents who recently signed up for the scheme did so in response to the recent Real Nappy Week campaign. The campaign was backed by a Gorseinon mum who already knows about the financial and environmental benefits. Kay Haines, 35, from Gorseinon, said: “I initially thought they might be a bit of a hassle and messy but I was wrong. They are fabulous and so easy to use. “For me the main reason was the cost factor, being a single parent. I’m now saving money I would normally have spent on disposable ones.” The average baby will need to wear around 5,000 disposable nappies for two and a half years at a cost of £650 to £1300. Real nappies on the other hand cost just £200 for the same two and half year period. If you want to sign-up for the real nappies offer go to www.swansea.gov.uk/nappies
Call for cleaner streets CITY centre businesses are being urged to manage their commercial waste properly or face enforcement action. The advice by Swansea Council follows another St Helen’s Road business that has been handed a fine and costs of more than £1,500. A number of fixed penalties have also been issued recently in relation to commercial waste left on The Strand. A spokesman for the council said: “Hopefully these cases will send out a message to other businesses that dumping your waste irresponsibly is unacceptable.” The council spends more than £2m a year keeping city streets clean and dealing with fly-tipping.
for all your council information visit www.swansea.gov.uk
August 2017
We’re mapping best bike routes A SERIES of maps featuring cycling and walking routes in Swansea have been published as part of a national drive to increase the network across Wales. Swansea Council is now asking the public for their views on the Integrated Network Map (INM) for Swansea - which councils are required to prepare following the adoption of the Active Travel (Wales) Act which came into force in 2014. Under the requirements of the Act, all Welsh councils must develop maps of existing cycle and walking routes, along with routes that could be developed in the future. The aim is to provide a network which can encourage more people to choose walking and cycling as an alternative method of getting about. Swansea already has more than 50km of cycle
new bike routes a success story The COUNCIL has carried out a number of improvements to sections of cycle paths in the city in recent years, including a two-mile section of national cycle route between the Liberty Stadium and J45 of the M4. New cycle routes have also been installed along Fabian Way, making it a viable transport link for thousands of students travelling to and from the new Swansea Bay Campus, which opened its doors in 2015.
network which help provide safe, off-road routes for cyclists and walkers. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “There is already a good selection of
shared walking and cycling routes in Swansea and many use them to travel to and from work or simply for leisure. “The latest consultation will give everyone the chance to have an input into the future improvements and development of cycling and walking in the city.” Cllr Thomas added: “Funding for these projects is limited and it’s important we look at sensible options for developing further routes. Making cycling a more attractive option is one way of tackling car congestion in the city. The public have until 8 September to give their view by visiting www.swansea.gov.uk/activetravelact More information and maps of the many cycle routes available in Swansea Bay can be found at: www.swansea.gov.uk/cycling
• AT YOUR SERVICE: Now Swansea Council’s knotweed service is available to owners of private land too
New service delivers you an all-clear on knotweed RESIDENTS are getting the chance to have their Japanese Knotweed problem sorted with a bit of help from the council. The council is aiming to use its years of experience tackling the issue on public land to help residents deal with the problem in their own backyards. Now the growing season has kicked-in, the initiative could help hundreds of homeowners sort out a plant that is among the most invasive in Britain. Sean Hathaway from Swansea Council’s Environment Services team says the council has built up years of experience in tackling the problem on
expertise makes the difference CHRIS Williams, head of the council’s commercial team, said: “The knotweed service is part of the council’s commitment to doing all it can to reduce the impact of budget reductions on frontline services. “The purpose of the commercial team is to help unlock the entrepreneurial spirit among our staff to generate income.” Go to the website at www.swansea.gov.uk/getknotweedtreated to find out more about the Japanese knotweed treatment service.
land it owns, which is why it’s offering expertise to private homeowners and businesses on a commercial basis. The Parks and Cleansing Service have trained and qualified staff who can provide advice and a treatment programme upon request. Any programme of treatment agreed
and undertaken by the Parks and Cleansing Service will also include a ‘Certificate Of Completion’ He said: “Anyone who’s had to put up with Japanese knotweed knows that standard weedkiller doesn’t touch it and the tiniest amount left behind will re-grow quickly during the growing season.
“As a council we have a responsibility to adequately control it on our own patch and in council house tenants’ gardens. But private householders have always been responsible for what happens on their own ground. The service is part of Swansea Council’s commercialisation programme, which aims to use council expertise to develop new businesses, the proceeds from which will help maintain core services like education and social care. Local authorities in England have already introduced commercial activities as a way of increasing income to offset budget reductions to vital frontline services.