Summer
Leader Issue 111
Summer 2018 inside
The newspaper of Swansea Council
your city: your paper
Sunny side up Wales Airshow is heading back to our city plus
Page 3
• FIVE STAR SCHOOL: Cymrhydyceirw pupils are celebrating after their school became the first English-medium primary in Wales to score ‘Excellent’ across the board in their latest Estyn inspection. Find out more on page 9 Picture by Nick Parry
THIS SUMMER is seeing the start of the transformation of Swansea into one of Britain’s smartest digital cities that’s fit for the 21st century and beyond. An investment in the city’s and the region’s future that will be worth more than £1.3bn in the coming years is beginning with a series of small steps. Work has started to transform Kingsway in the city centre into an urban park and Digital Village which will attract high-tech start-up enterprises turning world-class ideas generated at the city’s universities into innovative businesses that will attract interest from the UK and the world. Enabling works for the arena and the landmark digital bridge spanning Oystermouth Road are starting in August. Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
two big steps
Our city’s transformation is taking shape this summer • ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group), a world-leading entertainment company with a portfolio of venues from London to Manhattan has been appointed to run Swansea’s planned digital indoor arena. • NEXT month Skyline, the New Zealand company behind the multi-million pound Kilvey Hill Cable Car initiative, will be back in the city to sign heads of terms on the deal.
“This summer is when the first tangible steps on the transformation of our city and our region are taken. “Enabling work for the digital arena, the hotel next door and the bridge over Oystermouth Road connecting the city centre to the arena is starting in the area at the rear of Tesco in the city centre. The main construction is due to start early next year.
He said: “The City Deal vision for Swansea is to create a digital city with communities connected to one another and with the world at large, making the most of our talents, our ideas and our ambition. “Technology and superfast broadband connectivity will provide the means for collaboration between public sector and private sector businesses, between communities, entrepreneurs, educators and academia that are the key to success. “We are already taking the first steps down a road that will transform our local economy, the regional economy and create many thousands of local jobs. “Places like Bristol and Cambridge are already make strides down that road. Swansea and southwest Wales, thanks to the City Deal and our own ambition, is going there too.”
Recycling Busta’s bright ideas turning food into fuel page 6
High 5 Leon leads the search for our local heroes page 7
Swansea
2 info
Leader
Summer in Swansea 2018
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
Millions being invested improving city’s roads
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.
COMMUNITES across the city will be witnessing a summer of action on its streets as the council cracks-on with fixing potholes and road repairs. Following on from the resurfacing programme on Fabian Way, PATCH and pothole repair teams will be busy in every ward in the city over the coming months. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said the council’s £7.5m budget for roads, pavements and other highways maintenance would make a big difference for residents. He said: “Fabian Way is one of the busiest routes in the city with at least 10,000 vehicles depending on it
investment that makes a difference INCLUDED in the £7.5m programme is a Welsh Government grant worth £1.8m which will help fund road improvements at Peniel Green Road, Carmarthen Road at Dyfatty and Gower Road, Killay. Other schemes to be addressed during the year will include maintaining some of the 157 bridges in Swansea. Further work will also be completed to maintain street lighting and the city’s cycle network.
every day. So it was only right that we cleared-up the problems there first. But that did not and will not distract us from our commitment to filling in potholes and carrying out road resurfacing projects as well. “Like everywhere else in Wales, the winter combined with relentless traffic caused problems for our roads. That’s why our pothole repair team was out late in the evening on many
days during the winter filling-in the holes residents had reported to us. “In the first three months of this year the teams filled-in well over 2,500 potholes, the busiest period we’ve experienced in a long time.” Now the weather is improving, the highways team is making its plans for the PATCH teams to visit every ward in the city to tackle some of the bigger road and pavements defects.
In last year’s programme the two PATCH teams got through 1,240 tonnes of tar, laying 12,000sqm of tarmac to complete the repairs. This year’s plans will also include continuing the work highlighted in the Council’s highway capital programme for 2015-2020. The programme lists a series of maintenance schemes for roads and pavements across Swansea. Cllr Thomas added: “Our highways infrastructure include a wide range of features including bridges, street lighting as well as roads and pavements. We need to ensure that the limited resources we have are used sensibly.” To report a pothole go to www.swansea.gov.uk/potholes
June - September Septemb 20 2018 018 Gower Walking Festival 2 - 10 June Gower 07340 07340 672963 Swansea International Jazz Festival 14 - 17 June Various Venues 01792 473238 01792 Wales Airshow 30 June - 1 July Swansea Bay wa walesairshow.co.uk Outdoor Outdoo oor Theatre: A Midsumm mmer Night’s Dream Midsummer 19 July Oystermouth Castle tle 01792 637300 01792
Dung and Dungeons Dragons ons Day 28 July Oystermouth Castle swansea.gov.uk/ oystermouthcastle Clean Air Roadshow featuring tech.driven tech driven rally 28 July Castle Square 01792 637300 01792 Into the Wild Animal Encounters 31 July - 2 August Plantasia 01792 01792 474555 For more great events eve visit: enjoyswanseabay enjoyswanseabay.com
Outdoor Theatre: O heat T Reluctant The an Dragon 9 August O Oystermouth h Castle 01792 01792 637300
Swansea Swanse ea International Internat tiona nal Festival September 22 Septe em ember - 7 October Various us V Venues 01792 017 1792 2 411570
Swansea Festival S O Stitch 2018 Of 1 - 24 August 10 V Various Venues 07715 711798 07715
The No Th Now e Hero 2 - 29 S 25 September Swansea a Bay 01792 01792 2 637300
Admiral Swansea Bay 10k A a Junior Races and 1 September 16 S Swansea Bay 01792 637300 01792
enjoyswan enjoyswanseabay.com nseabay.com
Contact Swansea Leader To contact the news team call 01792 636092
• ROAD WATCHING: Around £7.5m is being spent on road upgrades in Swansea this year
Summer in Swansea 2018
Swansea
Leader
news
3
digest
New cycle routes are mapped out A MAP outlining possible new cycle and walking routes in Swansea has been approved by the Welsh Government. Swansea Council carried out a city-wide consultation in 2017, asking the public to come up with ideas on where cycle and walking routes could be introduced or extended as part of a 15-year vision. The work was completed so the Council could meet the requirements of the Active Travel Plan. New maps have been published which show possible routes which could be developed between now and 2033. At present there is 50km of cycle networks in Swansea and the Council is also creating a new 1.2km section of cycle route along Cwm Road in the Hafod. Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/activetra velact to see more details about proposed routes.
• RED ARROWS: RAF’s finest are calling-by on both days of the Wales Airshow
REPLICA World War I fighter planes will be dogfighting over the beaches of Swansea as the Wales Airshow returns to the city this summer. The biggest free event in Wales returns to dominate the skies this summer with the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight leading the return of old favourites. The Wales Airshow has now firmly established itself as a headline event of the Welsh summer season which is being supported in partnership with radio station Heart FM. Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said that in the
on the ground
High-flyers returning to kick-start our summer AS WELL as providing residents and visitors with world class entertainment, the Airshow is also an important event for businesses because of the extra footfall and spending it generates. The Wales Airshow is now a key anchor event in our annual events calendar. Complementing the aerial displays, ground-based entertainment will also form part of this summer’s Airshow. Have a look at walesairshow.co.uk for more information or take a look at the Airshow App which is available in Appstore and in Google Play
RAF’s centenary year and the anniversary of the end of World War I it was only right that both should be commemorated at the Airshow. He said: “It is great to hear that replicas of planes that did battle over the trenches of northern Europe
should put in appearances at the Wales Airshow. The German CL1 and the British SE5 have not been to the Airshow before, so they’ll be a real treat for the hundreds of thousands of spectators.” He added: “No Wales Airshow
would be complete without daily appearances by the RAF Red Arrows and the RAF Typhoon display teams, so it’s thrilling both are returning this year as well.” The Airshow, one of the UK’s biggest free events, attracted more than 250,000 spectators last year and it’s been estimated the show is worth £8.4m to Swansea’s economy. Cllr Francis-Davies, said: “The Airshow has been running since 2007 but was originally only staged every other year. However, this summer will be the fourth consecutive year since we agreed to stage it annually. Itis a major event that forms part of our hugely-varied Enjoy Swansea Bay programme of events.”
Great chapter in library’s story ONE of Swansea’s busiest libraries is enjoying a new chapter in its story after a major refurbishment. More than £125,000 was spent transforming the layout at Townhill Library making it more child and user friendly, upgrading equipment and improving the range of stock on the shelves into the bargain. The refurbishment was made possible by a grant from the Welsh Government's Museums, Archives and Libraries Division. The library boasts a larger children’s’ area with an interactive StoryWall, including sensory features and a reading cubby-hole. There are new books and DVDs, and improved shelving too.
Exhibition is just family fantastic THE Dylan Thomas Exhibition at the Dylan Thomas Centre has been named the Best Family Venue category in the Fantastic for Families Awards. The Fantastic for Families Awards is a UK-wide competition for arts and cultural venues with more than 500 venues in the UK accredited with the Family Arts Standards badge. The Dylan Thomas Centre won the award for its contribution to arts and culture for families during 2017.
Your Leader SWANSEA Leader is delivered to your door by the Royal Mail. However, any mail that may be delivered at the same time as the Swansea Leader is not endorsed in any way by Swansea Council.
Summer in Swansea 2018 Connect with your LAC
4
Swansea
Leader
MORE residents than ever before are making social connections and building relationships that are just up their street with help from the council’s local area co-ordinators. Two more recent recruits covering Sketty and Townhill and Mayhill means that a large proportion of the city has now got co-ordinator cover so people can get the support they need to be confident and healthy members of the community. Local Area Co-ordinators (LAC) were set up in the city three years ago and aim to help prevent people who are facing challenges in their lives, from getting stuck in a rut of loneliness or isolation. It’s just one of the ways Swansea Council supports people to live their lives independently in their own homes, helping prevent them from needing complex social care services. Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Services like local area co-ordination are not the right thing for everyone, but there are real benefits for people who’ve not ended up requiring complex care because we’ve been able to step-in and help them help themselves before
Getting back on your feet BONYMAEN House, a council residential care home in the heart of Bonymaen, is now one of Swansea Council’s reablement centres and is going from strength to strength. It’s designed to support people who’ve been discharged from hospital or others who have had an illness and need some support to get back on their feet. Bonymaen House pioneered an approach to care for older people that has now become normal across Wales and the UK. What started out as a pilot reablement project with four beds in 2012 is now a 26-bed service providing care and support that becomes a kind of bridge between hospital and home. Lee Lloyd-Jones, assistant manager at Bonymaen House, said many of those using the service arrived with concerns it was a stepping stone to long-term residential care rather than a route back to their own homes. He said: “As a team we understand the anxieties and we work closely with them and their families emotionally as well as physically. What happens is completely dependent on what they need. He added: “By the time they leave any package of social care they need afterwards has been put in place.”
• HELLO THERE: Meet Dan Garnell, the latest Local Area Co-ordinator for Sketty and Townhill it’s got to that stage. “On the one hand they are much happier for it and, on the other, it eases pressure on our specialist complex care providers so they can focus on those who do need that kind
of care.” LAC team leader Jon Franklin says the team’s already helped hundreds of people make connections in their communities, building new friendships and sharing their skills
and interests. Jon said: “We sit down and take time with people, we have a chat, we find out what people’s strengths and interests are and we work with them to overcome barriers to getting out
Picture by Jason Rogers
and about. Swansea’s LAC team can be found on social media and on the council’s website at www.swansea.gov.uk/localareacoordi nation
Help us shape future of city’s social care RESIDENTS, day service users and people living in council-operated residential care homes are being given the chance to help shape the future of social care services. Consultation on proposals to reshape the services were launched last month and will go on until July 23. Feedback from families, those already using the services and others who are interested in the future of social care in Swansea will influence a major report going to Cabinet in the autumn. Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing in Swansea, said the proposals being shared directly with those using the services are aimed at transforming council-
still time to have your say NO DECISIONS have been made and there will be no immediate changes. Any decisions on the future of services will not take place until Cabinet has seen the feedback and, if the proposals are approved, there will be no changes to services before 2019. The consultation period goes on until July 23, 2018, and feedback will be included in a report to Cabinet. To find out more and have your say go to the council’s website at www.swansea.gov.uk
provided social care. He said: “Our ambition is to provide more of the types of services people want. We want there to be more opportunities for carers to have respite care and to provide more reablement services so people can return to their own homes after hospital stays, for example.” The proposals aim to deal with the fact there are 125 more day care
service places and 42 residential care beds in council-operated care homes than are needed. At the same time the proposals will help re-focus council social care services on doing what they do best – delivering complex social care to those in need of it. Cllr Child said: “Under our proposals, those people who most need our support will receive the care that’s appropriate to them, so
they can live their lives as independently as possible. “The focus of council-provided care, using all our experience and expertise, should be concentrated on those with complex needs; for example, with people living with dementia, complex disabilities or complex mental health needs. “If approved, our proposals will see a shift towards putting our energy and effort into providing better services to those with the most acute needs. “If we go ahead with our proposals we will continue to provide residential care and day care services. But the benefit would be that people would feel reassured that those who need the most acute care will receive it from us.”
Users sing the praises of new service OLDER people with learning disabilities who moved from a day service in Uplands to an alternative venue in Fforestfach have been singing the praises of their new surroundings. Due to the number of surplus places Swansea Council took the decision to amalgamate services provided at the Beeches Day Service and Abergelli Day Service.
It saw the service provided in one location at Abergelli in Fforestfach and during the transition all those who attended The Beeches were given individually-tailored support to make the move to Abergelli or supported to choose other groups to attend instead. Following the move they have been asked for their views and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
One said: “When we first came to Abergelli we felt a bit strange and nervous. That was only in the beginning and the staff from the Beeches came with us and helped us settle in. Now we love it here at Abergelli and don’t want to move.” Other comments included praise for the improved access because Abergelli is on one level unlike the way it was at the Beeches.
Summer in Swansea 2018
Swansea
Leader
news
5
digest
Apprentices set for great start SWANSEA Council is in the process of recruiting 18 new apprentices. It’ll bring to 96 the number of apprentices on the council’s books and all will be learning trades that will stand them in good stead for future careers. Twenty health and social care apprentices started work at the council in January, adding to the apprenticeships that have been made available in other departments including IT, estates, parks, archives and parking services. This builds on the apprenticeship programme that’s been run by the council’s corporate building and property services team for the last 14 years. Since 2003, more than 170 apprentices have been taken by the team to learn trades including electrical installations, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing and plastering.
Closing doors to insulation scam
• CHANGES: Kingsway works will pave the way for regeneration and the Digital Village
Kingsway regeneration promises a new era THE KINGSWAY transformation is the first step in a new era that will see hundreds of jobs created alongside a green artery in the city centre. It is business as usual on the Kingsway as work gathers momentum to bring two-way traffic, wide pavements, trees and plenty of greenery to the area. It’s a £12 million investment that’s been welcomed by business leaders and traders and Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “This is real progress and it’s something people can see happening. It is not an artist impression but the first step in the transformation of our city that will benefit generations to come.” Contractors Dawnus have been on
business as usual for traders SWANSEA BID chair Juliet Luporini also emphasised the point that businesses in and around the Kingsway would be operating as normal throughout the redevelopment. She said: “It is important that we continue to support the businesses along the Kingsway, Orchard Street and beyond during the delivery of this important scheme – it will be very much business as usual for them during these works - so we encourage shoppers to continue supporting them throughout, while our new Swansea City Centre takes shape."
site since last month to work on construction of new pedestrian areas along the southbound carriageway (metro track). This phase is expected to run until October, 2018. The work will also help set the scene for a new, state-of-the-art digital village development for tech businesses on Kingsway. Earmarked for the former Oceana nightclub site,
the digital village is due to be partfunded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal. Secured by the Swansea Bay City Region for South West Wales, the Swansea Bay City Deal includes funding from the UK Government, the Welsh Government, the public sector and the private sector. The Kingsway Infrastructure
Project includes £4.5 million of WEFO funding which will assist with demolition and refurbishment of buildings along the route. Cllr Stewart said: “We can see the public sector confidence in the area is driving private sector confidence in the city centre with work already starting on the student development on the Kingsway and the Loosemore’s redevelopment to come in the not-to-distant future. “We want to transform the city centre into a vibrant and bustling centre for business and leisure. The investment in the new city green artery and new traffic system will prepare the Kingsway for its transformation into the Digital District as we start to deliver the £1.3bn City Deal projects.”
Kilvey Hill cable car plan taking off PLANS for one of the UK’s most eye-catching tourist attractions have taken a major step forwards. The New Zealand-based developers behind a cable car ride, toboggan rides, zip wire rides and restaurant and event venue on Kilvey Hill have reached an agreement with Swansea Council to progress the scheme. They now plan to visit the city for a week in June to start appointing professional teams who will work on the plan, to start survey work and to further develop their vision.
Skyline directors gave the go-ahead to begin detailed design and legal discussions last year. And now the company and council have drafted an agreement that will go to the council's Cabinet and Skyline's board of directors for approval. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “Skyline’s visit in June is really significant; it will pave the way for work being carried out on site which will take this exciting project from the drawing board to reality.
“The company’s decision to work with us is a great vote of confidence in Swansea as a tourist destination and builds on the superb work being done through the City Deal and our status as Wales’ city of culture. Skyline chief executive Geoff McDonald said: “We are looking forward to visiting Swansea once more and continuing discussions with the council and potential development consultants.” The council is liaising with fellow landowners at Kilvey Hill to help secure an agreement.
HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned about doorstep callers in the city offering claims against defective cavity wall insulation. Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Team Leader, said their latest reports show companies are making misleading statements to householders about large sums of money that have been set aside for them to claim. In fact, most properties with cavity wall insulation are covered by a 25-year Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency guarantee and any issues with workmanship identified under it will be investigated and rectified at no expense to the guarantee-holder, he said.
Club bowled over SWANSEA Cricket Club’s junior and senior teams are looking forward to an exciting summer at St Helens thanks to a new partnership with the Council. The club and Council have been working together on a new licence for the St Helens Cricket Ground which will allow the club’s senior and junior teams to enjoy more use of the famous arena. More details on Twitter or Facebook by following @SwanseaCricket or visit www.swanseacricketclub.co.uk
Looking good HUNDREDS of jobs could be created at the former Felindre Tin Plate works after a business marketing campaign was launched. The 40-acre site just off junction 46 of the M4 is a prime M4 corridor location being called Parc Felindre and could be home to a new generation of high quality offices and industrial premises to suit established and growing businesses.
Swansea
Leader
Smart way to help out A NEW scheme to benefit homeless people and those in need has been launched in Swansea city centre. The trial scheme, which is backed by a range of local organisations, is encouraging members of the public to donate to local homeless charities instead of giving money directly to street beggars. Part of the national ‘Have a Heart – Give Smart’ initiative endorsed by the Association of Town Centre Management, the scheme is being supported by Swansea Council, South Wales Police and Swansea BID (Business Improvement District). The first of its kind in Wales, the scheme will see many businesses in the city centre putting promotional posters in their windows, with donation points being made available inside. A campaign will also be launched to promote the benefits of donating to the homeless in this way. Cllr Will Evans, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “This is a really good initiative that has been developed in response to the feedback received from our local traders. It forms part of a number of measures to help address onstreet begging, so we’re very pleased to be trialling it in the city centre with a view to rolling it out to other areas of Swansea, if successful.”
Cambria granted freedom ROYAL Navy Reserve Unit HMS Cambria has been granted the honorary freedom of Swansea. Commissioned in 1947, the HMS Cambria is the only Royal Navy Reserve unit in Wales. HMS Cambria has strong local connections, with more than a third of the ship’s company living in Swansea and many reservists working in the city. HMS Cambria follows in the footsteps of the 215 (City of Swansea) Air Cadets Squadron, former Wales football manager Chris Coleman, Lord Callaghan, and John Charles who have all previously been granted Freedom of the City.
Summer in Swansea 2018
Power for the people one cuppa at a time
• CAPTAIN BUSTA: WRAP’s mascot reckons it’s easy to make food waste recycling a way of life CAMPAIGNERS are ropingin teabags, banana skins and an intergalactic space monkey in a bid to get more of Swansea recycling this summer. Captain Busta, a monkey from outer space, has been stepping in to encourage primary school children to find out the difference their families can make by recycling waste food. The campaign’s already achieved lift-off at scores of schools in Swansea and recycling experts WRAP – the group working with Swansea Council to boost food recycling in the city - is hoping it’ll transform families’ commitment to waste recycling. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for
nothing wasted
6
GENERATING electricity through the waste-to-energy project at Agrivert South Wales in Bridgend is the greenest possible way to dispose of weekly food waste collections. There is no long journey for the waste to get to the energy plant and the food bags people use to line their caddies are burned to create more electricity. The plant at Parc Stormy in Bridgend processes 48,000 tonnes of food and liquid waste a year, 18,000 tonnes of it coming from Bridgend and Swansea council areas. It generates 3MW of renewable electricity a year which is enough to power 5,900 homes.
Environment Services, said: “Captain Busta’s campaign is a smart, funny and innovative way to encourage children to find out more about how they can make a recycling difference. “Doing really small things like popping banana peel and teabags into the food waste caddy might not seem
like much. But if one family recycled 32 teabags the electricity they’d be generating at the other end of the recycling chain would power their TV for an hour of watching Britain’s Got Talent, for example. A massive 72% of residents across Swansea already recycle some food
waste but if every family put one extra banana peel in their caddy, the electricity generated would keep a school on the go for three days. Cllr Thomas said:“What we and WRAP are doing is working with youngsters so that they and their families understand that tiny things they can do can have a big environmental impact. “But it all starts with children and their parents putting their food waste in the green food waste caddies.” Food waste bins are collected every week and they are lockable to keep smells and animals out. To discover more facts about food waste go to www.recycleforwales.org.uk/food
Bright idea funded by solar energy SCHOOLS and other community buildings in Swansea are helping to generate greener solar energy with the installation of solar panels. A total of nine schools and one care home have had 1,440 solar panels installed on their roofs. The panels collectively will help generate up to 400,000kWh a year, providing cleaner more affordable electricity for each of the sites over the next 20 years. Swansea Council set up the Swansea Community
Energy & Enterprise Scheme (SCEES) in 2015 in an effort to help generate cheaper electricity for community buildings in deprived areas. A community benefit fund has also been established and it’s hoped the fund will help support local skills, economic growth and create jobs in the communities where the solar panels have been installed. Schools that are benefitting from the scheme include Townhill Community Primary School, Clase Primary School and Gendros Primary, along with six
others in the city. Panels have also been installed at Rose Cross House in Penlan. Andrea Lewis Cabinet Member for Housing, Energy and Building Services, said: “All the schools involved will be able to benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy for many years to come. “As a Council we are totally committed to investigating all ways of introducing new and sustainable energy sources.”
Summer in Swansea 2018
Swansea
Leader
news
7
digest
£100k boost for Primrose Park Dedicated local volunteers who give up their time for free to enhance a city park in Swansea have secured almost £100,000 for new facilities and improvements. The Friends of Primrose Park has successfully applied to WREN for funding for a multiuse game area including an all-weather sports surface, a walking and exercise trail and landscaping improvements. The new facilities will provide activities for people of all ages from Llansamlet and help the Friends continue to grow the number of visitors to the park. The community group, which was set up by local residents two years ago, has led the way in establishing a partnership with Swansea Council to benefit the park. The Primrose Park land was gifted to the council as a part of the Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria in 1897.
Business info at your finger-tips HIGH 5: Swansea legend Leon Britton is leading the drive for nominations.
Leon’s our High 5 recruitment captain SWANSEA football legend Leon Britton is leading the search for Swansea’s High 5 stars as the awards for inspirational youngsters enter their seventh season. The Swans midfielder is urging everyone to consider nominating a child, young person, group or even a school class who they feel deserve a High 5 either due to what they have achieved or by overcoming adversity, particularly if this had made a difference to their life, their school or community. The awards are led by Swansea Council, sponsored by Gower College Swansea, and backed by businesses and organisations from across the city. Leon said: “High 5 began with the aim of showing just how
A big thank-you THE High 5 Awards would not be possible without the loyal support of our sponsors. Already signed up this year are: • Gower College (Main Sponsor) • Swansea City FC • Denny’s; Gower Outdoor Centres; WG Davies; McDonald’s; Swansea Building Society; AB Glass; Oldwalls; Stenor Environmental Services Ltd; Day’s Rental; Swansea Council Recycling Team; Go Air Trampoline Park, Swansea.
inspirational children and young people in this city are. Year after year your nominations help us prove that is truly the case. “By aspiring to be the best and working hard the children young people put forward are an inspiration to others, a credit to themselves, their communities or schools and worthy of recognition. “Don’t let a worthy young person you know miss out. Please get online and nominate at:
www.swansea.gov.uk/high5awards ” Already a dozen business sponsors have stepped-up to support the awards, including Stenor Environmental Services Ltd whose Pam Norman was on last year’s judging panel. She said: “Stenor is delighted to be part of the High 5 Awards. As a judge you get to learn about challenges some young people in our communities face that without these nominations you really would not
hear these incredible stories and the recognition these young people receive from a High 5 award can be a stepping stone and to make the most of their futures.” It’s easy to nominate a young person for a High 5 award as everything you need is online. The awards are open to any child or young person or group in three age ranges - under 13s, aged 19 or under or 20-25 year olds resident in Swansea, educated or receiving support here. Judges are looking for examples of individuals or groups who aspire to reach personal goals or improve the lives of others in their family, school or community and in doing so are an inspiration to others. To nominate someone for a High 5 award simply go to www.swansea.gov.uk/high5
finding and making savings online, and making the most of the internet to stay in touch with family or friends. The courses last for two hours and will take place once a week for five weeks. Course venues include the Civic Centre, Central Library, Daniel James Education Centre and local libraries. Cabinet Member for Service Transformation and
Boxing clever UNSIGHTLY utility boxes on High Street in Swansea have been decorated to improve the look of the city centre gateway. Students from the University of Wales Trinity St David’s Swansea College of Art developed designs for the utility boxes as part of a scheme called Swansea Streetwrap. Part of the Station2Sea project, the scheme has come about thanks to a partnership between Swansea Council, Coastal Housing Group and Volcano Theatre.
Digging deep
OVER 70 volunteers have shown an interest in contributing to a history and archaeology project at Swansea’s Hafod Morfa Business Operations Clive Lloyd said: “We Copperworks. understand that some people may be worried about The Copperworks Discovery getting online for the first time, and our courses will Project, which offers show them how to stay safe while helping them to opportunities to learn about access all the benefits of using the internet.” the copper industry and details Have a look at: can be found at: www.blackmountainsarchaeolo www.swansea.gov.uk/getswanseaonline or ring gy.com 01792 470171 for more information.
Courses open door to a whole new world RESIDENTS are flocking to get online with the help of free courses organised by Swansea Council. The Get Swansea Online campaign is designed to help people who are looking to get to grips with technology like computers and tablets. A new batch of Get Swansea Online courses, due to start on Monday June 11, will show people how to carry out tasks like sending and receiving emails,
HELPING to keep money in the Swansea economy, an updated online directory of local businesses has been launched. The new, free directory is fully integrated with directions, Google Maps and Google Street View. Available at www.itslocalswansea.co.uk, the directory links to the websites and social media accounts of all the businesses included. The new directory can be accessed by mobiles and tablets by sending a ‘123Swansea’ text message to 88802. It’s free for business to add their details, with nearly 2,000 companies having listed their details so far.
8
Swansea
Leader
Summer in Swansea 2018
Gower’s pulling power AND there’s not just walks in the woods on offer to those who want to get out and about to enjoy the fresh air this summer. Eight Swansea beauty spots have prestigious Green Flag status and are well worth a visit. They include Victoria Park, Parc Llewelyn, Cwmdonkin Park, Clyne Gardens, Brynmill Park, Singleton Botanical and Ornamental Gardens, Swansea University and Penllergare Valley Woods which is managed by the Penllergare Trust. And if you fancy a walk on the wild side of Gower why not take an app guide with you. Not only does the ‘This is Gower’ app offers 15 guided walks via your phone, it also automatically points out historic milestones along the way. Find out more at: https://www.swansea.gov. uk/apps
• ON THE GO: This is Gower App keeps you on the path to great views WITH summer on the horizon people are being encouraged to put on their walking boots to explore the wonderful countryside around Swansea. And to inspire them to visit places they may not have been to before, details about six walks around the city’s ancient woodlands are being promoted. The routes, selected to provide a range of walks for those seeking both a relaxed stroll and something more strenuous, have been added to Swansea Council’s website and are free to download. Swansea and Gower are comparatively rich in ancient woodland and they are at their most beautiful for a few weeks in early spring when woodland flowers such as bluebells and wild garlic are in bloom. Soon afterwards the leaf canopy opens, cutting out most of the light to the forest floor.
walks in the wood
a breath of fresh air
Take a walk on the wild side
The routes were originally drawn-up following a three-year Heritage Lottery Fund project to record the biodiversity of ancient woodland in Swansea, a joint project between the Council’s Nature Conservation Team and West Glamorgan Archive Service. Robert Francis Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects said: “There were many volunteers who gave up their time to record the biodiversity of our beautiful ancient woodland during the three years of the project. “These woodland walks were inspired by that project and we are delighted they have been added to the dozens of countryside walks that can be downloaded from Swansea Council’s website.” Even after spring has gone the sights, sounds and smells of a walk in the woods is anentertaining way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Visit: www.swansea.gov.uk/countrysidewalks
Our top six wanders 1) CWM Ivy Woods – A 2.2km walk that takes in the Wildlife Trust reserve of Cwm Ivy Woods near Llanmadoc on Gower with fine views over the neighbouring Burry Inlet. 2) NICHOLSTON Woods – A 3.5km secluded walk through varied woodland on south-facing slopes overlooking Oxwich Bay and the sea. 3) BISHOPSTON Valley – A 2km fascinating walk through a hidden valley. 4) BISHOP’S Wood – A 1km short walk near Caswell through mature ancient ash woods with a fine sea view. 5) PENLLERGARE Valley Woods – A 5.6km walk through a mosaic of ancient woodland, Victorian plantings and modern forestry. 6) CWM Clydach – A 5km secluded walk following the steep-sided valley of the Lower Clydach Valley.
Summer in Swansea 2018
Swansea
Leader
news
9
digest
Mayhill’s amazing new family centre WALES’ first fully integrated family centre and primary care centre has opened in Swansea. The brand new state-of-theart Mountain View Centre in Mayhill gives residents access to expanded children and family services, top class health care as well as courses and activities that will make a real difference to their lives. It replaces the old and outdated family centre on Mayhill Road and is the new home for the Mayhill GP surgery. Welsh Government Minister for Housing and Regeneration Rebecca Evans officially opened the complex which is a partnership between Swansea Council and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board. The new building will also be home to Mayhill Pharmacy and other community services.
On the front line against slavery • FIVE STAR: Cwmrhydyceirw pupils celebrate top marks from Estyn with head teacher Darren Casker Picture by Nick Parry
Excellence coming as standard in our schools TWO schools are setting standards for others to follow by becoming the first in Wales to be rated as excellent across the board under a new national inspection system. Inspectors from Estyn praised the quality of teaching, pupils’ exemplary behaviour and the warm, caring and respectful culture at Cwmrhydyceirw Primary School in Morriston after visiting the school earlier this year. It became the first English medium primary school in Wales to be judged as ‘excellent’ in all five of the new inspection areas. And earlier this year Bishopston Comprehensive School was the first secondary school in Wales to achieve this feat.
schools that help shape children’s future LAST year Llanrhidian Primary received an exceptional report and was asked by Estyn to be a case study as to what a great school looks like. Whitestone, Brynhyfryd and Pengelli Primary schools along with Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin and Gowerton Comprehensive School received top marks from inspectors. In January the Welsh Government’s school categorisation system showed schools in Swansea have improved for the fourth successive year with a record number of schools in the green support category.
Inspectors praised the school for establishing an ethos whereby pupils develop outstanding social, learning and life skills. Since then Olchfa has also swept the board with excellent ratings in every inspection area. Craigfelen Primary School in Clydach has also just received a glowing inspection report. Under the new system Estyn inspectors judge five areas of a school’s performance when they visit – standards; wellbeing and attitudes
to learning; teaching and learning experiences; care, support and guidance and finally leadership and management. This year has also seen Bishop Vaughan Catholic School as well as Cwmglas and Gowerton primary schools praised by inspectors. Normally, each school in Wales undergoes an Estyn Inspection every six years. Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for
Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Many of our schools are performing exceptionally well and this has been reflected in the outstanding inspection reports that have been published this year. “The communities that these schools serve can take immense pride in what is being achieved.” Cllr Raynor added: “We have made education a top priority and have matched this commitment with investment and additional funding. The success stories across our schools reflect a real team effort. “Swansea is fortunate to have many excellent headteachers and teachers, committed governors and of course a lot of credit must go to parents, carers and other family members for the support they give their children and to the schools they attend.”
Ambitious schools investment planned AMBITIOUS plans, amounting to almost £150m of further investment 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 Swansea’s most vulnerable young people, expand the number of places for pupils being taught through the medium of Welsh to meet growing demand and to further reduce a backlog in 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 in addition to the Council’s annual structural maintenance programme and earlier funding accessed from the WG – a total itself approaching £100m. The next phase of the programme covers the period from 2019 to 2024. As part of the delivery of the Council’s Welsh Education Strategic Plan, there are plans to further enhance accommodation and facilities at the existing secondary schools as well as for YGG Tan-
y-lan, YGG Tirdeunaw and YGG Pontybrenin pupils. Access to funding for appropriate feasibility, design and other site preparatory works and investigations could also support future investment to enhance educational provision in Penderry. A continuing programme of replacement and remodelling works would also improve accommodation and facilities at English-medium secondary schools. Works would be prioritised and phased to address those in the poorest condition.
SWANSEA has become one of the first local authorities in Wales to sign-up to a new code of practice on ethical employment in supply chains. The code was drawn up by the Welsh Government as part of the Wales-wide campaign to do away with issues like modern slavery, employment blacklisting and false selfemployment. The code of conduct is aimed at private sector businesses as well as public sector. Clive Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation and Business Operations, said: “By signing-up to the code we are sending out a clear message that we do not tolerate modern slavery and issues like employment blacklisting.”
Summer really will be blooming lovely FINISHING touches are being put to thousands of flowers that will brighten up Swansea this summer. Experts from Swansea Council’s parks service have been treating over 1,000 hanging baskets, 900 lamppost displays and 200 flower troughs with tender loving care in readiness for their delivery to businesses and residents alike. Proceeds from orders, worth more than £90,000, are being reinvested into council services.
Don’t get caught RESIDENTS are being warned to be on guard against scam artists attempting to trick people into buying iTunes vouchers and handing over the codes. Swansea Council Trading Standards is issuing the warning after receiving a call from a victim who was tricked into parting with £700 of iTunes vouchers after they received a ‘cold call’ from a scammer claiming to be from the HMRC.
Summer in Swansea 2018 Changing a Horses child’s world move praised
10
Swansea
Leader
EFFORTS to reduce the number of horses tethered on public land in Swansea have been praised by animal welfare groups and charities. Swansea Council has been working with the RSPCA Cymru, Friends of Swansea Horses (FOSH) and other agencies to reduce the numbers of tethered horses kept on public land. A recent inspection of the problem estimates there are fewer than 20 horses being kept at known hotspots across Swansea. The number has reduced from two years previously where checks highlighted more than 100 horses were being tethered. Following concerns by agencies including FOSH, the Council set up a Tethered Horses Scrutiny Working Group to look at what the Council does and give advice on how it could improve things and help reduce numbers. One of the outcomes was the creation of the Swansea Equine Forum, made up of several organisations. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “The formation of the forum and the opportunity to share information and talk to each other has helped all the organisations and agencies involved move forward together.”
Recycle your nappies
THE Council has introduced new nappy recycling facilities at all five of its recycling sites to enable parents to dispose of nappies and avoid putting them in black bag waste. The Council disposed of around 32,000 tonnes of black bag waste last year from domestic properties and about 10% of it is made up of disposable nappies. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “We want all households in the city to try and reduce the amount of black bag waste they produce by recycling more of their household waste. “The new recycling facilities at our sites now give parents an option to divert nappy waste from landfill.”
• FOSTERING: Serena and Sarah Jones say the role is about changing the world for one child at a time
SWANSEA Council is looking for more local people to consider fostering as an opportunity for them to give something back to their community. More foster carers are needed to provide safe and happy homes for children, particularly for older children and sibling groups. When many myths still exist about who can or can’t foster, Swansea Council are encouraging local residents to think about how it could transform their lives positively, as well as those of vulnerable children and young people. One myth surrounding foster care is that you can’t foster if you are LGBT+. Sarah and Serena Jones have been fostering with Foster Swansea for three years and Sarah says it’s transformed their lives and perceptions of what fostering is about.
Sarah said: “We were surprised to be recruited as foster carers at Swansea Pride in the Summer of 2014. I would have been nervous stepping forward for fear of rejection. We were wrong. We are wanted and we have a lot to give. “Children need a home where they are safe and happy - and we can give them that. She said: “One of the best things about fostering is you can change the world for one child. Foster care truly transforms lives, not just for the children but for the whole fostering family. “Don’t be afraid to come forward to foster, social services will talk through any concerns you have foster carers from all walks of life are needed.” • For more information contact Foster Swansea on 0300 555 0110 or visit www.fosterswansea.org
Our teams at the ready to keep beaches safe SOME of Gower’s favourite beaches will see RNLI lifeguards on patrol this summer for the tenth successive year. Since the May Day Bank Holiday weekend the charity’s lifeguards have been on patrol at Port Eynon Beach, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs Bay offering safety advice and assistance to beach goers. At Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Caswell Bay lifeguards will provide a safety service every day until September 2. Swansea Beach will also receive a daily service from June 30 to September 2. Beaches at Rhossili and Three Cliffs Bay are in Trip Advisor’s top 10 European beaches and Robert FrancisDavies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects said the awards along with the Blue Flag
leave only footprints on your visit VISITORS heading for the beach this summer are also being urged to do their bit to keep them clean by taking their rubbish home with them. Litter-picking and bin-emptying teams will be in place at Swansea beach, Caswell, Langland and Port Eynon every day during the summer period. But visitors need to play their part too. Although the tide can wash-in rubbish from the sea much of the waste comes from thoughtless visitors who don’t dispose of their rubbish thoughtfully. BBQ bins have been installed at Rotherslade Bay, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Swansea Beach near the 360 cafe, but visitors are urged to dispose of them at home rather than leave them on the beach where they can be a serious hazard to other users.
beaches showed why Gower is the jewel in Swansea’s crown. In addition to RNLI’s muchappreciated support, the council has also been working with the Cariad charity to put defibrillators in place at Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Knab Rock and Oystermount Castle. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies,
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “In Swansea, we’re lucky to have some of the best coastal scenery and coastal landmarks in the world so close at hand. “But it’s also important that people are able to enjoy our seaside and coastal attractions, safe in the
knowledge that there is life-saving support available when people need it. “That’s why we are so pleased to be working closely with the RNLI and Cariad on measures that help keep people save and could save lives in the future.” RNLI lifeguards have been patrolling Swansea’s most popular beaches since 2009 and Tom John of the RNLI said: ‘We encourage people thinking of a trip to the beach in the coming weeks and months to always visit a lifeguarded beach and anyone heading into the water should always respect the water and swim between the red and yellow flags. “Our lifeguards are fully trained in all aspects of beach safety so anyone with any queries should always approach a lifeguard, who will be more than willing to help or offer advice.”
Team approach tackles domestic abuse A NEW strategy has been unveiled to help ensure Swansea residents are safe, happy and healthy and live fear free from violence and abuse. It brings together Swansea Council and its partners in health, police and the third sector to help children and families experiencing domestic abuse or escalating relationship problems Gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence can include all kinds of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and can occur within all kinds of
relationships. In Swansea from July to September 2017 there were 537 reported domestic abuse-related violence against person offences across Swansea, which was a 14% increase for the same period in 2016. However much domestic abuse still goes unreported. The strategy sets out a partnership approach to prevention programmes and victim support, where early intervention and prevention will be a priority. Objectives include increasing awareness and
challenging attitudes towards violence and abuse while increasing awareness in children and young people of the importance of safe, equal and healthy relationships. The strategy also aims to place an increased focus on holding perpetrators to account and providing opportunities to change their behaviour based around victim safety. Professionals are to be trained to provide effective, timely and appropriate responses to victims.