Swansea Leader Winter 2018 by City and County of Swansea

Winter

Leader Issue 112

2018 inside

The newspaper of Swansea Council

your city: your paper

Copperopolis Full-steam ahead for Engine House plus

Page 4

• HERE IT IS, MERRY CHRISTMAS: Swansea star Kevin Johns will be proving there is nothing like a dame for a 20th year in a row at the Grand Theatre this festive season. You can join him. Details on page 3.

SWANSEA is shaping up to be one of Britain’s fastest-growing cities in the years ahead as the transformation gathers pace in 2019. By the end of next year Kingsway will have been turned into a people-friendly tree-lined urban park with two-way traffic and roomy pedestrian areas for passers-by to enjoy. Major construction work is also due to have started on the landmark digital arena and bridge over Oystermouth Road to provide an eye-catching pedestrian link from the city centre to the marina. By the time the arena is due to welcome top name stars on completion in 2020, a new retail, business and residential quarter will be taking shape as well as a city centre Digital Village for high-tech businesses.

my view

‘We’re picking up pace of city transformation in 2019’ “INNOVATIVE projects like BT’s InLinks in the city centre, which give fast, free wi-fi internet access, are just a tiny foretaste of the future. By focussing on digital, introducing residential and business opportunities at our city’s heart, we’ll be among a new wave of places like Bristol and Cambridge capitalising on new tech and new thinking.” - Cllr Rob Stewart

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said that the projects – some backed by £1.3bn City Deal money - will see the city join the leading pack of British locations being transformed for the 21st century digital age. He said: “There’s a lot of work to do, but we’ve made a great start. It’s not just a vision, it’s work that’s happening now and changes that will be

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coming through thick and fast in the next few years. “Kingsway’s transformation will link into the greening of Castle Square, the regeneration of the High Street area and the new residential, retail and visitor destination that includes the arena. “People will come here to work in business, shop, play and spend quality free time. Economic regeneration will help create or protect thousands of jobs not just here but across the City Region area. “Construction cranes have already been popping up around the city centre and there’s been a huge amount of interest in refurbishing or building new property for business and residential purposes.. “Swansea’s got a great future, we’ve already started and we’ll be picking up the pace of change next year.”

Education How we are investing in our children’s future pages 6 and 7

High 5 Adventure just beginning

• More on page 5

Calen Calendar Cale ndar da ailgylchu ailgylc chu

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www.abertawe.gov.uk/chwiliocasgliadau www.aber rtawe.gov.uk/chwiiliocasgliadau

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info

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Winter in Swansea 2018

useful numbers Leisure centres

Penlan 01792 588079 Morriston 01792 797082 Penyrheol 01792 897039 Cefn Hengoed 01792 798484 Pentrehafod 01792 641935 Bishopston Sports Centre 01792 235040

Activity centres making waves in holiday market

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

• BUSINESS SPLASH: Our activity centres are avaialable to the public via the council’s commercial team other organisations are much soughtBUSINESSES, commercial services making a difference after. The council’s reputation for householders and Among the range of Commercial Services on offer from Swansea providing high-quality public communities across Council are: services is echoed by the experience Swansea are taking • Building Control; external lighting design and maintenance; venue of those in the private sector who buy advantage of the council’s hire, including Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall and other civic buildings; our services. The range on offer is in-house team of experts business car parking contracts at council car parks; hanging basket also surprising.” to get their jobs done. sales; advertising at council events like the Wales Airshow. For example the council’s Gower Whether it’s company team• Find out more from sales@swansea.gov.uk or call 01792 633808. Outdoor Centres at Port Eynon and building time, tackling knotweed protect jobs and public services by to sponsor council vehicles, advertise Rhossili cater for holidaymakers and problems, hiring a venue or, indeed, bringing in extra income for the at council events or on buildings and businesses looking for teambuilding building something, the council’s got council. roundabouts and even adding a dash experiences. experts who can help out. But there’s more to it than that. He of colour to homes or shops with Damian James, Swansea Council’s Commercial Services – accessing said: “The commercial services team council-grown hanging baskets. Outdoor Activity Service Manager paid-for services from teams with have been operating for two or three Clive Lloyd, Cabinet Member for said: “Our courses offer a whole new huge experience in their fields – is a years now and what we’re finding is Business Transformation and angle on the amazing local landscape growing part of the council’s that the private services we offer to Performance, said council while, at the same time, providing activities. businesses, to householders and to commercial services were helping to courses that can transform lives.” Services also include opportunities

November 2018 - Jan January nuary 2019 019

01792 635600 Main council switchboard

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Glynn Vivian at Nig Night November 23 Novembe vember Glynn Vivian 01792 01792 516900

Christmas Market 16 November - 20 December Oxford Street, City Centre swanseachristmas com swanseachristmas.com

The Nutcracker 27 November Swansea Grand Theatre 01792 01792 475715

City Centre Grotto 17 November - 23 December Portland Street, City Centre swanseachristmas.com

Wreath-making Workshop 1 December Swansea Museum 01792 01792 653763

Santa’s Sant anta’s Time Travelling Travellin elling Adventure November 18 Novembe mber City Centre swanseachristmas.com swanseachristmas.co s.com

the Santa and th S he N Naughty Elf 2 & 9 December mb P Plantasia 01792 01792 474555 A Child’s Christmas in n Wales 14 1 4 December D Dylan Thomas Centre 01792 01792 463980

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Messiah Handel’s s Mess ssiah with Chamber The Cha mbe ber Orchestra of Wales s 16 December Dece cem mber Brangwyn Brang ngwyn Hall 01792 01792 475715 Candlelit A Candle elit Christmas 23 December Decem mber Brangwyn Brangwy n Hall 01792 01792 475715

swanseach swanseachristmas.com hristmas.com

01792 636000

Waterfront Winterland 16 November - 6 January Museum Park swanseachristmas.com

Winter in Swansea 2018

Swansea your guide to council meetings

Leader

• GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Not many sleeps to go before Santa, the star of the show, takes centre stage

AN AMAZING new event will kick-start Swansea’s Christmas celebrations later this month. The countdown to Christmas officially starts on November 18 in the city centre with an extravaganza of colour, music, dancing and the famous festive lights switch-on all under the gaze of Santa himself. This year he’ll be starring in his very own Time Travelling Adventure which visitors lining the route between Princess Way and the Kingsway will be able to enjoy at four show-stopper points along the way. Santa will be aided and abetted in

panto

It’s time to join our great Christmas countdown THE famous Grand Theatre panto is back this year with Cinderella, oh yes, it is! And the star having a ball will be our very own Kevin Johns, celebrating his 20th straight year as Swansea’s definitive dame. Tickets are already on sale and are selling like hot mulled wine. First night is on December 14 and the show goes on until January 13, 2019. For tickets go to www.swansea.gov.uk/cinderella2018

his adventures by dance and theatre troupes including Rising Stars Theatre Company, Mellin Theatre Arts and Dani Dee School of Dance. They’ll be accompanying floats boasting amazing new technology and special effects designed to transport onlookers to Christmases past, present and future. Crowds will start gathering from

4pm and at 5pm the procession will start out from Princess Way, Caer Street and College Street before reaching journey’s end on Kingsway. Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Innovation, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Swansea is rightly very proud of its festive countdown. It really is the curtainraiser for Christmas and this year’s

switch-on is going to be really good. “On top of that Waterfront Winterland including the Admiral Ice Rink with a clear roof is back on from November 16 until January 6 in its usual spot outside the National Waterfron Museum with great new rides and plenty of old favourites as well.” He added: “There’s lots of other treats planned for the festive countdown too including a city centre Christmas market in Oxford Street. “This is a vital time of year for retailers and visitors alike, so we are pulling out all the stops to make sure the city centre will be top of your shopping list for presents this year.”

Council diary markers WELCOME to your guide to Council meetings. Most meetings take place at the Guildhall, but please note you may be excluded from attending all or any part of a meeting. This list is correct at the time of going to press but if you are considering attending please call 01792 636000 before setting out to check the venue and time. You can also pick up agenda details by going to the Council website at http://bit.ly/councildiary

November 6 Planning Committee, 2pm November 7 Scrutiny Performance Panel, Development and Regeneration, 10am; People policy development committee, 4pm November 9 General Licensing Committee, 10am November 12 Scrutiny Programme Committee, 4.30pm November 13 Education and Skills policy development committee, 4pm November 15 Cabinet, 10am; Scrutiny Performance Panel, Schools, 4pm November 20 Scrutiny Performance Panel, Adult Services, 3.30pm November 22 Council, 5pm December 4 Planning Committee, 2pm December 5 Scrutiny Performance Panel, Public Services Board, 10am December 10 Scrutiny Programme Committee, 4.30pm December 11 Scrutiny Performance Panel, Adult Services, 4pm; Scrutiny Performance Panel, Schools, 4pm December 12 Education and Skills policy development committee, 4pm December 13 Economy and Infrastructure Policy Development Committee, 2pm December 14 General Licensing Committee, 10am December 18 Scrutiny Performance Panel, Child and Family Services, 4pm December 20 Cabinet, 10am; Council, 5pm

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Income boosts services A SIGNIFICANT new property investment acquisition by Swansea Council is to help it deliver top class services over the coming years. The council has bought two city centre multi-storey car park leasing investments – and will now collect rent from the tenant for at least the next 19 years. NCP, the UK’s biggest car park operator, is committed to long term leases and will continue to operate and maintain the premises in Orchard Street and The Kingsway. Both Kingsway and Orchard Street car parks are significant city centre assets providing 328 and 512 car parking spaces respectively. The council’s fresh stream of income from the new occupational lease will provide an attractive return on investment. The deal also ensures the council can continue to collect ground rents from NCP. Clive Lloyd, the council’s cabinet member Business Transformation and Performance, said: “We already own the freehold on these NCP sites; now we’ll get a better return which equates to a net return of 7%. As the rental streams are linked to a combination of compounded and Retail Prices Index (RPI) increases, there is also guaranteed rental growth.”

Chapel’s prayer RESIDENTS of an historic Swansea community are being urged to help secure a lively future for one of Wales’ most celebrated buildings. A plan is being drawn up to revitalise the 146-year-old Morriston Tabernacle – and local residents will play a key role in shaping it. The building is in the heart of Morriston and is one of only two Swansea structures with a Grade I listing, an official rating applied only to buildings of exceptional interest. The other building is the Guildhall. For more information about how to get involved in revitalising the building email: Jacqualyn.Box@swansea.gov.u k, or phone 07827 307968.

Winter in Swansea 2018

Historic restoration is an engine for change

• BACK TO THE FUTURE: Restoration is playing a part in a unique regeneration of the Hafod Morfa Copperworks SWANSEA’S status as a city on the up is developing as business confidence grows. As our stunning city centre transformation takes shape there are significant positive noises from a number of high-profile commercial sources. Swansea Business Club’s business barometer survey showed that the majority of its members predict that they will be performing better in the near future than in recent times. Fresh market data from commercial property specialists Lambert Smith Hampton points to the increasing appeal of the city centre as a business location, with the ongoing regeneration of High Street proving a

engine house

CONSERVATION specialists have started crucial restoration work to preserve one of Swansea's most iconic former industrial buildings. Personnel from the city's John Weaver Contractors have set up site around the Musgrave Engine House on the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks complex. The project, led by Swansea Council, involves Swansea University and volunteers from the friends of the Hafod Morfa Copperworks. Funded by the council, Cadw and the Heritage Lottery Fund, it will see around £330,000 spent on the site.

major factor. Russell Greenslade, chief executive of Swansea Business Improvement District, said: "This is one of the most important chapters of Swansea city centre's history. We are all looking forward to seeing it take shape during which time the city centre is very much open for business as usual."

Council leader Rob Stewart said: "All this positive energy shows Swansea is building for a bright future. Our streets bustling with building activity proves the city means business." Optimism is also rising on the back of regeneration such as the rebirth of the Tawe riverside area. Penderyn

Whisky is poised to set up a distillery and visitor centre on the site of the historic Hafod Copperworks and New Zealand-based Skyline plans to bring an adrenalin-sports attraction to Kilvey Hill. In Morriston, a project is gathering pace to bring fresh community life to the historic Tabernacle. A new SA1 campus has opened for the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Swansea University has risen to its highest ever position in the prestigious Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019, winning the Welsh University of the Year title for the second time in three years. More: www.swansea.gov.uk/regenerationplans

Roadworks are lifted for Christmas rush SHOPPERS looking for great gift ideas will have the boost of a clear Kingsway this Christmas. Roadworks that are transforming the city centre main road with a £12m regeneration programme will be cleared of construction apparatus for around two months. Access will be safe for pedestrians, motorists,

public transport and commercial traffic. Mark Thomas, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure management, said: “Make no bones about it: Swansea will be open for Christmas “As everybody knows, the Kingsway infrastructure project is a substantial, complex project; it’s right that

we plan and communicate well ahead for everybody who wants to enjoy a busy festive period in our city centre.” Russell Greenslade, chief executive of Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Shoppers and traders will be delighted to have a Kingsway free of roadworks for this crucial part of the year.”

Winter in Swansea 2018

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Take a seat and pause for thought PARK benches commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War are popping up all over Swansea. A total of nine benches have been transformed into colourful and poignant reminders of WW1, featuring images of soldiers and poppies as well as lines from war poems written by local poets. The public can see and sit on the benches in Cwmdonkin Park, Brynmill Park, the Guildhall and at the Cenotaph. A further nine benches have been commissioned for other parts of the city. A local art group called Fresh Murals Co has been commissioned by Swansea Council to complete the artwork. The centenary of the end of World War I takes place on Sunday, November 11.

Sprinklers aim to reassure tenants • WOW FACTOR: The arena’s digital skin will be the first of its kind on a venue in the UK

Image by iCreate

Exciting times ahead as arena takes shape PLANS for a unique 3,500capacity indoor arena are set to take off in the coming months as part of the plans to regenerate Swansea city centre. Full planning permission has been granted for the £120m Swansea Central Phase One scheme that aims to bring the arena, a landmark pedestrian bridge, new homes and premises for retail, food and drink. It’ll help transform the city centre economy in the years ahead and with it the wider Swansea Bay economy. Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the arena will bring a wow-factor to the city centre because it’ll be the first venue of its kind in the UK to be wrapped in a dynamic

public space at heart of the plans Swansea Central Phase One will bring more than 20,000sqm of public space to the city. It includes new parkland – with parking underneath. It will be inspired by Swansea’s coastal landscape and will be the first new park in the city since Victorian times. It will be bigger than a football pitch and will support city living. Funding is due to be provided by the City Deal and the Council’s own future capital programme once both are approved.

digital skin. “It will be a unique draw for Swansea, will generate hundreds of new jobs and a significant annual boost to the local economy,” he said. “It will help us attract more hotels, retailers, restaurants and other leisure offerings.” Cllr Stewart said: “The Kingsway and neighbouring roads are already being transformed into a fabulous,

people-friendly environment and further planning applications will be submitted for that area’s digital district – this will be a perfect environment for tech companies to grow. “Swansea has always had great people who make this place unique it has always been a very special place. Now we are giving it a oncein-a-lifetime lift; Swansea Central

Phase One and other major projects will truly transform our wonderful city and further strengthen our great sense of civic pride.” They will deliver a dramatic, innovative and hi-tech new look for a huge area of land between the core shopping district and the Marina. The scheme will be built over the next two years either side of Oystermouth Road – on the LC car park and St Mary’s car park. It will border buildings such as Tesco, St David's Church and the LC. You can see the detailed plans on the web page – www.bit.ly/SxCentralPh1. A dramatic animated fly-through, by Swansea firm iCreate, can be seen online – www.bit.ly/SCPh1Flythrough

Riverside visitors urged to take care A SERIES of measures aimed at further improving water safety around the River Tawe and Swansea Marina have been introduced including GPS mapping of rescue equipment in the area to help with any rescue response. Swansea Council has also re-assessed rescue aids in the Marina and River Tawe areas to ensure they are suitable, well positioned and clearly visible. It has also added signs highlighting a phone number people can call if they notice any are

missing or have been vandalised. In a bid to speed up response times GPS coordinates have been taken of each lifebelt and an online mapping system has been created. Information has been shared between all emergency services so rapid responders will know exactly where to go if the caller gives the co-ordinates. Additional water safety signs have been erected in the area and as well as including a location reference code, they each have the UK and

European emergency numbers. Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Innovation, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “In Swansea we have a developing and successful waterfront area around the marina and SA1 as well as award winning beaches and we are playing our part in keeping people safe around water. “We are doing all we can but I would urge people to behave responsibly and not put themselves at risk.”

WORK to install sprinkler systems in high rise flats is continuing in Swansea. Swansea Council launched a £1.5m programme earlier this year to ensure all of its highrise flats were fitted with the equipment. The Council owns 11 high rise tower blocks and has just finished installing sprinklers at Jeffrey’s Court in Penlan. Work is now underway at the two blocks at Matthew Street in Dyfatty. Once completed, the installation teams will move on to Clyne Court in Sketty. Residents have been praised for their cooperation during the installation process.

Cooking up heap of home improvement MULTI-MILLION pound plans to continue upgrading kitchens and bathrooms in council properties across Swansea have been approved. In the last five years 742 properties have had new kitchens and 1066 properties have had new bathrooms. The works are part of the Council’s aims to bring all council homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) by 2020.

Blast from the past OLDER people at day centres and residential homes in Swansea have been recalling their experience of the Queen’s Coronation thanks to a virtual reality film recreating sights and sounds of the event 65 years ago. The users of Swansea Council’s Adult Services have been using special VR headsets to watch a film called ‘The Way Back’ which documents street parties up and down the land.

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School’s earning praise A PRIMARY school that has undergone a £2.7m upgrade has been praised across the board by Welsh Government appointed school inspectors. Pentre’r Graig Primary School in Morriston was described as “inclusive and caring” where pupils’ wellbeing is placed at the centre of its work. It adds: “Teaching is good and the curriculum provides a broad and balanced range of learning opportunities. “Over time, the school has developed strong relationships with parents and provides families with very effective support. “This has helped to create a strong sense of community, of which pupils, staff, parents and governors are very proud to be a part.” Swansea Council and the Welsh Government invested £2.7m in facilities as part of the 21st Century Schools Programme.

Playing your part

Winter in Swansea 2018

Investing in our future

• BRIGHT SPARKS: Pupils from Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive are already benefiting from school investment.

AMBITIOUS plans, amounting to almost £150m of new investment in school buildings in Swansea over the coming years, are making progress. The money will be used to PARENTS are being given the transform education provision for chance to become school some of Swansea’s most vulnerable governors in a council-backed young people, expand the number of recruitment drive. places for pupils being taught through Applicants are welcome to the medium of Welsh to meet growing contact the School and demand and further reduce a backlog Governor Team on 01792 636551 or 01792 636552 for an in school structural maintenance and repairs. informal discussion. The plans have been submitted to Application forms and more the Welsh Government under the next details about the role can be funding band of the 21st Century found online at www.swansea.gov.uk/schoolgo Schools programme. This will build on the considerable vernors

in my view

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 thanks to our investment. “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.”

impact so far of the Band A programme which by March next year will have invested millions of pounds in school facilities in addition to the Council’s annual structural maintenance programme and earlier funding accessed from the Welsh Government. The next phase of the programme covers the period from 2019 to the middle of the next decade. Already agreed is a new centre at

Cockett to replace existing and outdated accommodation which is used by the Pupil Referral Unit currently at various locations across the city. A continuing programme of replacement and remodelling works will also improve accommodation and facilities at English-medium secondary schools. Works are being be prioritised and phased to address those areas

within secondary schools in the poorest condition. Capital investment will be similarly sought to further address condition and suitability needs across Englishmedium primary schools, again prioritised to reflect the scale of funding available. Access to funding for appropriate feasibility, design and other site preparatory works and investigations could also support future investment to enhance educational provision in the broad Penderry area, reflecting the scale of potential new housing developments. Any formal proposals will be subject to further agreement with the Welsh Government and, where required, statutory consultations so people can have their say.

Winter in Swansea 2018

Swansea

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Apprentice scheme wins top award BOLD steps to help develop a new generation of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plasterers and bricklayers has helped Swansea Council win a top UK award. The council’s approach to investing in a new generation of skilled craftspeople helped it scoop a coveted UK APSE award for its efforts. APSE, the Association for Public Service Excellence, runs annual awards designed to promote and celebrate local authorities who go the extra mile to provide great public services for local residents. Swansea Council’s Corporate Building Services team won the Best Workforce Initiative Award, partly for its sustainable apprenticeship programme which has taken on 193 apprentices over the past 15 years.

Primary school is top of the class • GAME ON: A new 3G pitch at Pentrehafod Comprehensive is just one benefit of the £15.1m refurbishment

Pupils inspired by their new-look environment A £15.1m scheme to transform a comprehensive school in Swansea is nearing completion. Tremendous progress has been made on the major refurbishment project at Pentrehafod Secondary School and is on track to be completed by the end of the year. The investment by Swansea Council and the Welsh Government has seen the school buildings brought up to modern standards under the council’s 21st Century Schools programme. The work has been carried out in a phased approach by contractors Morgan Sindall in a bid to keep disruption to a minimum. A major change has seen all the school buildings linked up so pupils and teachers can now move around

upgrade is pitch perfect IN ADDITION to the main works which have been carried out at the school, a 3G all-weather sports pitch is also planned at Pentrehafod that will increase opportunities for girls’ and boys’ sports teams. The planning application has been submitted and subject to that being approved, it is expected that the pitch could be laid in the first half of next year. Just like the 3G pitches that were opened by Swansea Council at Morriston and Penyrheol Comprehensive schools in 2017 and the one planned for Olchfa School, it will be available for use by the wider community.

Pentrehafod completely under cover and no longer have to run from building to building in bad weather. The school also boasts a much improved front atrium and car park area and is starting to see the full benefit of having an opened-up central courtyard which has been achieved by removing the old and shabby demountables which took up the vast majority of space. New art rooms, a wide range of

general teaching spaces, dedicated ICT rooms, breakout spaces, group rooms, new reception, upgraded hall spaces, and new library as well as a vastly improved teaching kitchen are just a few of the new areas the school is now benefiting from. The final phase of the project, which is well underway, will provide ta state-of-the-art science wing. Landscaping works will also be undertaken.

Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Life-long Learning, said: “More than £100m has been invested in Swansea to date thanks to our 21st Century Schools programme, annual structural maintenance programme and earlier funding supported by the Welsh Government, benefitting thousands of current pupils and many thousand more in the years to come. “Pentrehafod has been a particularly complex project as the transformation has been taking place while pupils and staff remain on site but now we are approaching the completion, I think everyone will agree it has all been worthwhile. “I am really looking forward to seeing the finished project. Pupils are enjoying a new environment that I’m sure is already an inspiration.”

Grant helps pupils get on their bikes SCHOOLS in Swansea are set to benefit from a £2 million grant that’s been awarded to Swansea Council. At a recent Cabinet meeting councillors approved a number of projects aimed at boosting cycling opportunities across the city.

The Council successfully bid for £2,068,000 to help fund the expansion of its existing cycle network and help boost the number of people cycling by creating new cycle and walking paths. Many of the cycle routes will travel alongside local schools and the Council is planning to contact

schools to look at how more pupils can choose cycling and scootering to get to and from school. The funding has been secured from the Welsh Government through its Active Travel Fund (ATF) – where a total of £60 million is available to councils in Wales over the next three years.

PUPILS at Pontarddulais Primary School are proud of their school and so they should be, according to inspectors from Estyn. A team visiting the school found children show high levels of engagement during lessons and make good progress as they move through school. Among the many areas praised was the support given to pupils with additional learning needs. Overall Pontarddulais Primary was rated good in all five inspection areas standards; wellbeing and attitudes to learning; teaching and learning experiences; care, support and guidance plus leadership and management.

Funding boost for Flying Start children ALMOST £40k has been secured to further improve preschool services for young children in some of the most deprived areas of Swansea. Swansea Council has successfully applied to the Welsh Government for capital grants for the work at Flying Start centres in the city. It is being used upgrade specialist equipment for children with additional needs.

Grand night out FOUR outstanding Swansea schools took pride of place at an evening celebrating the very best in education in Wales. Cwmrhydyceirw and Craigfelen primary schools and Bishopston and Olchfa comprehensives were asked to attend Estyn’s annual awards event last month. Estyn is responsible for monitoring education standards.

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Building a new future PREPARATOPNS are underway to develop a masterplan for a housing estate in Swansea in a bid to improve the environment and homes for the residents. Swansea Council is in the early stages of developing a scheme in Penlan as part of wider aims of meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS). Earlier this year, residents of the Tudno and Emrys housing estate were informed of the intention to develop a masterplan for wider improvements in the area. Now the Council has enlisted the help of survey teams to carry out a series of site visits where ground investigations and other surveys of the area will be completed. The work will help inform the masterplan which the Council intends to put out to tender later this year. Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Homes and Energy, said: “The area is in need of a plan which will provide tenants with good quality, energy efficient housing. “We are in the early stages and residents, along with ward members, will play their part in deciding what happens. We will be making sure they are involved throughout the process.”

Sir Karl’s honour SIR Karl Jenkins, Wales' greatest living composer, has today received the highest honour his home city of Swansea can bestow. The Penclawdd-born musician, who is one of the most performed artists in the world today, has been granted Honorary Freedom of Swansea during a ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall. Sir Karl follows in the footsteps of former US President Jimmy Carter, Euro 2016 Wales football manager Chris Coleman, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and armed forces units with links to the city including The Welsh Guards, HMS Scott and 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, in receiving the honour.

Winter in Swansea 2018

Students help our city to get recycling sorted

STUDENTS in Swansea are snapping up hundreds of recycling bags in a bid to reduce how much waste is being sent to landfill. Thousands of students have now returned to the city and the council is working with them to boost recycling targets. The recycling drive is part of the Council's 'Get it Sorted' campaign which aims to get students on board with the city's kerbside recycling services. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Management, said: "The campaign has been a huge success. From the feedback we have had, students

in my view

MARK Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Management, added: "Like all parts of the city, our collection crews will not pick up bags if either the wrong materials are in the bags or if the wrong colour bags are put out. During the recent exercise we expected some students to not get it quite right. They have only just move to the city and are getting used to how different services operate. "Most we spoke to made genuine mistakes and I'm confident this will be rectified during the following weeks and months.

clearly want to do the right thing and recycle their waste. They have been queuing up to collect all they need for their home and I'm delighted they are getting on board." Two second year students, Amber Shanahan and David Adekeye, both 19, are keen that everyone does their bit. Amber said: "We recycled our

waste during our first year while in halls. It was easy because everything was provided. Now we are living off campus we need to be more aware of collection days and make sure we have all the different colour bags. "I feel that it's ignorant for people not to recycle. It's our planet and we need to take care of it.

David added: "It makes sense to get on board and recycle our household waste. We just need to make sure we have correct bags and bins where we are living." More than 1,500 recycling packs have already been delivered to rented properties in the city where students have moved in. The packs provide information on what materials go in the different colour bags and also lets students know what day their collections are. Recycling officers also carried out a door knocking exercise in Uplands and Brynmill after the first collection took place. Officers targeted properties where bags had not been collected.

Foster Swansea inspection report praised SWANSEA Council's fostering service is well managed and its staff are enthusiastic and motivated to make a real difference for looked after children, inspectors have found. They also praised the many committed foster carers who welcome young people into their homes and provide a caring and nurturing environment.

Care Inspectorate Wales' report on Foster Swansea also highlights many examples of where they have changed young peoples' lives, helping them to achieve at school, develop new interests and skills and even continuing that support when they leave for university. Foster carers spoke positively about the

supervision and support they received from Foster Swansea while inspectors said children experience well-being and a sense of achievement because of the opportunities they are able to access. Inspectors noted there had been a significant rise in children requiring placements but that Foster Swansea was expanding to manage this.

Winter in Swansea 2018

Swansea

Leader

news

digest

Gallery in running for top UK award THE spectacular transformation of a Swansea arts treasure is in the running for a national award. The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is shortlisted in this year’s Heritage Angels Awards that celebrates people who make a difference to Wales’s heritage. It is shortlisted in a category titled best major regeneration of an historic building or place for projects in excess of £5m. The city centre cultural gem reopened two years years ago after its £9m overhaul. It is now attracting thousands of visitors old and new. Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “It’s thrilling for our city to have the gallery shortlisted for this award.” The gallery will know if it’s won later this month.

Hedgerows ready for extra TLC • AT YOUR SERVICE: Local Area Co-ordinator team leader Jon Franklin and his colleagues are ready to lend a hand in communities across the city

Independent living at heart of our care plans WORK will be starting in the coming months on reshaping council-operated social care services for older people to ensure those most in need of care get the support they need in the years ahead. Following a two-year review of social care services and 12 weeks of consultation with city residents, the council will be getting started on changes which will see it focus on providing support for those with the most complex needs, and providing short term reablement and respite support. Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said the changes will be introduced gradually over time but the overall aim is to help people to live independently at home for longer.

how our co-ordinators make a difference PART of the council’s drive to support older people and vulnerable adults includes the creation of a network of Local Area Coordinators who work in communities providing help for those who, for example, feel vulnerable because they’re living on their own or have just gone through a change in their lives. Swansea was the first local authority in Wales to introduce the initiative in 2015 and it’s now operating in ten areas of the city with more to follow. Cllr Child said: “Local Area Coordination enables communities to work together to tackle isolation and loneliness and build on the strengths, passions, and interests of local people to improve the quality of life of everyone.” To find out more about it go to www.swansea.gov.uk/localareacoordinationfaqs

He said: “Our review found that we are in a better position than anyone to provide care for those with the most complex needs. The independent sector has difficulty meeting demand from people needing respite care, leaving hospital or struggling in the community.

“But our reablement services like the one at Bonymaen House are perfectly placed because they have experienced well-trained staff, good facilities and a really strong commitment to supporting older people and their carers at times when they need help most.

“Reablement and respite care makes it possible for people to be given the help they need on a shortterm basis so they can return to their own homes afterwards which is what the overwhelming majority want.” Cllr Child added: “Our commitment to the people of Swansea is that we will continue to provide or commission support that is appropriate to the needs of the individual. The days when one size fits all in social care are at an end and that has to be good news.” The changes are the next steps in the process of transforming adult social care in Swansea that aims to make services more sustainable in the future as well as fit for the 21st century. The changes tie-in with Welsh Government statutory guidance under the 2016 Social Services and Wellbeing Act.

Award-winning garden nurturing hope A PROJECT that saw people from all walks of life join forces to transform the gardens at a day centre in Swansea has been praised at a national awards ceremony. The initiative at St John’s Day Service brought together residents with dementia and marginalised

groups, including adults with a learning disability and people from homeless, drug and alcohol charities, along with other volunteers including a team from Principality Building Society, for a DIY SOS-style challenge. They all pitched in to clear overgrowth and paths,

plant flowers and shrubs, install an outdoor seating area and made and put up bird boxes at the centre in Cwmbwrla. The project was highly commended in the biennial Accolades organised by Social Care Wales to celebrate and share excellent practice in social work, social care, early years and childcare.

HUNDREDS of kilometres of hedgerow stretching across Gower are to be better managed after a funding boost to Swansea Council. The Council has received a £40,000 grant from Natural Resources Wales which will be match funded by the Council and used to develop a ‘Gower Hedgerow Hub’. The hub will include the Council and National Trust, along with the West Gower Ploughing and Hedgelaying Society, landowners and farmers, looking at how to maintain hedgerows and keep them healthy. Hedgerows are a haven for insect, animal and bird life and are integral to the look and feel of Gower AONB.

Electronic displays a sign of bus times NEW electronic bus timetable displays have been installed at key sites in Swansea to keep passengers on the move. Swansea Council set up a dozen of the new electronic timetable displays, providing information about bus arrivals and departures across the city. Sites include Gorseinon Bus Station, Gower College Tycoch Campus, Fabian Way Park and Ride and Singleton Hospital.

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.

Swansea

Leader

Winter in Swansea 2018

where cash comes from

Budgeting for vital services Council tax goes long way THREE-QUARTERS of funding for council services in Swansea comes from the Welsh Government. Around £114m a year is raised through the council tax which, on its own, is just about what it costs to fund social services for vulnerable children and adults. Apart from education and social care the council supports scores of other vital services valued by the people of the city. This includes bin collections, road maintenance and litter collectio and funding for economic development and job creation housing, parks, leisure services, street lighting, trading standards. It also works with local partner organisations in areas such as preventing poverty, supporting families and events like the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k and the Wales Airshow.

• AT YOUR SERVICE: Vital services like pothole repairs make a difference in communities across the city RESIDENTS across Swansea will next month be given the chance to have their say on council spending plans for more than £430m over the coming financial year. Last year thousands of local people including council staff and young people took the opportunity to speak up about how the council intended to spend its budget. Consultation on budget proposals are due to begin next month after Cabinet has considered proposals for the way ahead. A final decision will be taken early next year after people’s views have been taken into account. Since April this year the council has been spending an average £1.6m a day (including housing) providing services which touch lives in every street in the city. The lion’s share of the money is being spent on education and social services and Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said: “We are doing more with less and we’re able to do this because the council is becoming smarter, leaner and more efficient. “We’ve made millions of pounds of savings on management and back office costs. We’ve automated services so more

often people can do business with us when they want rather than when we can. “The austerity agenda set by central Government in Westminster has had a huge impact on local government services in Swansea and across Wales. Reduced funding has forced us to reduce budgets but we will continue to do all we can to protect frontline services.” He added: “These are difficult times for local government. Most of the spending pressures such as pay awards and inflation are out of our control. We’ve delivered £70m of savings over the last four years. “But on current projections we’ll need another £70m in the next few years unless the Westminster Government changes tack on its austerity agenda. It is a very challenging situation in Swansea and across Wales.” He said that over the last few years thousands of residents had spoken-up in the budget consultation process and their contribution had strengthened the final proposals voted on by Full Council. Cllr Stewart said: “The consultation process helped the council ensure the priorities of the people of Swansea were our priorities as well.”

Roads benefited from £1.4m boost THE council received more than 1,000 responses and petitions about its proposals for the current year’s budget. It also staged a consultation session with 80 pupils from city schools to get their views on a range of issues.

Among the decisions agreed by Council was £1.4m extra highways funding partly used to upgrade Fabian Way and the M4 roundabout at Ynysforgan. An extra £3.5m was earmarked to help offset increased funding pressure on schools.

Swansea 11

Winter in Swansea 2018 Leon Britton Ambassador Award (up to 13)

Teejay Davies

Leon Britton Ambassador Award (14-19)

Leader

Adventure just starting for our High 5 winners

Skye Edgecombe

Up to 13: Personal Achievement

Katie Wilkins 14 to 19: Personal Achievement

Mollie Williams

20-25: Personal Achievement

Daniel Barnett

• GROUP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: This year the award went to the Diamond Project 14-19: Inspirational Award

Chloe Houlton 20-25: Inspirational Award

Aaron Cope Up to 13: Education Achievement

Bradley Guard

YOUNG people who have succeeded against the odds to make things better for those around them are looking forward to reaping the benefits of their High 5 awards. Leon Britton, Swans star and High 5 Ambassador, paid tribute to their inspirational achievements at the annual awards ceremony at the Liberty Stadium. Now the winners are looking forward to a range of prizes tailored for each of them to encourage them to continue to realise their ambitions. Teenage fundraiser Skye Edgecombe, who overcame leukaemia two years ago and is now an ambassador for the charity LATCH and a prolific fundraiser in her community collected one of two Leon Britton Ambassador awards. And this year’s Group Award winner was the Diamond Project, a group of children who have overcome barriers to education and are seizing

opportunities to realise their potential in collaboration with Swansea University. Leon said: “We are enormously grateful to all the nominators for sharing such amazing stories of children and young people who individually or as part of a group or class have worked so hard. “It’s truly humbling to hear how they are making the best of their lives or making life better for others despite challenges in their way “It’s only right that once again this year everyone nominated will have a High 5 certificate and those who did not quite make the finalists’ list are recognised with an award for being Highly Commended.” The awards attracted nominations for around 400 young people as individuals or as part of groups. Phil Roberts, Chief Executive at Swansea Council, said: "The High 5 awards have become a fixture of the Swansea calendar because their stories speak of determination, ambition and

values we can all aspire to.” The High 5 Awards are organised by Swansea Council, sponsored by Gower College Swansea, and supported by Swansea City FC, Rotary Club of Swansea, Swansea Building Society, Swansea Lord Mayor's Office, Stenor Environmental Services Ltd, Day's Rental, Swansea Council Recycling Team, , McDonalds, Gower Activity Centres, Magic Brands Corporation (Denny’s), BAKO Wales, W.G. Davies, Oldwalls Collection and A2Z of Motoring. Prize donations were received from Stenor Environmental Services Ltd, McDonalds, Gower Activity Centres, Magic Brands Corporation (Denny’s), BAKO Wales, W.G. Davies, Oldwalls Collection, Gower Fudge, Skidz Karting Ltd, Joe’s Ice Cream, Cinema & Co, LC2, Enjoy Swansea Bay, The Village Hotel, Laserzone, Buy a Gift, Stradey Park Hotel, Mellin Theatre Arts, Swansea City FC and The SUP HUT.

The Peter Snadden award for continuous learning and improvement

Community Group Award

Ambassador Group Award

Abdulla Mohammed Khorsand

Young Adult Carers (YCA)

Bethan Morgan Sarah Jones

Recycling and waste collections 2019

Casgliadau ailgylchu a gwastraff 2019

Which calendar should I use?

Pa galendr ddylwn i ei ddefnyddio?

Check the number in the top right corner of your 2018 calendar and replace it with the same numbered calendar from the opposite page.

Gwiriwch y rhif yng nghornel dde uchaf calendar 2018 a’i newid gyda’r calendr â’r un rhif o’r dudalen gyferbyn.

What if I don’t have a calendar to check?

Beth os nad oes gen i galendr i’w wirio?

• Use our online collection search at: www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingsearch

• Defnyddiwch ein teclyn chwilio ar-lein yn: www.abertawe.gov.uk/chwiliogasgliadau

• Contact us to find out: recycling@swansea.gov.uk 01792 635600

• Cysylltwch â ni i gael gwybod: ailgylchu.ucc@abertawe.gov.uk 01792 635600

For helpful advice and information on recycling and waste in Swansea follow us at: @recycle4swansea www.facebook.com/recycleforswansea

Dilynwch ni

Ar gyfer cyngor a gwybodaeth ddefnyddiol ynghylch ailgylchu a gwastraff yn Abertawe, dilynwch ni yn: @ailgylchutawe www.facebook.com/ailgylchutawe

hand available for bargain prices! goods Quality second What will ﬁnd? New stock daily. you HiFis CD’s • TVs • DVD’s, & & Vinyl • Electrical & Outdoor appliances • Garden Equipment • Furniture • Sports Much • Home More! accessories • Much,

www.swansea.gov.uk/reuseshop

aillaw Nwyddau Stoc ar gael am brisiau rhad! o safon newydd dydd. chi'n ei ddarganfod? Beth bob fyddwch

Open 7 days: 9:30 4:30 Llansamlet Ferryboat Recycling Centre, • Se%au Teledu • DVD’s, CDs a Finyl Close, Swansea Enterprise Park Nwyddau allan a’r • Trydanol • Tu Gardd Chwaraeon • Dodrefn • Oﬀer Agor 7 diwrnod: 9:30 4:30 Cartref Llawer Mwy! • Nwyddau • Llawer, Canolfan Llansamlet, Clos Ailgylchu Ferryboat, www.abertawe.gov.uk/siopailddefnyddio Menter Parc Abertawe

Make sure you select the correctly numbered calendar! (See opposite page) Sicrhewch eich bod yn dewis y calendr rhif cywir! (Gweler y dudalen gyferbyn)

Recycling and waste collections 2019 Casgliadau ailgylchu a gwastraff 2019

Paper & Card Papur a Cherdyn

Glass & Cans Gwydr a Chaniau

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

Recycling and waste collections 2019 Casgliadau ailgylchu a gwastraff 2019

Garden Waste Gwastraff Gardd

Paper & Card Papur a Cherdyn

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

January Ionawr M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S 2 9 16 23 30

Garden Waste Gwastraff Gardd

GREEN WEEK / WYTHNOS WERDD

Non-recyclables Gwastraff arall

Plastic Plastig

PINK WEEK / WYTHNOS BINC

1 8 15 22 29

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

GREEN WEEK / WYTHNOS WERDD

Plastic Plastig

7 14 21 28

Glass & Cans Gwydr a Chaniau

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

Food Waste Gwastraff Bwyd

Non-recyclables Gwastraff arall

PINK WEEK / WYTHNOS BINC

February Chwefror

March Mawrth

January Ionawr

February Chwefror

March Mawrth

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

April Ebrill

May Mai

June Mehefin

April Ebrill

May Mai

June Mehefin

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

July Gorffennaf

August Awst

September Medi

July Gorffennaf

August Awst

September Medi

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

1 8 15 22 29

5 12 19 26

2 9 16 23 30

1 8 15 22 29

5 12 19 26

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

October Hydref

November Tachwedd

December Rhagfyr

October Hydref

November Tachwedd

December Rhagfyr

M T W Th Fr Sa Su Ll M M I G S S

2 9 16 23 30

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29