Torfaen Talks August 2013

www.torfaen.gov.uk

#torfaentalks

01495 762200

TORFAENTalks A Heart Borough

Your Community Newspaper

August 2013 – Awst 2013

Sea change for services?

Inside »

£40million of cuts forecast over next four years £1 0 TO MILL NE BE ION XT CU YE T AR

After the UK government’s spending review confirmed local government will be hit hard, Torfaen council has started preparation for the significant impact of budget cuts on its services.

Torfaen council’s cabinet has already considered a report focussing on the next four years that highlights the impact of predicted budget reductions, demand on services and changes to the law.

Over the past five years, the council has delivered savings of more than £33million and is predicting it requires savings of at least a further £40million over the next four years.

The total savings will depend on the financial settlement from Welsh Government, but councils across Wales have been warned of an ‘unprecedented’ challenge to local government finance.

Recently, Welsh councils were advised by local government minister Lesley Griffiths to start preparing for the challenges ahead by planning their services and finances around the reality of significantly less money.

The WLGA has warned councils to expect the budget cuts to continue until at least 2020/21, as the squeeze on public finances and austerity continues.

(Continued on page three)

Cuts

Council forecast to make £40million of reductions to services over four years based on assumptions and predicted demand

The council’s revenue budget is

£172million

Scrum together for Pontypool appeal see page 2

There are also rising energy costs, impacts of the welfare reforms, less money from Welsh Government and inflation.

Camel Back bike track opens in Blaenavon

£26million

see page 7

for benefits, fees and charges that the council has limited ability to change

£96million

Athletics track has licence reinstated see page 11

currently for social care and schools

Summer scenes from around Torfaen events see page 16

NEWS IN BRIEF Support is available to help you manage finances If you need help managing your finances, are at risk of losing your home or have issues that mean you require some extra support, help is available. Torfaen Floating Support can help by providing specialist advice and support to get you back on track.

For more information, contact Torfaen Voluntary Alliance on 01495 742463 and ask to speak to an assessment officer.

Brass memorial plaques available at Llwyncelyn Torfaen council now offers brass memorial plaques on selected benches in Llwyncelyn cemetery and in some parks and open spaces. Spaces are subject to availability and there is a one-off cost of £150. For more information, call 01633 871786.

Plenty planned for family fun afternoon at PILCS A family fun afternoon and fete will be held on Saturday 17 August at PILCS in New Inn. Starting at 1pm, it will include a bouncy castle, bucking bronco, water walkers, races, displays from local sports clubs, tug of war, face painting and stalls. For more information, call 07540 860087.

Black bin delivery helps tackle shortage in Torfaen Torfaen council has received a delivery of hundreds of black bins after a nationwide shortage caused by a government-funded scheme in England.

Diabetes support group’s forthcoming meetings Cwmbran Diabetes Voluntary Support Group holds monthly meetings. On Wednesday 11 September at 7.30pm, there will be an American supper and quiz evening, while on Wednesday 9 October there is a trip to Penderyn Whisky Distillery. Meanwhile, a fundraising evening in June raised more than £260 for diabetes research. The group meets at the RAFA Club on Greenhill Road, Forge Hammer, NP44 3DQ and is open to those in the area who have diabetes. Family, friends and carers are also welcome. For further information, contact Val Carnegie on 01633 872553.

Help the hedgehogs

• If your garden is enclosed by a wall or fence, create a small hole approximately 15cm in height so hedgehogs can pass through but domestic pets can’t escape • Don’t use slug pellets, as hedgehogs will not only eat slug pellets but they will eat the poisoned slugs • Be careful when using any garden equipment, as strimmers, lawn mowers and garden forks are particularly dangerous to hedgehogs • Hedgehogs and other wildlife often hibernate in piles of wood, so check any piles before burning • Ponds create natural food sources for hedgehogs, such as frogs and insects, and hedgehogs are good swimmers. However, to prevent any hedgehogs from drowning in the pond water, always ensure your pond has an escape route that animals can use • Ask questions – if you are unsure or you think a hedgehog is in trouble then seek advice from an expert • Be aware that a hedgehog wandering around in daylight usually indicates something is seriously wrong.

For more information on how you could improve your garden to make it more habitable for hedgehogs, go to www.hedgehogstreet.org or www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Your help is needed to help tackle dwindling hedgehog numbers in the UK. Torfaen council is encouraging people to act now before it’s too late, as the hedgehog population has dropped by nearly 50 per cent in the past 25 years. There are many reasons for this decline, including loss of hedgerows, urban development, fewer fields, increased use of pesticides and even tidy gardens.

There are many little things that you can do to help the hedgehogs in your area, such as: • Create a wild corner in your garden – a leaf pile, log pile, compost heap or just an un-mown wild scrubby corner of your garden will create a safe place for hedgehogs to forage and hibernate and provide them with food such as insects • Leave out some food such as cat food (both wet and dry), dried fruit, unsalted peanuts and a bowl of water for your hedgehogs. If you’re worried about attracting stray cats, place the food in a clear storage box and cut a small hole so only hedgehogs can enter • Do not put out milk and bread, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. They cannot digest milk or bread and consuming it can kill them • Plant more native British flowers, as these will attract insect life, which provides food for the hedgehogs

Online registration now available for Homeseeker

Statue erected in Blaenavon town

The common housing register, Homeseeker, is now online. If you’re an existing applicant you can now place bids, re-register and update your application online by logging into www.torfaenhomeseeker.org.uk. Anyone wishing to join the register can complete a short and simple online application, call 01495 742409 or visit one of the council’s customer care centres.

A statue of sportsman Ken Jones has been erected in Blaenavon.

As well as winning an Olympic silver medal in the 4x100m relay in the 1948 Olympic Games, Mr Jones also scored the winning try for Wales against the All Blacks in 1953. Shortly after the statue was originally unveiled, it was removed as it was too cold for the resin that holds the statue in place to set. It has now been put up in its permanent home in the town and is a fitting tribute to a famous son.

Soul band set to star at Age Concern fundraiser

Age Concern Torfaen is holding an old Hollywood fundraising ball on 26 October. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band will perform at the event, with tickets priced at £37.50. To book, visit the Widdershins Centre or call 01495 769264.

Have y o Regeneration work wins national award at faceb ur say ook.com A project to regenerate Pontypool town centre torfaen / or twit has won a national award. The Institution of Civil torfaen ter.com/ cou Engineers (ICE) Wales Cymru named the Pontypool #torfae ncil Torfaen councillors have thrown their ntalks Settlement Area work as the winner of the Roy weight behind a campaign to have Edwards Regeneration Award. For further details, visit 1,000 Pooler fans back at Pontypool www.torfaen.gov.uk/psa

Councillors help drive forward campaign

Rugby club needs match day volunteers Pontypool RFC is appealing for match day volunteers. Contact Dai Watt on 07801 876310 or daiwatt@gmail.com

Say ‘I do’ at the Manor now licence is approved Llanyrafon Manor is now available for weddings, after a licence was approved. For further information, call 01633 648562.

School to hold open day for parents in October Ysgol Bryn Onnen is holding an open day for prospective nursery and reception parents on 3 October at 9.30am-11.30am and 1pm-3pm.

Page 2

Park for fixtures this season.

Launched by Pontypool RFC and the Free Press, Target 1000 isn’t just about the rugby club, it is about Pontypool as a town.

It is hoped if the club can attract 1,000 people to home games, they will flood the town centre, creating a carnival atmosphere once more, while benefiting the town’s pubs, clubs, shops and cafes.

Recycle Torfaen Talks – pop it in your black recycling box

Council services facing massive cuts (continued from page one) Assistant chief executive for resources Nigel Aurelius said: “Through effective management of our budgets, council finances have improved, but in light of recent announcements services cannot be protected and the funding reductions will stretch essential services to breaking point.

“No area of spending is likely to be immune as savings become harder to achieve every year.

“We must continue to meet savings targets, but to save a further £40million over the next four years is no longer a case of trimming the edges.”

The executive member for resources, councillor Anthony Hunt (pictured, left), said: “Whether we like it or not, the financial challenge this gives councils to try to maintain vital local services is immense.

“We have already made more than £33million in efficiency savings over the past five years – but to pretend cuts of this magnitude can be solved just by being more efficient is unrealistic.

“We will pursue efficiencies relentlessly and look at innovative ways of working to reduce costs where we can, but difficult and uncomfortable decisions are inevitable.

“We must look at the local services we provide, consider our priorities and look at how they impact on our desire to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Contact council Torfaen council has an automated phone service that allows people to contact it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service is quick and easy to use and has been designed to answer frequently asked questions and allow people to provide the council with information.

For council tax, benefits or business rates issues, call 0203 2841313. For waste, highways or grounds maintenance issues, call 0203 3240077.

If you have a complex or difficult enquiry, you can be transferred to council staff at various points throughout the service. People can also still contact the council on 01495 762200 and report issues at www.torfaen.gov.uk

“Only 13 per cent of our money comes from council tax. The rest of the money to run local services comes from central government, and that is where the cuts are happening.

“Instead of burying our heads in the sand or making decisions behind closed doors, we want to be honest and open with people about the difficult situation and work together to find solutions.

“We want to hear from residents about which services they value most, what they could do without and what they’d be prepared to pay more for.”

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington (pictured, right), said: “The latest austerity measures mean we can no longer avoid tough choices, local government needs a new vision that is realistic given the financial forecasts.

“We will retain a focus on efficiency, place greater emphasis on making tough choices, look at different ways of delivering services and aim to manage demand in some service areas.

“We will also have to face up to not doing some things that we do now – there will be no choice.”

Work begins on Blaenavon health facility Building work has started on the new north Torfaen primary care resource centre in Blaenavon.

The centre, which will open in September 2014, will include a new doctors’ surgery, pharmacy, dentistry, a range of therapies, long-term conditions management, screening services and space for patient groups to meet.

The centre forms part of an £18million campus by Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Torfaen council, which will see council,

health and police services provided on the site.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for one of the region’s most innovative public services projects.

“I’m sure everyone in Blaenavon shares my delight that work has started and we all look forward to seeing a modern, first-class facility delivering high-quality public services on people’s doorsteps.”

In addition to Blaenavon

Heritage VC Primary School which opened last year, the campus will also include a wide range of community services, including a council customer care centre, access to the police and community safety advice, and advocacy services.

The Sure Start and Flying Start programmes are also up and running from the new school building. The Blaenavon Primary Care Resource Centre received approval for funding from the Welsh Government in June 2011.

Council signs up to the Dublin Declaration Torfaen council has signed up to a European pledge known as the Dublin Declaration 2013 for Age Friendly Communities and Cities.

The pledge is a commitment to work towards adopting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) principles that will make communities age friendly. All Welsh councils support the Ageing Well in Wales Programme, which has linked up with WHO to create age friendly places by 2020.

Torfaen deputy leader and older people’s champion, councillor Lewis Jones, said: “Over the coming months, we will be planning our local activities for the next 10 years and this will include helping to make our communities age friendly.

“We want to continue to respond to what older people say is important to them in order to remain fit, active and participate in local community life.”

For more information on the Dublin Declaration, go to www.ahaconference2013.ie

delayed Kemys Fawr Infant School will stay open for the next school year, but will close in summer 2014.

Earlier this year, Torfaen council passed three school closure proposals to Welsh Government for approval. This included Kemys Fawr and was the first step of a £257million 21st Century Schools programme to tackle surplus places and deliver a mixture of new, extended and refurbished schools. The deputy minister for skills and technology has now approved the council’s proposal to close Kemys Fawr.

A term’s notice has to be given before a school can be closed, and that would have meant a closure part way through the school year. The minister has therefore agreed to a summer 2014 closure to avoid children having to change schools part way through the year.

Welsh Government has not yet made decisions on the proposals for Pontymoile Primary School and Special Needs Resource Base and Two Locks Nursery School. Those schools will also open their doors again in September, when an announcement is expected.

Changes to roundabout A grant of £700,000 will improve the capacity of the A472/A4043 roundabout at the entrance to Pontypool, which will reduce journey times on the A472.

The work, funded by the Welsh Government via a grant from the regional transport consortia SEWTA, will feature carriageway widening, the installation of a set of part-time traffic signals and associated accommodation works.

The work is due to start on Monday 5 August and expected to last 14 weeks.

In order to complete the works it will be necessary to temporarily divert one lane of traffic through Albion Road and periodically close the A472 overnight.

Report issues and request services at www.torfaen.gov.uk or 01495 762200

Page 3

Helping the armed forces community Torfaen council is continuing its work to support the armed forces community in the borough, following the signing of a landmark covenant in March.

A community covenant pledge for Torfaen was created with the aim of improving integration and raising awareness of issues affecting the armed forces community. The new task group has now met to discuss how to continue this work.

To get involved or for more information on the armed forces community covenant pledge, email armedforces@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01495 762200.

Book of condolence

of our recognition of the sacrifices faced by the armed forces community and their families, dayin day-out, to protect our country and our communities.

“By reviewing the book, it will hopefully help grieving relatives come to Councillor Giles Davies, the terms with their loss.” armed forces champion for The book is located in Torfaen, said: “This book of reception of Civic Centre 16:35 in CG Torfaen Talks 259x154 final.pdf 1 12/06/2013 condolence is a small symbol Pontypool.

Torfaen council has a book of condolence in Civic Centre, Pontypool in honour of local military personnel from the borough who have lost their lives in recent conflicts.

Name: Sarah Adams Age: 46 Why did you get in volved?

Since losing my son, Pte James Prosser, ag e 21, in Afghanistan on 27 September 2009, I ha ve been very involved in trying to bring chan ges for our soldiers. This includes better pay an d conditions.

I am also involved wi th ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which is an amazing charity that helps soldiers and th eir families, bereave d families, injured soldi ers and veterans. It was very important to be involved with the arm ed forces covenant, as that is exactly wh at it is for. Being inv olved locally means a lot to me.

Why

is the charter impo

rtant?

The aim is to provide a service to cover all the needs for the arm and their families, inc ed forces luding advice, help an d counselling. It is im have this charter, so portant to that it makes everyon e aware of what our have done for us. armed forces It can help aid their transition into civilia n life, to help them an families emotionally, d their as well as guide them in the right direction information and advic with e.

Our armed forces sa crifice so much for us , so it is time that we the plate, show them all step up to our respect and mak e sure they are given deserve. what they

Home help Are you interested in having gardening or decorating work carried out in your home?

If so, Pontypool Community Council’s community taskforce service can help you. The council employs a small team of professionals who provide a first-class service at a reasonable cost.

They can help you with mowing, strimming, pruning, lopping of hedges and bushes, as well as home decorating services (clients to provide their own paint).

The service is available to anyone who lives in the Pontypool area, and people over 80 and those with a disability receive a 25 per cent discount.

For a free, no-obligation quote or to add your name to the waiting list, contact Pontypool Community Council on 01495 742805 or visit 35a Commercial Street, Pontypool.

Coleg Gwent

ENROL NOW

COFRESTRWCH NAWR

01495 333777

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR PLACE

LATE ENROLMENT: 27 & 28 AUGUST 3PM — 8PM

info@coleggwent.ac.uk www.coleggwent.ac.uk/enrol

Page 4

www.torfaen.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/torfaen This is the left page title

@torfaencouncil

Sport helps smooth transition Transition days were held across Torfaen, for pupils starting comprehensive school in September.

A series of activity days were held in schools across the borough, to introduce pupils to the new surroundings in an enjoyable way. Pupils enjoyed activities including dancing, wall climbing, dodgeball, hockey, basketball and hula hooping, while meeting future classmates.

The events also helped the pupils learn their way around their new schools, to ensure a smooth transition in September.

Nursery applications Parents can apply for nursery provision for their children from the term following their third birthday.

The closing date for nursery admissions for September 2014

is Friday 4 October. Parents should receive a form during the week commencing 26 August.

If you do not receive a copy, call 01495 766915, download it from www.torfaen.gov.uk, or alternatively email kath.worwood@torfaen.gov.uk

Comprehensive admissions online Secondary schools admission forms can now be completed online.

Parents and carers of year-six pupils attending primary schools in Torfaen will receive full details of how to apply by letter in late October. The closing date for secondary school applications for September 2014 is Monday 2 December. For more information, contact 01495 766915 or kath.worwood@torfaen.gov.uk

Views on childcare are needed Torfaen council is asking parents their views on childcare in the borough.

If you have any children aged up to 14 years (or 17 if disabled), you should have recently received a survey of parents and carers called Your Views of Childcare.

This questionnaire is part of the childcare sufficiency assessment, to identify any

gaps in childcare provision in the area. Make sure you include your contact details at the end of the survey and you can be in with a chance of winning £100 of high street shopping vouchers.

To complete the questionnaire online, visit: www.forms.torfaen. gov.uk/childcare2013-ENG/ survey.htm before 2 September.

Visit www.torfaenfis.org.uk or call 0800 0196 330 for details.

Fabulous fun at football festival The annual Nant Celyn football tournament was a great success, with George Street Primary taking home the top prize.

The event was postponed twice in June due to bad weather, however, this didn’t dampen the spirits of the young competitors when they took to the field at the end of the summer term.

An entertaining festival of football was enjoyed by pupils from Nant Celyn, Blaenavon Heritage VC, Llantarnam, Woodlands, Maendy and George Street primary schools.

The referees were Llantarnam Comprehensive pupils Matt Edmonds, Sam Edmonds, Joel De Ger Pitt and James Kinsella.

Education proposals approved by council Torfaen councillors have approved the transfer of responsibility for school improvement in the borough to the Education Achievement Service (EAS).

The decision comes after Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training, Estyn, placed the council’s education service in special measures earlier this year. The proposals were passed at a full council meeting, with 42 councillors voting in favour, and two abstaining.

The decision to transfer responsibility to the EAS means the post of chief education officer will be deleted and the current post-holder, Mark Provis, made redundant. This is the second major change in education management, after councillor Brian Mawby replaced councillor Mary Barnett as the executive member for children

and young people in the wake of Estyn’s decision.

Welcoming the decision, councillor Mawby said: “As a previous board member of the EAS, I have already witnessed first hand the impact pooling resources can have on school improvement.

“For that reason, I am confident the EAS will deliver the added value from sharing

expertise and resources, which will ultimately improve our children’s educational attainment and their opportunity to compete in the national and global workplace.

“It is also reassuring for Torfaen councillors that the EAS model has been recognised by Estyn as the most advanced collaborative education model in Wales to drive improvement.”

Shared housing scheme created Blaenavon is home to a shared accommodation scheme.

Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils, in partnership with Melin Homes, have redeveloped office space in Lion Court into a shared housing scheme for single people under the age of 35. It features accommodation of four properties, with two additional selfcontained flats. The shared accommodation provides adequate living space for a single person, including a shared kitchen, living room area and en-suite bathroom. It aims to make affordable living accommodation for people directly affected by welfare reform measures.

The low rent will help people save money for either a deposit or towards the purchase of an open market property. This is a pilot project and may pave the way for similar schemes in the future.

There are currently more than 800 single people registered on the Torfaen common housing register who are under the age of 35, as well as a significant shortage of suitable single person accommodation in the borough.

For more information, contact 01495 742629.

Society researching local estate Ancient Cwmbran Society is researching the Byways Estate in Greenmeadow.

It is running the All Our Histories project for the Costar Partnership based in the Threepenny Bit. It wants to speak to current and former residents of the following streets: Badgers Mede, Clyffes,

Courtner, Deerbrook, Earlsmede, Fernbank, Gordings, Holmdale, Littledene, Lyncroft, Manor Gate, Marloes Path, Maybury House, Mere Path, Nether Court, Penny Fields, Rushbrook, The Courtlands, Twinings.

Contact Richard Davies on richanndavies@hotmail.co.uk or 07775788352 to get involved.

For school admissionThis forms is the contact rightkath.worwood@torfaen.gov.uk page title

Quality award Torfaen’s Crucial Crew scheme has been awarded a participation standards quality mark.

The Children and Young People’s Participation Consortium gave the award to Crucial Crew, for its work in encouraging school pupils to make better-informed choices and reinforce safety messages.

The scheme, organised by Gwent Police, sees school pupils attending a variety of workshops exploring dangerous situations and risky behaviours, including dangers of alcohol, safety in the countryside, emergency first aid, fire risks within the home, road safety, the dangers of electricity, personal hygiene and food poisoning.

The agencies involved include Capita Symonds, Western Power Distribution, Gwent Police, Food Standards Agency, British Red Cross, South Wales Fire, Forestry Commission and Drugaid.

Page 5

Council meetings The meeting dates and times given are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to additions or change.

An updated list is posted in the foyer of the Civic Centre weekly.

Agendas and minutes are available at www.torfaen.gov. uk/ CouncilAndDemocracy Planning – 13 August Pensions committee – 9 September Cabinet – 10 September Democratic services committee – 10 September Audit committee – 11 September Planning – 17 September Gwent Archives joint committee – 20 September Council – 24 September Healthier communities O&S – 25 September Cleaner communities O&S – 2 October Cabinet – 8 October Learning communities O&S – 9 October

Year of fundraising set for new mayor

The new mayor of Torfaen, councillor Neil Mason, will be raising money for LATCH, Crownbridge School and Pen-y-Bryn residential home during his mayoral year.

Councillor Mason (pictured above with his wife, Karen) took over from councillor Wayne Tomlinson as mayor in May, with councillor Mandy Owen becoming the deputy mayor for 2013/14. Councillor Mason was first elected in 2008, representing the St Cadocs and Penygarn ward.

For a complete list of past, present and future consultations, go to http://mysay.torfaen.gov.uk. The following consultations are open: Charged winter green waste collections (ends 8 August) Household Waste Recycling Centre customer satisfaction (31 August) Views on childcare (2 September) National Survey for Wales (31 December, 2014).

Councillor Gwyneira Clark

01495 773737

Councillor Giles Davies

07429 185409

Councillor Wayne Tomlinson

01495 774953

BLAENAVON 01495 792335

NEW INN

CWMYNYSCOY Councillor Neil Waite

01495 759468

Councillor Waite will hold surgeries on the last Saturday of the month, except August, at the community hall at Hillside Drive at 11am FAIRWATER Councillor Jeff Rees

07517 467262

Cllr Rees holds surgeries on the last Saturday of the month 10am-12pm Fairwater Leisure Centre Councillor Phil Seabourne

Councillor Evans will hold surgeries at Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall (5 August) at 7pm, Garn-yr-Erw Welfare Hall (2 September) and Forgeside Community Hall (7 October)

01633 863744

Councillor Seabourne holds surgeries on the first Saturday of every month, except August, 10.30am-12pm Fairhill Methodist Church

Councillor Alun Furzer

01495 792497

GREENMEADOW

Councillor Alan Jones

01495 790477

Councillor Mandy Owen

01633 872665

Councillor Bob Wellington

01633 868402

Councillors Furzer and Jones will hold surgeries at Blaenavon RFC on 26 September at 6pm BRYNWERN 07576 772064

COED EVA 07881 855553

Councillor Cross holds surgeries on the second Saturday of the month 10am-11am Coed Eva & Hollybush Community Centre CROESYCEILIOG NORTH Councillor Cynthia Beynon MBE

01495 751740

Councillor Richard Clark

01633 480083

Councillors Beynon and Clark share a surgery on the second Saturday of every month 11am-12pm at the community council offices at Woodland Road Social Centre

Councillor Veronica Crick JP

07507 054310

Councillor Daniels holds surgeries on the first Saturday of every month at 10am-11am the Council House, 11.15am-12.15pm Court Farm & Oakfield Community Hall, 12.30pm-1.30pm at Llantarnam Church Hall. Surgeries for under 25s will be held at Cwmbran Centre for Young People on the third Saturday of the month 2pm-4pm Councillor Maria Graham

Councillor Glyn Caron

Councillor Bevan will hold a surgery at Ponthir Village Hall on 13 March 6.30pm-7.30pm

01495 758559

Councillor Stephen Brooks KSS JP

01633 868283

Councillor Raymond Mills

01495 750327

Councillor Elizabeth Haynes

0750 705 4393

Councillor Graham Smith

07527 963774

TREVETHIN

The three councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month, except August, at 10am-12pm at Learning Centre, the Highway.

Councillor Lewis Jones

01495 756950

Councillor John Marshall

01495 755812

PANTEG

TWO LOCKS

Councillor Anthony Hunt

07870 116463

Councillor Ron Burnett

01633 874157

Councillor Norma Parrish

01495 763067

Councillor Pamela Cameron

01633 873793

Councillor David Yeowell

01495 762095

Councillor Colette Thomas

01633 482104

The three councillors hold surgeries on the second Saturday of every month 11am-12pm at Sebastopol Labour Hall alternating with Griffithstown Labour Hall PONTNEWYDD Councillor Stuart Ashley

01633 868413

Councillor Brian Mawby

01633 484948

Councillor Jessica Powell

07773 880380

The three councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month 10.30am-12pm Mount Pleasant Hall. Councillor Powell holds surgeries for under 25s at Cwmbran Centre for Young People on the third Saturday of the month 2pm-4pm Councillor Kelvin Harnett JP

07817 609419

07725 982550

Councillor Mary Barnett

01633 484002

Councillor John Cunningham MBE KSG

01633 862050

01633 793009

Councillor Kemp holds surgeries on the second Saturday of every month 9.30am-10.45am at Thornhill Community Centre, 11am-12pm at West Pontnewydd Community Centre WAINFELIN Councillor Mike Jeremiah

01495 755830

Councillor Jeremiah holds surgeries on the first Saturday of every month 10.30am-12pm at Wainfelin and Pentranch Community Hall

01633 871047 SNATCHWOOD Councillor Barry Taylor JP

UPPER CWMBRAN

Councillor Robert Kemp 01495 760295

Councillor Harris holds surgeries on the first Friday of every month 10.30am-11.30am at St Matthews Church, Cwmfields

01633 421983

Councillors Cameron and Thomas hold surgeries on the first Saturday of every month 10am-11.30am Hollybush Community Centre and 12pm-1.30pm Henllys Village Hall Last Friday of every month 2pm-3.30pm Cocker Avenue Community Hall

Councillors Barnett and Cunningham share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month, except August, 10am-12pm, one councillor will be at Thornhill Community Association, the other at West Pontnewydd Community Hall

PONTYPOOL Councillor Mike Harris

LLANYRAFON SOUTH Councillor Huw Bevan

ST DIALS

Councillor David James

PONTNEWYNYDD

LLANYRAFON NORTH 01633 860668

Councillor Crick holds surgeries on the second Saturday of every month 11am-12pm at the community council offices at Woodland Road Social Centre

Councillor David Daniels

Councillor Graham holds surgeries on the first Saturday of every month, excluding August, 10am-12pm Llantarnam Comprehensive School

CROESYCEILIOG SOUTH

Page 6

Councillors Owen and Wellington hold surgeries on the first Saturday of the month 9.30am-11am Greenmeadow & St Dials Community Hall, 11am-12pm Thornhill Community Centre LLANTARNAM

Councillor Fiona Cross

The council has signed a three-year contract with webcasting provider Public-i, using funding from Welsh Government, to promote citizen engagement in local democracy. The webcasting service will open up local democracy to new audiences online and encourage greater engagement in council business and decision-making.

Broadcasting is due to start later in the autumn.

Once it is operating, residents can not only watch live meetings, but download relevant documents such as reports, plans or presentations.

They can also log-in and watch recorded meetings at a time and place to suit them, click on the speakers they want to see, such as their local councillors, or select the decision or agenda item they are interested in watching being discussed.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “Given the financial outlook for public services, it will be increasingly important that people are well informed and engaged in the decisions we are going to have to take.

“We’ve already seen how effective and influential social media can be in helping the council reach new audiences and expect that webcasting will take this online engagement further, helping us to reach more and more people and encourage them to get involved and have their say on the decisions that affect them.”

Have your say with MySay consultations.

ABERSYCHAN

Councillor Len Constance

Residents will be able to view local democracy in action from the comfort of their own home, when the council starts broadcasting its key meetings on the internet.

Voice your opinions on local issues

Meet your councillor

Councillor Stuart Evans

Meetings will be webcast

01495 774281

ST CADOCS AND PENYGARN Councillor Neil Mason

01495 750019

Follow @torfaencouncil www.torfaen.gov.uk www.facebook.com/torfaen

Market work A £2.3million project to regenerate Pontypool Market is under way.

The work, currently in its second phase, is being managed in five phases and will be completed by July 2014. It will include an entertainment space for events and a number of stalls have been ring-fenced for business start-ups.

During the refurbishment works the public toilets are closed, but shoppers can use facilities in the nearby Civic Centre and at the entrance to Pontypool Park.

The market is retaining its opening hours of 8am-2pm on Mondays, 8am-5pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 8am-4pm on Saturdays.

You can keep up to date with all the changes happening at the market by visiting www.facebook.com/ PontypoolIndoorMarket or by following @PPIndoorMarket on Twitter.

To view a virtual flythrough of what the completed market should look like, visit www.youtube.com/ torfaencouncil.

These improvements are part of the Pontypool Settlement Area project, which aims to regenerate Pontypool town centre and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

This project received funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Fund and Heads of the Valleys Programme, and Torfaen council.

Have a nose at what's on down on the farm Summer fun is in full flow at Greenmeadow Community Farm, with plenty more still to come.

Every day of the summer holidays is jam-packed with animal and craft activities, including the ever-popular cuddle corner, tractor and trailer rides, and milking demonstrations.

There are also the weekly ‘wonderful Wednesdays’ events. On 7 August, there will be ‘sheepy shenanigans’, with ‘piggy pranks’ being the order of the day on 14 August.

Donkeys, ponies and horses will take centre-stage on 21 August as part of equine antics, while canine capers (with free-entry for the person holding the lead, should you bring a dog) on 28 August is always popular.

And don’t forget, the highlight of the year, the Greenmeadow Show, takes place on Sunday 8 September. With a reduced admission price on the day, this promises to be another wonderful event of farm fun. There are loads of competition classes to enter, including vegetables, flowers, cookery, handicrafts and photography, plus special ones for children.

To get involved or for more information, call 01633 647662, like the farm’s Facebook page or go to www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk

Adoptive parents needed in Torfaen The South East Wales Adoption Service is appealing for anyone considering adoption to contact it.

The service, which covers Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Torfaen, finds homes and families for children in care.

Latest figures by the British Association of Adoption and Fostering revealed: • 18 per cent thought being single is a barrier to adoption • 24 per cent thought having a low household income might rule a person out from adoption • 39 per cent thought being unemployed was a barrier to adoption

Construction course completed Twelve year-11 Pre-VENT 14-19 project participants completed a 20-week construction course at Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus.

The aim of the course was to give the students a better understanding of the building industry while earning a City and Guilds entry-level three qualification in basic construction skills.

The course was split into four modules covering carpentry, bricklaying, plastering and motor vehicle maintenance. Some of the participants are now due to start construction courses at the college in September.

Pre-Vent co-ordinator Helen Nutman said: “It has been great having the young learners at Pontypool Campus each week. The team has watched the students grow in confidence while developing new interests and skills.”

Pre-Vent 14-19 is a European-funded project that aims to raise the skill levels and self-confidence of 14-19 year olds.

For more information, contact 01495 766908, email prevent.team14-19@torfaen.gov.uk or visit www.prevent1419.org.uk

• 69 per cent thought a criminal conviction would rule out a person from adoption • 19 per cent believed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are unable to adopt.

These statements are all wrong and the service is asking people from all backgrounds to come forward and help transform a child’s life forever.

The majority of children in need in the area are aged nine months to eight years old, and these include sibling groups that need a family as well as single children.

To find out more, call 01495 355766, email adoption@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or visit www.adoptionsoutheastwales.co.uk

Tattooist in Torfaen prosecuted Torfaen council has successfully prosecuted an illegal tattooist in the borough.

Daniel Neale, of Clos Afon Llwyd, Pontypool, pleaded guilty to an offence at Cwmbran Magistrates and was ordered to pay £445 in fines and costs, as well as being ordered to destroy hundreds of pounds worth of tattooing equipment.

The court heard how Mr Neale had operated from unregistered domestic premises that did not meet basic hygiene standards.

This led the council and police to enter the premises on a warrant to seize the tattooing equipment and stop the danger to public health.

The executive member for housing, planning and public protection, councillor Gwyneira Clark, said: “We are delighted this tattooist has been stopped.

Unregistered tattooists can cause a real risk to public safety, from blood borne viruses, such as hepatitis or HIV, to allergies and skin infections. That is why Torfaen council is stamping down on illegal tattooists.

“Anyone wanting a tattoo should always check that their tattooist is registered – and we are launching a voluntary ‘scores on the doors’ system in the autumn to allow the public check on the hygiene standards of registered tattooists in the area.”

New bike track opens

A new £25,000 bike track has been created in Blaenavon.

Camel’s Back Pump Track uses an area of mining spoil close to Keeper’s Pond, where informal use by scramble bikes over several years has created tracks and gullies.

It is hoped the new track will stop people using scrambler bikes in the area, while encouraging the use of mountain bikes.

People from the local Neon Youth Club will manage the site.

For information on adopting a child in Torfaen, call 01495 355766

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council’s forward facing p Torfaen council has approved the key, short-term issues that it will focus on this year (2013/14) to improve life for people living and working in the borough.

The council’s forward facing improvement plan sets out the key issues (known as improvement objectives) and the activities and targets that services will be expected to reach in the year ahead.

The objectives are all taken from the council’s corporate plan, which guides all the council’s policy and decisionmaking.

The corporate plan runs from 2011-2016 and its vision is to make Torfaen: “a safe, prosperous, sustainable place where everyone has the opportunity to be the best they can be.”

Progress in delivering improvements in these areas will be monitored throughout the year and reported next year in the council’s annual performance report. The performance report for 2012/13 will be published this autumn.

Each year, the council asks people what areas it should prioritise in the year ahead, to help ensure its improvement objectives are focused on what matters to people and also remain affordable within public sector budget pressures.

Surveys appeared in Torfaen Talks, on the council website, social media channels and through Torfaen’s people’s panel. The results of your feedback helped to decide where money should be spent in the year ahead.

Improving social care services for the most vulnerable residents and increasing standards of education remain high priorities for the council this year.

If you would like to comment on the council’s improvement objectives, contact the improvement team, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB or email improvement@torfaen.gov.uk For more information on how the council is working to improve council services, visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/ ImprovingTorfaen

Ensure the local environment is safe, managed and maintained

The council will: liaise with police over new housing developments to ensure they’re designed to reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour; support ‘friends of the park’ groups and increase the number of clean up days; target problem areas of fly-tipping and take enforcement action; improve access to the countryside footpaths, bridleways and cycle ways.

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Raise standards of educational attainment

The council will: work with the South East Wales Education Achievement Service to support and challenge schools; support head teachers and governing bodies to review their performance and set good targets.

The council will: publish an analysis of all schools’ performance including local and national comparisons; ensure all schools implement the new national literacy and numeracy tests effectively; support the delivery of the key objectives of the iLearnWales project.

Co-ordinate activities that reduce anti-social behaviour The council will: work to reduce the number of first time entrants into the criminal justice system; improve awareness and support on the impact of domestic abuse on children and families; record the number of alcohol seizures under the designated public place order powers; visit pubs and off-licences to advise and educate; arrange ‘restorative justice clinics’.

Transform educational provision for young people aged 14-19

The council will: aim to reduce the number of young people not engaged in education, employment or training – referred to as NEETs; through the Pre-Vent 14-19 project, improve the co-ordination of council work and its partners in reducing the number of NEETs; develop a tracking system to improve the way young people are identified as at risk of becoming NEET. The council will: improve the performance of pupils at Key Stages 4 and 5; work to ensure young people in local authority care don’t leave education aged 16 without any qualifications or training.

Ensure people receive the benefits they are entitled to

The council will: increase the take-up of the council tax benefit/reduction scheme; increase the numbers receiving discretionary housing payments; process benefit claims faster and help people in Communities First areas with benefits and advice services.

For more information visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/ImprovingTorfaen

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plan to improve local lives Support and protect vulnerable children

The council will: monitor the number of pupils referred to the school counselling service; increase the number of Gypsy Traveller children being supported; support and assess our young carers; increase the number of children and vulnerable children attending play provision; make sure all statements of special needs education are issued within 26 weeks.

Ensure learning for all children and young people is inclusive and accessible

The council will: improve attendance in all schools; complete regular truancy sweeps; improve school/college transport; aim to have no pupils permanently excluded and reduce the number of fixed term exclusions.

The council will: use Greenmeadow Community Farm for the study of accredited qualifications, particularly for those excluded from or struggling with mainstream education.

Ensure roads and streets are safe, maintained and clean

Deliver efficient and effective waste and recycling services

The council will: reduce the amount of roads in poor condition; ensure highway inspections are made on time; reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in Torfaen.

The council will: introduce safe routes in the community schemes and address traffic management requests; reduce the number of stray dogs; review the council’s litter, dog-fouling and illegal smoking enforcement agreement with a private company.

The council will: reduce the waste sent to landfill; increase households served by recycling and weekly food waste collections; improve the facilities at the Household Waste Recycling Centre and increase the amount of waste recycled there.

Ensure children are safe

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Ensure the range and quality of social care services is appropriate to meet people’s needs

The council will: ensure more people can receive social care services in their homes and are supported in the community; serve 24,000 people through the Gwent Wide Community Equipment Service; expect every adult protection referral to be screened within 24 hours of an alert being received.

> > This is only a summary of the many activities the council is undertaking to deliver its improvement objectives. For more information, visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/ ImprovingTorfaen

The council will: raise income by selling surplus land and properties; reduce C02 emissions from its buildings; equip more staff to work flexibly; reduce the council's energy and fuel consumption.

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The council will: make sure schools have an anti-bullying policy in place; audit schools on their safeguarding procedures; maintain its foster carer recruitment service; work with partners so it can signpost vulnerable families to a range of services that can support children and young people.

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Work in different ways to reduce costs

Improve access to social care services

The council will: increase the number of people accessing social care information online; reduce the waiting time between referral and assessment; increase the referrals into the community resource team.

Promote people’s independence

The council will: support more people through tele-care technology; ensure more people are in receipt of direct payments; reduce the waiting time for occupational therapy assessments and the delivery of disabled facilities grants.

The council will: monitor how many people feel more independent after having housing support and advice through the supporting people service.

Ensure people’s needs are assessed in a timely manner and the care provided is appropriate

The council will: reduce the number of delayed transfer of care for social care reasons among over 75s; support clients aged 65+ to live in the community; assess carers needs and provide them with support and respite services; reduce the time people have to wait for an assessment.

For more information visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/ImprovingTorfaen

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Torfaen’s new mobile police station unveiled

Summer safeguards for homes As temperatures rise, police are reminding residents to make sure windows and doors are locked, to prevent burglaries.

The chances of becoming a victim of crime in Gwent are rare, but residents need to remain vigilant. Police are offering some simple steps to help make your property more secure: • Remember to close and secure all doors and windows at night and when you go out • Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home during the day • If you have locked your door, take the keys out of the lock and put them somewhere safe and out of reach from doors or windows • Don’t leave expensive

A new mobile police station for the Torfaen area is ready to hit the streets of the borough.

Torfaen’s mobile station was unveiled at Cwmbran Big Event and anyone visiting the event would have been sure to spot it close to the boating lake.

The mobile station, like three others already operational in Gwent, is bright blue with huge Gwent Police crests on its sides. The large vans are equipped with seating, computer links to force systems, and exterior TV screens that will be used for messaging. By getting out and about in communities, they increase engagement opportunities with the public.

Chief Inspector Michelle Booth, head of Torfaen local policing unit, said: “I am very pleased to have a mobile police station specifically serving

Torfaen. We have a number of rural or smaller communities that are some distance from the nearest police station and it is our aim to ensure everyone in Gwent has the same access to our services, wherever they live.

“Torfaen officers and CSOs are already booking the mobile station for visits, events and police surgeries, so keep an eye out for it in your area and feel free to speak to local officers about any local issues you may have. It will be driven and staffed by neighbourhood officers with excellent local policing knowledge.”

If you would like the mobile police station to visit your area or event, contact your neighbourhood policing team via www.gwent.police.uk. For daily updates from Gwent Police, follow www.twitter.com/gwentpolice or visit www.facebook.com/gwentpolice

SmartWater kits for Torfaen victims of crime Torfaen council and Gwent Police are using forensic technology to keep Torfaen properties safe and secure.

“We work closely with the council to prevent crime and hope that by using forensic marking products, it will make it more difficult for criminals to take and dispose of property.”

The council bought 100 SmartWater home marking kits that police are giving to victims of crime. Each bottle of SmartWater contains a unique code that invisibly links items to the owner’s property.

This scheme follows the successful initiative where Torfaen council marked the borough’s schools and other buildings with SmartWater. This saw a decrease in thefts and led to the arrest and conviction of metal thieves who had targeted Pontypool Indoor Market.

PC Andrew Boucher, from

Police security advice for residents:

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Torfaen’s neighbourhood support unit, said: “We are pleased to be working with Torfaen council to tackle local issues and to make Torfaen an even safer place to live. The number of house burglaries in the area has fallen steadily over recent months, and we hope that this latest venture will enable more residents to protect their property.

• Consider getting an alarm system fitted to deter burglars • Don’t tell anybody you don’t know well about your holiday plans – and don’t announce them on social media sites such as Facebook • If you go away, ask neighbours to regularly visit and keep an eye on your property and use a timer light at night • Remember to cancel milk and paper rounds

property in sight close to a window • Keep your car keys safe and out of sight • Close all curtains when you have the lights on at night • Shut and lock garden gates.

Torfaen Partnership Inspector Nick McLain said: “I would urge home owners to think carefully about security when going to bed or leaving their property, even if it’s just for a short time. Far too many domestic burglaries occur where occupants have left windows open or doors unlocked.

“Help yourself by making that extra check which could prevent you from losing cash, bank cards, televisions, computers, jewellery, car keys and your car.”

To contact your neighbourhood policing team, visit www.gwent.police.co.uk

Emergency services team up with Cwmbran street pastors The first ‘street pastors’ in Cwmbran are helping late-night revellers in the town centre.

Launched in June, the initiative sees street pastors making Cwmbran a safer place at night by helping people under the influence of alcohol before they can cause trouble or hurt themselves. The project already works successfully in other areas of Gwent, as well as in many towns and cities across the UK. Church members in the town complete a comprehensive training programme to fully equip them to respond to the needs of people they speak to on the streets.

The Street Pastor Scheme started in Jamaica in 2001 as a Christian response to violent crime. Brixton launched the first UK scheme in 2003 to combat urban problems in the area, which are also encountered in towns and cities throughout the country.

Partnership Inspector Nick McLain, of Torfaen local policing unit, said: “Experience in other towns and cities has shown crime levels to have dropped where street pastors are operating.

“Wearing a distinctive street pastors ‘uniform’, they speak to people who may be under the influence of alcohol, separated from friends, or feeling unwell, and offer support and guidance to help ensure they don’t get into trouble or become a victim of crime.

“The street pastors will supplement the work carried out by emergency services, licensing authorities, security industry door staff and other agencies.

It is a unique role that benefits everyone.”

For more information go to www. streetpastors. co.uk

Report anti-social behaviour – call 101 or 999 in an emergency

Cwmbran man prosecuted A Cwmbran man has been fined £200 for not taking reasonable care to ensure his household rubbish was disposed of by a registered and approved waste carrier.

Cwmbran Magistrates fined Michael Salacki, aged 30, of Central Way, Pontnewydd, after Torfaen council prosecuting him following the discovery of a large quantity of rubbish in the borough.

Material including a double mattress, a large number of refuse sacks, carrier bags of domestic refuse, carpet gripper rods and other loose items of domestic waste were found on the side of a road in an area that is popular with walkers.

The magistrates fined Mr Salacki £200, with a victim surcharge of £20, and awarded Torfaen council £250 costs and £150 to cover the cost of cleaning up the site.

Waste contract Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils have appointed New Earth Solutions Group Limited as contractor for the treatment and disposal of 40,000 tonnes per year of residual waste.

The three-year contract is potentially extendable to eight years.

About 80 per cent of the waste will be sent for treatment at New Earth’s integrated mechanical biological treatment and renewable energy facility in Avonmouth, Bristol.

The remaining waste, not suitable for treatment, will be sent to landfill.

The commercial director for New Earth, Richard Brooke, said: “New Earth is delighted to have been awarded this residual waste treatment and disposal contract from Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils. The majority of waste will be treated at New Earth’s Avonmouth facility which will deliver recycling, landfill diversion and carbon benefits for the councils.”

Stadium licence reinstated

Fundraising for hospice

UK Athletics have reinstated the competition licence at Cwmbran Stadium, following some minor repairs to the track.

The licence was withdrawn in February following an inspection

by UK Athletics, but repairs costing less than £5,000 were subsequently carried out. As a result, UK Athletics carried out another inspection in May and reinstated the competition licence.

Iain Jones, chairman of Cwmbran Harriers, said the news has been welcomed at the club, which has about 130 young athletes and a team of dedicated coaches.

“There was a little confusion when the licence was withdrawn by the governing body which caused a lot of concern at the club,” he said.

“Athletes and parents thought losing the licence meant

IN BRIEF Help raise funds for St David’s Hospice Care. On 29 September, a charity triathlon will be held at Chepstow Diving and Activity Centre. The swim is in the quarry waters, then a cycle ride around quiet country lanes before finishing with a trail run through scenic woodlands.

On 1 March, 2014, the city of Newport half-marathon will take place. For more information on either event, contact fundraising@ stdavidshospicecare.org or 01633 851051.

training would stop and they were understandably worried.

“The club worked hand with the council to get this resolved and, due to the quick turnaround, we’ve even managed to secure some competitive events we may have otherwise lost. Everyone in the club is chuffed to bits.”

Torfaen deputy leader Lewis Jones added: “I’m delighted the track has had its competition licence re-instated.

“I’m thrilled our local athletes are able to compete in events on their own track and I would like to congratulate everyone involved for making this happen.”

Leisure facilities transferred to trust Torfaen council’s leisure facilities are now run by a charitable company.

The service was transferred to a non-profit distributing organisation (NPDO) on 1 July, with the aim of providing continued investment in facilities, improvement in services and a more commercial approach. Torfaen Leisure Trust will also ensure the facilities remain affordable and accessible to citizens.

The trustees, who are working in a voluntary capacity to set the strategy for operating Torfaen’s leisure facilities, are David Bassett, Mike Dowell, Steven M Hay, Barry Howells, Keith Thorne, David Reynolds, Rose Seabourne, Alun

Williams, Barry Jones, councillor Lewis Jones and councillor Giles Davies.

The transfer follows a leisure review as part of the council’s response to the financial challenges facing public services, and the issue of continuing to provide non-statutory services such as leisure at a time of huge budget pressures. This is not the first time Torfaen council has transferred services – its housing stock was transferred to Bron Afon in 2008, while the Education Achievement Service has recently been given responsibility for school improvement in Torfaen (see page five).

For more information, go to www.torfaenleisuretrust.co.uk

Canal cleaners’ cash Torfaen Canal Volunteer Group was presented with a cheque for £7,140.80

by Asda in Cwmbran.

The money was raised through its carrier bag fund, which gives money to local groups and charities that apply for financial help. The group was set up in 2006 and meets one Sunday morning each month, at various locations in Cwmbran, to clear litter and fly-tipping from in and around the canal. It also carries out vegetation control and woodland management.

There are about 20 active members and nearly 900 sacks of litter have been filled, plus more than 230 shopping trolleys, 80 bicycles and numerous other items, both large and small, have been removed.

To get involved, call Hugh Woodford between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on 01633 648741.

Contact Torfaen Canal Volunteer Group on 01633 648741

Project Tea Time Age Concern Torfaen is appealing for people to share extra portions of the food they cook with neighbours who could benefit from some good home cooking. Project Tea Time helps people who are unable to cook for themselves everyday and who do not have anybody to help them. Call Emma on 01495 769264.

Energy cost scheme Torfaen council is working with IChoosr.com to help people get good deals on energy bills. Participants are offered a 12-month, fixed priced on energy costs. All the energy companies take part in a reverse auction (where the lowest price wins) in mid October, with participants being sent the winning offer for gas, electricity or both. This offer is open to households on pre-payment meters as well. For more information, contact 01495 742861 or mike.howell@torfaen.gov.uk

Landlord forum event Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils are holding an open event for landlords in October. It will focus on some of the fundamental changes affecting the private rented sector, including welfare and tenancy reforms.

If you would like to help plan the event or for more information, call 01495 742629.

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Sign up for the summer reading challenge 2013 The 2013 summer reading challenge is now on at Torfaen libraries.

Youngsters can join in the adventure of exploring the Creepy House simply by reading books and along the way they can discover who lives in the 'awful upstairs', the 'gruesome ground floor' and the 'spine-tingling cellar'!

The aim of the challenge is for children to read six library books of their choice over the summer.

They can read any books, including fact books, stories, joke books, picture books,

Service for lonely people A new befriending service is helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst people aged over 50 living in Torfaen.

The Friends for Life Community Befriending Project, which is funded by the Big Lottery, is working in partnership with Age Concern Torfaen, Crossroads Care South East Wales, and Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind.

The services are run at community hubs, which hold a range of activities, including exercise sessions, line dancing, lunch clubs, reading groups, singing sessions, pamper sessions, hot topic discussions and trips.

In the first 18 months of the project, it has supported more than 1,500 older people to meet similar people living in their area.

Members also receive a card that entitles them to discounts with some businesses in their area.

All hubs are open 11am-3pm and are located in Pontnewynydd Community Centre, Court Farm and Oakfield Community Centre, Ponthir Village Hall, 12/13 Broadstreet in Abersychan, St Mary’s Church in Croesyceiliog, Victoria Village Hall, and St Mary’s Church Hall in New Inn. To get involved or for more information, call 01495 769264 or email emma.davies@ ageconcerntorfaen.org

audio books and e-books.

As long as they are borrowed from the library, they all count.

Children can join at their local library and will be given a free reading challenge pack.

Children who complete the challenge will receive a free DVD loan, medal and certificate, as well as entry into a prize draw to win a bike and helmet!

For more information about the summer reading challenge, contact 01495 766151 or mark.tanner@torfaen.gov.uk

Exhibition A brand new exhibition at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre brings the town’s past to life.

Until September, it hosts a new interactive family exhibition exploring the real life characters of Blaenavon’s history.

Using eight life-size cutouts of historic characters, each has their own activity: families can try on period style clothing, try scientific experiments or explore old maps to find out where past streets used to be.

Characters include Timothy McCarthy, a nine-year-old boy who worked in the ironworks, and Sarah Hopkins, the founder of St Peter’s school.

For more information, go to www.visitblaenavon.co.uk or call 01495 742333.

’Appy days for tourists Visitors to Blaenavon can download a new app to help them discover more about the historic town.

Blaenavon Digital Passport, which can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store, gives an audio tour of the town. Fictional tour guide Lewis Browning, who lived in Blaenavon in 1906, narrates it.

Using the app, visitors can follow the Hidden Landscapes of Forgeside trail and see how the landscape played an integral part in the Industrial Revolution.

They can discover a series of QR (quick response) codes around the World Heritage Site, which will display more information about the history of the World Heritage Site through augmented reality, videos, audio clips and historic photographs.

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Museum opens new tearoom Pontypool Museum has opened its new vintage tearoom.

On Wednesday, Friday and Sunday afternoons at 2.15pm-4.45pm, the museum cafe sells home-baked cakes and scones with jam and cream. Afternoon tea is available, but must be booked 48 hours in advance as all the cakes, pastries, desserts and tarts are freshly made to order.

The tearoom can be hired for group bookings, while a buffet service is available for meetings and conferences held in the museum and an outside catering service for local businesses and events.

The menu has a variety of sandwiches and cakes, including traditional Victoria sponge, iced chocolate sponge with edible gold leaf decoration, raspberry and flower cupcakes, treacle tart, scones with strawberry jam and cream, cherry cake, and orange cake. Not all cakes are available every day, so let the museum know if there’s anything specific you require.

Visit Pontypool Museum’s Facebook page for more information.

Local carers receive awards Torfaen council has recognised the dedication and commitment of its long-term foster carers with a celebration lunch.

The event celebrated the service and achievements of all foster carers in Torfaen, including those who are just starting their fostering careers.

In Torfaen, foster carers are encouraged to study for vocational NVQ

qualifications, which support and reinforce the in-house training that Torfaen council provides to all foster carers.

Long service awards were presented to Meg Davies, and Shirley and Les Farr. Steve Bryant, Rosemary Roynon and Meg Davies received NVQ awards for health and social care level three. For more information about fostering, contact 01495 766699.

If you are interested in fostering in Torfaen, call 01495 766699

a t e a c w

Alcohol fines Anyone caught buying alcohol for children could face a fine up to £5,000 and a criminal record.

As part of an on-going crackdown, Torfaen council and Gwent Police are targeting adults who buy alcohol for people under the age of 18. Shop staff caught selling the alcohol could face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000, plus any adult caught passing on alcohol could end up facing the same penalties.

A number of incidents have occurred recently where underage children, who have been refused alcohol from a shop, wait around outside and ask passing adults to buy the alcohol for them.

The executive member for housing, planning and public protection, councillor Gwyneira Clark, said: “We have worked hard with our partners to educate and assist shops to comply with the law and have made considerable progress with this. What we need now is the co-operation of residents to either refuse to buy alcohol on behalf of young people or let us know of anyone who is regularly committing this offence. ”

Just deserts for local learners The achievements of some of Torfaen’s top adult learners were marked at a special ceremony during Adult Learners’ Week.

The overall winner was Trevor Kenneally, who also took home the prize for family learning programme learner of the year.

Tutor Margaret Durkin explained why she nominated him for the awards: “Trevor initially came along to a family learning story trail at Garnteg Primary School and thoroughly enjoyed engaging with his child on a range of activities.

“Subsequently he enrolled for family learning courses, supporting different members of the family in literacy, numeracy and Welsh. In all of these courses, Trevor has made lively contributions to discussions, completed several Agored Cymru units and immersed himself in the activities shared with the children.

“During this time, Trevor was also volunteering for various projects within the school and these experiences helped him decide to apply for a childcare diploma course. Trevor has

recently been elected as a parent governor at the school and therefore shown his commitment to improving life for himself and his family, while also giving his time, ideas and energy to the development of the whole community school.”

The following people also received awards: • Caroline Andrews – inspirational role model tutor of the year and overall tutor of the year award • Margaret Durkin – inspirational role model tutor of the year • Jocelyn Elmer – inspirational role model tutor of the year • Scott Evans – work-based

learner of the year • Jennifer Hughes – community involvement learner of the year • Colin Bick – career development learner of the year • Jake Smith – young learner of the year • Clair Francis – dedicated learner of the year • Caroline Treacy – inspirational learner of the year • Brenda Chandler – learning ambassador of the year.

For more information on the courses available in Torfaen, call 01495 742910.

Cae Nant development taking shape Work is progressing quickly at Melin’s Cae Nant development in Cwmbran, with two thirds of the site under construction.

As well as affordable homes to rent and buy, Cae Nant will also offer accommodation for people with learning disabilities and an extra care/ independent living scheme for people over the age of 55.

Eight of the nine learning disabled apartments have now been allocated, with the ninth to be used as a mediumterm training facility.

Two show homes to showcase the properties will be available to buy through Melin’s low cost homes ownership scheme, Melin Homebuy, are also nearing completion.

Year-2 pupils from Our Lady of the Angels Primary School recently visited the site to celebrate the partnership links developed. The children are also very grateful for the wonderful outdoor theatre that Greenhill made for the school. The pupils have been fascinated by the development of new houses on Llewellyn Road. “There are new houses coming to town!” said Grace Jones.

Benefits If you receive housing benefit, you must start to get ready to pay this money to your landlord.

The UK government is moving housing benefit into its new universal credit, which will be paid to you and not to your landlord.

Universal credit will eventually replace housing benefit, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit, and child tax credit.

There is no exact date for this to start, but there are a few things you can do now to prepare. Here are some helpful tips: • Universal credit will be paid monthly into a bank, building society or credit union account, so you should open one now. If you set up a direct debit, it means your rent will leave your account after the money is paid in and you won’t have to worry about forgetting to pay and getting into debt.

• Claims for universal credit will be made on the internet. Talk to Torfaen council to find out where you can get on the web or take a computer course.

• It is a good idea to plan how you will budget and you don’t have to wait until you start receiving universal credit.

• Talk to your landlord for tips on saving money.

If you’re a Bron Afon tenant and have questions, call 0800 111 42 42, visit www.bronafon.org.uk or go to www.facebook.com/bronafon

Social enterprise offers job opportunities A Cwmbran-based social enterprise is offering employment opportunities for local people who are disadvantaged within the labour market.

Since its creation last year, Evolve has gained a packing contract that enables it to offer parttime employment to local people. Prospective employees are encouraged to visit the enterprise and ‘try out’ the job before applying. This allows candidates to meet the team and experience the working environment.

Employment contracts are flexible, starting with just two hours per week and building up slowly to suit the individual.

John Davis, who has been working at Evolve for three months, praised the scheme: “This job has been a lifeline. I was at home vegetating, I thought I had come to the end of my working life.”

Dawn Mahoney spreads her hours over three days and has found it very beneficial: “Being able to work flexible hours in a relaxed atmosphere helps my depression and anxiety. I enjoy every day, plus I get paid.”

Sign up to an adult education course today! Call 01495 742910

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Hall's heating up

1,000 fines in just six months More than 1,000 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) have been served in Torfaen in six months.

Wainfelin and Pentranch Hall has been officially reopened following improvements.

Wainfelin and Pentranch Community Association (WPCA), supported by Torfaen council, won a grant of £16,000 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for the work.

The money paid for a new heating system, insulation and energy saving improvements.

Local residents welcomed the reopening, as the hall is in use

seven days a week by a range of community groups from the Wainfelin area.

WPCA now hopes to attract more community groups and residents to the hall, where resident association meetings, bingo, lunch club, dance classes, keep fit, band practice, council elections, children’s parties and Neighbourhood Watch meetings are currently held.

To hire the hall, contact mike.jeremiah@torfaen.gov.uk or 01495 755830.

Since the end of January, a private company, formerly XFOR and now Kingdom, has been patrolling the streets of Torfaen and issuing FPNs to people caught littering, not cleaning up dog fouling and illegally smoking.

The majority of notices were issues for littering offences, including throwing cigarette butts on the floor.

Kingdom is now focussing a lot of attention on dog control. Officers are patrolling the parks and other dog walking areas of Torfaen to make sure dog owners are picking up the mess their pets leave behind, and are disposing of the mess in a responsible way.

If there is an area you would like to see patrolled, call 01633 647246.

Blooming marvellous efforts This year’s Pontypool Community Council schools in bloom competition has finished.

Judges Ron Saunders and Graham Thompson said: “Once again this year, the early weather conditions were not conducive for gardening, but all the schools who entered the competition have achieved excellent results.”

This year’s eco garden award was judged by local ecologist Veronika Brannovic. The judges were very impressed with the schools’ extensive use of recycled materials in their garden displays, collages and artwork.

The results were:

Bloom award 1st Kemys Fawr Infants, 2nd Ysgol Panteg, 3rd Ysgol Bryn Onnen, with merits awarded to Garnteg Primary, Abersychan special needs resource base (SNRB), George Street Primary and Penygarn Community Primary.

Eco garden award 1st Kemys Fawr Infants, 2nd Penygarn Community Primary, 3rd George Street Primary, with merits awarded to Ysgol Bryn

Onnen, Garnteg Primary and Abersychan SNRB

Most improved schools George Street Primary and Ysgol Bryn Onnen Best use of recycled materials Kemys Fawr Infants Tallest sunflower George Street Primary (5ft7inches), with a special award to Abersychan SNRB for two sunflowers in full bloom Best herb garden George Street Primary Best hanging basket George Street Primary Best vegetable garden Kemys Fawr Infants

Unemployed?

Facing Redundancy?

Need training?

Are you: Aged 16-65?

You may be entitled to FREE training with us that will not affect your benefits!

Living in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly or Torfaen?

Not working or working less than 16 hours a week?

Not in full-time education?

Not on the Work Programme?

Get started today. Call us on 01495 333576 or email via qwest@coleggwent.ac.uk bdu.coleggwent.ac.uk/qwest

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To report issues concerning dog fouling, call 01633 647246

Competition

Bridge repairs completed

Welsh libraries are giving people the chance to win a Kobo Glo e-reader by telling them all about their favourite summer holiday book.

All you have to do is visit www.librarywales.org and fill in the relevant link.

All libraries in Wales are now offering e-books for free and there are more than 6,000 books available to download – fiction titles, biographies and real life stories, children’s books, and a range of business and reference books on subjects from computing to the arts.

Torfaen council deputy leader Lewis Jones said: “This project is proving extremely popular and the fact that the books are free is a real bonus.

“Libraries are free to join and, once a member, you can log onto the e-books website – at home or remotely – download the e-books to your computer and then transfer them to your e-book reader, iPad or tablet.”

Garn set for growth Garndiffaith residents came together to celebrate the first phase of improvement works in the area.

One of Wales’ oldest iron bridges has officially reopened following a massive restoration project.

Aaron Brute’s bridge, which is part of a wider programme of World Heritage Site projects designed to increase visitors to the area, was officially opened by Carl Sargeant AM, the minister for housing and regeneration.

The bridge, which dates from the period 1820-1845, was closed to the public in 2003 due to concerns about potential risk from collapse. The restoration project to safeguard the bridge started in June last year. The operation involved the tricky task of removing, restoring and installing the bridge back in its original position.

The restoration was part of the Valleys Regional Park Programme with support secured from the European Regional Development Fund, Heads of the Valleys Programme and Cadw through the Welsh Government.

A group of eight children from Garnteg Primary School’s eco council helped to finish off a new access ramp for the Millennium Hall by planting herbs and heathers. The improvement works are part of a wider project to promote connectivity within Garndiffaith, linking community facilities with the newly renovated Corn Bin facility and the shops along Stanley Road to create a stronger village hub. Over the next few months, the project will see a redesign of the grounds of Millennium Hall, as well as improvements along Stanley Road and new signage linking the facilities.

The work forms part of the Pontypool Settlement Area project, which aims to regenerate Pontypool town centre and the surrounding neighbourhoods. This project has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Fund and Heads of the Valleys Programme and Torfaen council. Contact 01495 766084 or david.leech@torfaen.gov.uk with ideas for the hall ground designs or streetscape works.

Trainee dogs need homes

Partnership delivers post office for Garndiffaith

Guide Dogs Cymru is appealing for volunteers in the Llanyravon area to board its trainee dogs for periods of 10 or 12 weeks.

Garnsychan Partnership has opened a new Post Office Local and shop on Stanley Road, Garndiffaith.

Most weekdays, the dogs in training will go to work from 9am5pm, so you just need to be there for them at the beginning and end of the day and at weekends.

The dog will also stay home on a Wednesday, so this role could suit a homeworker, a part-time worker or a retired person.

Volunteer co-ordinator Steve Kersley said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to have the benefits of caring for a dog without the fulltime responsibility.

“It’s also very rewarding to be involved in the upbringing and training of a guide dog, which will one day provide freedom and independence to a blind or partially-sighted person.”

The charity supplies basic equipment and covers all veterinary and feeding expenses. Advice is also given about handling skills, basic first aid and the general care and welfare of the dog.

There are currently about 4,800 working guide dogs and, with each animal averaging a working life of six to seven years, it is essential the charity finds enough homes to bring the next generation of trainee dogs closer to the areas where they will eventually live with their future visually-impaired owners.

As well as boarding a dog, there are plenty of other ways to help the charity.

Guide Dogs Cymru is looking for volunteers to help at events, collections and lots more.

For information, contact 0845 372 7405 or volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk

Residents in the area had been without a Post Office since September 2010, but can now visit the new facility between Monday to Friday, 9am-5.30pm, and 9am-12.30pm on Saturdays.

The accompanying shop is subsidising the running costs of the Post Office, while also offering local produce and handmade crafts. If you want your own space to sell your work and produce, the partnership may be able to help.

It is also working with local businesses to

Home loans Interest-free loans are available to owners of empty properties.

Houses into Homes loans allow owners to repair and renovate properties to bring them back into use as homes for sale or rent. Landlords repay the loan on an interestfree basis over a fixed period.

Anyone can apply for a loan of up to £25,000 per empty dwelling, subject to conditions and available funding.

Contact 01495 742629 or joanne.lewis-jones@torfaen. gov.uk for more information.

ensure the facility becomes a central hub of the community and a source of local information and services.

A spokeswoman for Garnsychan Partnership said: “The new enterprise will be a successful and thriving project benefiting the communities of Garndiffaith and Varteg.

“The Post Office facility relies on your support, so we hope to see you here soon!”

For more information about Garnsychan Partnership or the Post Office facilities, call 01495 774453, email info@garnsychan.org.uk or visit www.garnsychan.com

Christmas planning under way Cwmbran Community Council (CCC) is already planning its festive events for 2013.

Last December, it invited local schoolchildren to design a logo to help celebrate Christmas in Cwmbran. The winning entry, judged by members of the Community Council, was submitted

by Taylor Deeley of Llanyrafon Primary School. His design will be made up into a Christmas decoration for display at Cwmbran Shopping Centre and feature on the community council’s Christmas cards.

Taylor received a framed copy of his winning entry, presented to him by CCC chairman Bill Walker.

CCC will announce its range of events shortly.

Apply for a Houses into Homes loan today – call 01495 742629

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Summer scenes from Torfaen events T...

CWMBRAN BIG EVEN

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IV T S E F E G A IT R E H D WORL

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PONTYPOOL CARNIV

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