TORFAENTalksYour Community Newspaper

www.torfaen.gov.uk 01495 762200

Inside »

December 2012 - Rhagfyr 2012

Planting seeds for

future generationssee page 3

Manor markets serve

up a treat for visitors

see page 8

Remembering Bryan's

sporting legacysee page 15

A Heart Borough

Transforming schoolsTorfaen council’s cabinet has approved a consultation on plans to shut three schools, in the first step of a £257.6 million school transformation programme.

The proposals would help tackle surplus places, improve the use of school resources and raise pupil attainment. They would result in:

• Two Locks Nursery School shutting, with the age range of Nant Celyn Primary School expanded from 4-11 to 3-11

• Pontymoile Primary School shutting, with pupils going to predominantly George Street and New Inn primary schools

• The Autistic Special Needs Resource Base at Pontymoile Primary School relocating to Nant Celyn Primary School

• Kemys Fawr Infants School shutting, with pupils attending Griffithstown Primary School.

In March 2010, Welsh Government insisted all 22 councils submit proposals to transform education and tackle the costly issues of ageing school buildings and surplus

places. The proposed school closures are

the first part of the council’s

21st Century Strategic Plan, which will deliver a mixture of new, extended and refurbished schools. The council is able to move forward with these specific Band A proposals, as they are not subject to grant funding.

The executive member for children and young people, councillor Mary Barnett, said: “Torfaen is at a critical point in time in achieving its vision for teaching and learning throughout the borough and addressing the poor condition of many of its buildings.

“Significant progress

has been made in the last three years in terms of school re-organisation and capital investment, but there is still a long way to go. We need to attract as much funding to Torfaen as possible, but to do so some difficult decisions need to be taken.

“The legacy of these proposals could be a sustainable education system with inspirational schools, at the right size and in the right place across the borough, adaptable to the changing curriculum.

“The proposals would improve children’s education for now and future generations.”

The 21st Century schools programme will be

delivered in four phases, with schools in most critical need of improvement taking priority in Band A, from 2014 – 2019. The final programme, Band D, is due to be undertaken in 2026-28.

Consultation events were held

in November before Torfaen

Talks went to press, but you can

still have your say before Friday

14 December.

Write to Mark Horton, Pearl

House, Commercial Street,

Pontypool, NP4 6YB, email

primaryreview@torfaen.gov.uk or

visit www.mysay.torfaen.gov.uk

For more information, call

01495 766910.

A Heart Borough

My favourite place in Torfaen is Cwmbran town centre.

It is not the biggest shopping centre, but it

doesn’t need to be. There are all kinds of facilities

within the town centre, from big supermarkets to

small cafes and even a bowling alley! I can easily

meet up with my friends and have a good time. It

doesn’t matter what the weather is like because

most of town is under cover. My friends and I

usually go every weekend, so I spend a lot of my

time there. My favourite shop is HMV – I always

make sure I visit it every time I’m in town.

My other favourite place within Cwmbran town

is Bowlplex. It is great for young people, as there is

plenty to do.

You can bowl, play arcade games or play pool.

There is also a bar, so adults have something to

do too! There are many car parks all around town

and the best part – parking is free!

When I was younger I used to spend my time

in the library in town and it was where I became

interested in reading, so even from a young age

I’ve been drawn to the town centre.

Whatever I’m doing I always enjoy my time in

Cwmbran town centre.

Danielle Gibbins

Tell us about your favourite place in Torfaen

and you could feature in a future issue of Torfaen

Talks. Write to Communications team, Level five,

Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB.

Page 2 Recycle Torfaen Talks – pop it in your black recycling box

NEWS IN BRIEFImprove properties with Houses to Homes loansLandlords and home-owners can apply for a Welsh Government

Houses to Homes loan to repair and renovate empty run-down

residential properties and return them back into use as homes

for sale or rent. Anyone interested can apply for a loan of up

to £25,000 per empty dwelling. For more information, contact

01495 742629 or joanne.lewis-jones@torfaen.gov.uk

Forum meeting planned for local landlordsThe next landlord forum takes place on 30 January. Contact

j oanne.lewis-jones@torfaen.gov.uk or 01495 742629 to reserve a

place. For more information, go to www.torfaenhomes.co.uk

Support available for residents over-50Age Concern Torfaen provides a support service to people over-50

to help maintain independence. Funded through the Torfaen

Supporting People Programme, the service helps people claim

benefits they are entitled to, manage their finances, settle into a

new home and improve their confidence. Call 01495 774455.

Credit union services for landlords and tenantsTorfaen council is working with the Wales Co-operative Centre

to promote the Gateway Credit Union service to landlords and

tenants. A credit union rent account helps tenants to manage

their finances by ring-fencing housing benefit payment and

forwarding it directly to the landlord. This service will offer an

alternative to a traditional bank account when universal credit is

introduced. Go to www.torfaenhomes.co.uk for full details.

Re-registration required for Homeseeker schemeRe-registration of the Homeseeker register is now carried out

monthly. Torfaen council will contact every applicant on the

anniversary of the date of their registration to find out whether

they wish to remain on the register. If you are a Homeseeker

applicant and receive this letter, do not ignore it. Failure to

return the re-registration slip will result in the removal of your

application from the register.

External wall insulation offer is endingThe Energy Saving Trust is offering free or subsidised solid wall

insulation, subject to eligibility, before the end of December.

Contact 02920 475947, james.lilly@est.org.uk, or www.est.org.uk

More than £400 raised by coffee morningA Macmillan coffee week at the Settlement in Pontypool raised

more than £400 for charity. Adult education staff made cakes

and people gave donations as they came to the learner lounge

during their morning, afternoon and evening classes. The

organisers thanked everyone who made donations.

Ongoing improvements to the Life StationThe allotments at the Life Station in Trevethin are now finished

and each bed has been allocated. More beds are being prepared

and should be ready for spring 2013. Work has started on the

community orchard to the rear of the allotments. Also, funding

has been applied for to finance the communal garden, which

will be for the use of the local community. The work on the car

park has now finished, allowing twice as much parking as before.

The Life Station café is open 9.30am–3pm, Monday-Friday, to

members of the public and serves hot and cold snacks including

jacket potatoes, toasties and salads.

Celebrating the work of Trevethin volunteersMore than 100 people were presented with certificates at a

volunteer celebration evening at Trevethin Workingmen’s Club.

Organised by Trevethin Communities First Partnership Board,

the event recognised the superb work carried out in Trevethin.

The chair of the board, councillor Lewis Jones, said: “An excellent

evening’s entertainment was enjoyed by volunteers and sponsors.

Special thanks to Communities First staff, workingmen’s club

staff, talented singer Zoe Morgan and local band Out of Time.”

Pupils light up the track and

field

Santa grotto at local farmSanta Claus has a grotto at Greenmeadow Community Farm.

Open daily (10.30am-3.30pm)

until Sunday 23 December,

normal farm admission prices

apply, plus £1.50 extra per child

to visit Santa and receive a gift.

The farm will also be

open for a special Christmas

celebration evening on Tuesday

11 December from 4pm. The

sparkling Christmas lights and

the full effect of the farm’s

seasonal decorations can only

be fully appreciated after dark.

The farm’s unique Christmas

production will be performed

for one night only, plus twilight

tractor rides, storytelling and

creative Christmas craft.

Santa will be in his grotto and

there will be plenty of stocking

fillers and Christmas present

ideas, not only in the gift shop,

but also in the farm’s Christmas

shopping village. Free entry for

adults, while child admission is

just £3.60, which includes a visit

to Santa and a gift.

To check Santa’s availability

at a certain time or to make

a group booking, call 01633

647662.

My favourite place

Torfaen council

hosted a world sports day at

Cwmbran Stadium. Seven primary schools from Torfaen

and Monmouthshire competed in a

number of different sports including

javelin, athletics and high jump.

Events such as this give young

people the chance to enjoy getting

involved in physical activity with other

children.

Gold medal winner John Harris and

London 2012 Paralympian Kyron Duke

went along to show their support.

Kyron said: “Whether you have a

disability or not, everyone should

come and try a sport. If you’re not

good at one thing, try another, there

are so many different things you could

be good at.”

Celebrating centenariansTwo Torfaen centenarians planted trees in Garndiffaith to mark the Queen’s Jubilee year.

The seeds were planted

outside the Millennium Hall by

106-year-old Milly Jenkins and

100-year-old Doreen Butcher.

They were joined by local

school children, Garndiffaith

residents and members of the

Millennium Hall.

Milly Jenkins even had the

support of her two sisters,

Elsie, 97, and Dorothy, 83.

Another tree was also

planted in the hall grounds

by Torfaen mayor Wayne

Tomlinson and the chair

of Pontypool Community

Council, councillor Barry

Taylor.

The event was supported

by the Pontypool Settlement

Area project funded by the

EU’s European Regional

Development Fund through

the Welsh Government.

As part of the project,

Torfaen council is looking

to improve Stanley Road in

Garndiffaith and Millennium

Hall grounds environment

during 2013-2014.

This will include improving

access to the hall grounds

from Stanley Road and

improving the gardens as a

community facility.

To get involved in the

future of the area, call 01633

648505.

Page 3To contact Torfaen trading standards, telephone 01633 647624

South Sebastopol plans reinstated into local planTorfaen councillors have reinstated the South Sebastopol Strategic Area into the council’s Local Development Plan (LDP).

At an extraordinary meeting, councillors

voted to put the allocation back in, after it was

removed earlier this year.

The meeting was held to allow councillors

to consider the Planning Inspector’s

recommendation to the council to withdraw

the LDP, specifically in the light of the council’s

decision to remove the South Sebastopol

Strategic Action Area.

The inspector also raised concerns about the

incomplete provision for Gypsy and Traveller sites

in the LDP; however, this will now be debated at

a future meeting.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob

Wellington, said: “The decision to reinstate

the south Sebastopol site has long-term

regeneration implications that clearly benefit

the whole borough.

“A council without an approved LDP is a

council without a long-term vision for the area. A

lack of clarity on land use in the borough could

damage the council’s reputation with developers

and investors as a place to do business and

makes the borough less attractive for other

major developments.

“The single biggest influence on the Torfaen

economy for the foreseeable future will be house

building. The south Sebastopol development

could see 1,200 new homes being built in the

borough, creating vital jobs, stimulating growth

in the local economy and making a significant

contribution to the housing needs of Torfaen.”

In July 2011, the council voted to refuse plans

to build 1,200 homes on farm and woodland in

south Sebastopol, following an application by

a consortium of developers including Barratt

Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

The south Sebastopol development would

include up to 1,200 homes, a village centre,

green transport links, sport pitches and changing

facilities, play areas, and cycle and leisure trails.

It will also include areas of retained and

improved woodland and conservation areas and

protect existing Public Rights of Way.

The applicants will improve the local bus

service, create four play areas and construct a

new bridge over the Monmouthshire and Brecon

Canal.

For more information about the LDP, call

01633 648805 or visit www2.torfaen.gov.uk/

EnvironmentAndPlanning/Planning

New cold calling control zones for TorfaenThe new cold calling zones in Torfaen are as follows:Blaenavon wardForgeside

Garn yr Erw

Capel Newydd

Curwood

Kennard Crescent

Avon Road / Brynavon

Llanover Road

“Top Elgam”

Brynwern wardThe Circle

Park Terrace/Nicholas Street (and area)

Croesyceiliog north wardCardigan Crescent (and area)

Croesyceiliog south wardTewdric Court

Royal Oak Green

Llantarnam wardOakfield

Court Farm

Cory Park (Abbey Fields)Llanyravon south wardPonthir

Llanfrechfa (upper and lower)

New Inn wardChester Close

Lancaster Road (and area)

Caroline Road/Blodwen Road (and area)

Hillcrest/Ambryn Road (and area)

Usk Road (Nos 63–109)

Pontypool wardTy Newydd and Lower Penygarn

Maes-y-celyn/Brynheulog

Maesderwen/The Moorings

Victoria Road (and area)

St Dials WardSt Dials Road

Pen-y-Waun Road/Hilltop Road (and area)

Wesley Street/Oak Street/Star Street/Abbey Road (and area)

For a list of allcold calling zones in Torfaen, visit www.torfaen.gov.uk

Torfaen is increasing the number of cold calling zones in the borough.

Unwanted doorstep callers can be

intimidating and often aim to get

into your home by distracting you or

catching you off guard.

They may pose as bogus officials

claiming to be from the council,

police, health carers, market

researchers, gas, water, electricity,

phone or TV companies and can be

very convincing and persuasive.

The executive member for

community safety, councillor

Richard Clark, said: “It can be quite

frightening for someone if they are

continuously having people they

don’t know knocking their doors.

“These zones are put in place to

help stop this happening so residents

don’t feel afraid.

“If you feel like you’re home or

area is being targeted, contact

trading standards on 01633

647624.”

STOP PRESS... STOP PRESSJust before Torfaen Talks went to print, an extraordinary meeting was held where councillors approved outline planning permission for the Specialist and Critical Care Centre in Llanfrechfa.

Councillors also considered further focussed

changes to the Local Development Plan

(LDP). This included voting in favour of

extending the Gypsy and Traveller provision

in Cwmynyscoy.

Torfaen Armed Forces pledgeTorfaen council is appealing for people to help create an Armed Forces Community Covenant and pledge.

The initiative aims to encourage communities to support the Armed Forces community and vice-versa, promote awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces community and encourage activities to help integrate the Armed Forces community into local life. To achieve this, Torfaen council wants current service personnel, support organisations, public service community groups and charities to share their knowledge and experience.

Call 01495 742886 or email tara.gardner@torfaen.gov.uk to get involved.

Page 4 This is the left page titlePage 4 For more information go to www.torfaen.gov.uk/improvingtorfaen

Supported 408 people to get better financial control of their lives

Encouraged 250 young people to regularly save

3,400+ people helped by Supporting

People service

Increased the number of pupils leaving school with a qualification

Helped people lead healthier lives through projects like the National Exercise Referral Scheme and Hearty Lives

Supp

orti

ng fa

mili

es li

ving

in p

over

ty

Prevented 100+ people from becoming homeless

Over half of social housing now meets the Welsh Housing Quality Standard

Reduced the

number of

empty properties

in the borough

Prev

enti

ng h

omel

essn

ess

Reduced the number ofyoung people not in education employmentor training

Increased the external qualification points score for 16 year olds

• Deployed anti-bullying strategies in schools

• Increased attendance in its schools

• Ran open access play schemes for 1,000+ children each week

Safe

guar

ding

chi

ldre

n

Attracted five new digital businesses to the area,creating 35 jobs

76 unemployed people found work through Torfaen Training

1,870people took part in work-based training through Torfaen Training

211jobs created through the Local Investment Fund

3 new socialenterprises created

322people earned a qualificationin ICT or in ICT key skills through council courses

Empl

oym

ent

gene

rati

on a

nd t

rain

ing

oppo

rtun

itie

s

Decreased the number of people killed or seriously injured on Torfaen roads

44% of waste produced in Torfaen was

recycled or composted

Reduced C02 emissions from street lights and council buildings

✓77% of residents took part in kerbside recycling

Usi

ng r

esou

rces

wis

ely

Raised more than£3 million by disposing of surplus buildings

Trading standards carried out alcohol test purchases at

33 premises

185people citing

DOMESTIC ABUSE issues were givenhousing support

instances ofgraffiti reported and work carried out

422

Created new community gardens

5

Targ

etin

g cr

ime

and

anti

-soc

ial b

ehav

iour

24/7Engaged 250 young people in its 24/7 detached youth programme

Prot

ecti

ng

vuln

erab

le a

dult

s

648 people were supported through Tele-care service

3,827 people received health and social care at home

Introduced an advocacy service that provided over 3,700 hours of support

2,000+

Evaluating the council's performanceTorfaen council produces an annual report outlining its progress in delivering its improvement objectives and achieving its Corporate Plan priorities.

The council didn’t meet all of its targets in 2011/12, but it did make progress in all of its priority areas. Here’s a selection of performance figures to give you a flavour of what was achieved last year.

More details can be found atwww.torfaen.gov.uk/improvingtorfaen

Comments can be sent tocorporate.plan@torfaen.gov.uk

29

People received support from its extended community equipment service

Page 5

Cynorthwywyd 408 o bobl

i gael gwell rheolaeth

ariannol yn eu bywydau

Anogwyd 250 o bobl ifanc

i gynilo’n rheolaidd

Cynorthwywyd 3400+ o

bobl gan y gwasanaeth

Cefnogi Pobl

Cynyddwyd nifer y

disgyblion sydd yn meddu

ar gymhwyster wrth adael

yr ysgol

Cafodd pobl gymorth i fyw bywydau iachach drwy brosiectau fel y Cynllun Atgyfeirio i Wneud Ymarfer Corff a Hearty Lives

Dar

paru

cef

noga

eth

i deu

luoe

dd

sy’n

byw

mew

n tl

odi

Rhwystrwyd dros 100 o bobl rhag digartrefedd

Mae dros hanner y tai cymdeithasol yn bodloni Safon Ansawdd TaiCymru erbyn hyn

Gostyngwyd nifer yr eiddo gwag yn y fwrdeistref

Ata

l dig

artr

efed

d

Gostyngwyd nifer y bobl ifanc nad ydynt mewn addysg, cyflogaeth neu hyfforddiant

Cynyddwyd sgôr pwyntiau cymwysterau allanol i bobl ifanc 16 oed

• Cyflwynwyd strategaethau gwrth-fwlio mewn ysgolion

• Cynyddwyd presenoldeb yn ein hysgolion

• Cynhaliwyd cynlluniau chwarae mynediad agored i dros 1000 o blant bob wythnos

Dio

gelu

pla

nt

Denwyd pum busnes digidol newydd i’r ardal, gan greu 35 o swyddi

76 Daeth 76 person di-waith o hyd i waith drwy Hyfforddiant Torfaen

Crëwyd 3 menter gymdeithasol newydd

Enillodd 322 o bobl gymhwyster mewn TGCh neu sgiliau allweddol TGCh drwy gyrsiau’r cyngorC

reu

gwai

th a

chy

fleo

edd

hyff

ordd

i

Cafodd llai o bobl eu lladd neu’u hanafu’n ddifrifol ar y ffyrdd yn Nhorfaen

Cafodd 44% o’r gwastraff a gynhyrchwyd yn Nhorfaen ei ailgylchu neu’i gompostio

Gostyngwyd allyriadau C02 o oleuadau stryd ac adeiladau’r cyngorbuildings

✓Fe wnaeth 77% o drigolion gymryd rhan yn y cynllun ailgylchu wrth ymyl y ffordd

Def

nydd

io a

dnod

dau

yn d

doet

h

Codwyd dros

£3 miliwn drwy waredu ar adeiladau gwag

Fe wnaeth safonau masnach gynnal ymarferion prynu prawf mewn 33 safle sy’n gwerthu alcohol

Rhoddwyd cymorth tai i 185 o bobl a

oedd yn dioddef oherwydd cam-drin domestig

Adrod-dwyd 422 achos o raffiti ac aethpwyd i’r afael â hwy

422

Crëwyd gerddi cymunedol newydd

5

Targ

edu

tros

edd

ac y

mdd

ygia

d gw

rthg

ymde

itha

sol

24/7Fe wnaeth ddenu 250 o bobl ifanc i’w rhaglen ieuenctid datgysylltiedig 24/7

Am

ddif

fyn

oedo

lion

breg

us Cafodd 648 o bobl gymorth drwy’r gwasanaeth Tele-ofal

Derbyniodd 3827 o bobl gofal iechyd a chymdeithasol yn y cartref

Cyflwynwyd gwasanaeth eirioli newydda ddarparodd dros 3700 awr o gymorth

Cafodd dros 2000 o bobl gymorth gany gwasanaeth cyfarpar cymunedol

Gwerthuso perfformiad y cyngorMae cyngor Torfaen yn cyhoeddi adroddiad blynyddol yn amlinellu ei gynnydd o ran cyflawni ei amcanion gwella a blaenoriaethau ei Gynllun Corfforaethol.

Ni wnaeth y cyngor gyflawni ei dargedau i gyd yn 2011/12, ond fe wnaeth cynnydd ymhob un o’r meysydd sydd o flaenoriaeth .Dyma ddetholiad o’r ffigurau perfformiad i roi blas i chi o’r hyn y cafodd ei gyflawni llynedd.

Mae mwy o fanylion i’w cael ar www.torfaen.gov.uk/improvingtorfaen

Gellir anfon sylwadau arcorporate.plan@torfaen.gov.uk

29

Am ragor o wybodaeth ewch i www.torfaen.gov.uk/improvingtorfaen Page 5

Fe wnaeth 1870 o bobl gymryd rhan mewn hyfforddiant yn y gweithle drwy Hyfforddiant Torfaen

Crëwyd 211 o swyddi drwy’r Gronfa Buddsoddi Lleol

CYNYDDWYD

GOSTYNGWYD

Page 6 Recycle Torfaen Talks – pop it into your black recycling box

Meet your councillorABERSYCHAN

Councillor Gwyneira Clark

(SUSPENDED UNTIL 17/01/13)01495 773737

Councillor Giles Davies 07429 185409

Councillor Wayne Tomlinson 01495 774953

BLAENAVON

Councillor Stuart Evans 01495 792335

Councillor Evans will hold surgeries at

Garn-yr-Erw Welfare Hall (3 December) and

Forgeside Community Hall (7 January) and

Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall (4 February) at 7pm

Councillor Alun Furzer 01495 792497

Councillor Alan Jones 01495 790477

Councillors Furzer and Jones will hold a surgery at

Blaenavon RFC on 31 January at 6pm

BRYNWERN

Councillor Len Constance 07576 772064

COED EVA

Councillor Fiona Cross 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

CROESYCEILIOG SOUTH

Councillor Veronica Crick JP 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

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 01633 863744

Councillor Seabourne holds surgeries on the

first Saturday of every month, except August,

10.30am-12pm Fairhill Methodist Church

GREENMEADOW

Councillor Mandy Owen 01633 872665

Councillor Bob Wellington 01633 868402

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 David Daniels 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 07817 609419

Councillor Graham holds surgeries on the first

Saturday of every month, excluding August,

10am-12pm Llantarnam Comprehensive School

LLANYRAFON NORTH

Councillor Glyn Caron 01633 871047

LLANYRAFON SOUTH

Councillor Huw Bevan 01633 421983

Councillor Bevan will hold a surgery at Ponthir

Village Hall on 9 January 6.30pm-7.30pm

NEW INN

Councillor David James 01495 758559

Councillor Raymond Mills 01495 750327

Councillor Graham Smith 07527 963774

The three councillors share a surgery on the

first Saturday of every month, except August, at

10am-12pm at Learning Centre, the Highway.

PANTEG

Councillor Anthony Hunt 07870 116463

Councillor Norma Parrish 01495 763067

Councillor David Yeowell 01495 762095

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

PONTNEWYNYDD

Councillor Kelvin Harnett JP 01495 760295

PONTYPOOL

Councillor Mike Harris 07725 982550

Councillor Harris holds surgeries on the first

Friday of every month 10.30am-11.30am at

St Matthews Church, Cwmfields

SNATCHWOOD

Councillor Barry Taylor JP 01495 774281

ST CADOCS AND PENYGARN

Councillor Neil Mason 01495 750019

ST DIALS

Councillor Stephen Brooks KSS JP 01633 868283

Councillor Elizabeth Haynes 0750 705 4393

Councillors Brooks and Haynes will hold a surgery

on Thursday 10 January at 2.30pm in Melbourne

Court Sheltered Housing, Greenmeadow Way.

Bron Afon and the police will also be present.

TREVETHIN

Councillor Lewis Jones 01495 756950

Councillor John Marshall 01495 755812

TWO LOCKS

Councillor Ron Burnett 01633 874157

Councillor Pamela Cameron 01633 873793

Councillor Colette Thomas 01633 482104

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

UPPER CWMBRAN

Councillor Mary Barnett 01633 484002

Councillor John Cunningham MBE KSG 01633 862050

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

Councillor Robert Kemp 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

Give your business a voiceDo you dream of running your own business?

Have you come up with a new product, spotted a gap in the

market, want to make a career out of an interest or hobby, or come

up with an original idea to an everyday problem? If so, help is

available to you.

Torfaen council offers anyone with a business or thinking about

setting one up a diverse range of services, including business

planning, environmental and marketing advice, help to find suitable

premises and business grant funding. The service is free and can

provide financial assistance, help and advice for start-ups, property

and site information, advice on council regulatory matters and point

you in the right direction for other business support that may be

available.

Torfaen businesses are also eligible to join the thriving local

business club, Torfaen Business Voice. As well as receiving a quarterly

magazine packed with business news, members enjoy an annual

programme of events with qualified and specialist speakers and a

host of networking opportunities.

Local businessman Ian Edwards (pictured) said: “I have been

coming to Torfaen Business Voice meetings for five years and in that

time it has grown considerably.

“With 60 to 100 people at each event,

you get to meet many like-minded

business people from a variety

of market sectors and business

support organisations. You'll make

new contacts and will always learn

something new to take away and

apply in your business.”

Visit www.torfaenbusinessvoice.co.uk

or contact 01633 648644 to

find out more about

Torfaen Business Voice

and how it can help

your business flourish

today.

Torfaen's Big Skills ShareWinter is comingWinter has started and Torfaen council is ready to deal with the cold weather and any problems it causes.

The council has 4,000 tonnes

of salt in its barns, plus a reserve

stock of 2,000 tonnes in a

shared regional barn in Ebbw

Vale. An average gritting action

uses about 35 tonnes, although

a lot more is used in periods of

snow. Gritting runs have already

started, while more than 650

grit bins in Torfaen have been

refilled.

Residents are reminded to

use the salt sparingly, clearing

snow first to get the best results.

Vandalism of the bins is a big

problem, meaning that bins that

could be used for new requests

have to be used to replace

damaged existing ones.

Torfaen has a fleet of seven

large gritting lorries that can all

be fitted with ploughs in times

of snow.

For treating narrower streets,

it has two smaller van-mounted

gritters and two Land Rovers

that can be fitted with ploughs.

The council treats 52 per cent

of the highway network, the

national average is about 35 per

cent.

An event to encourage people to think differently and challenge perceptions about older people took place in Cwmbran Library.

The Big Skills Share was arranged by Bron Afon Community

Housing’s Aspire befriending service, Torfaen council and other

local organisations as part of this year’s UK Older People’s Day.

The day celebrated the contributions made by older people to

society. Lots of activities were on offer, including performances

by Griffithstown Primary School choir and the Rebel Stompers

line dancing group, jewellery making, a light exercise session

and digital storytelling. Bron Afon’s Tech New Age project

team showed older people how to use gadgets such as Wii Fit,

mobile phones and laptops. WH Smiths promoted e-books and

Macmillan delivered a session on its online services.

Aspire volunteer coordinator Lukasz Kuziow said: “The success

of the Big Skills Share was all about people of all ages coming

together to share their experiences, learn from others and

meet new friends. We look forward to hosting a similar event to

celebrate UK Older People’s Day next year.”

Torfaen council’s older people's champion Lewis Jones added:

“Everyone has an older relative, colleague or friend who they look

to for advice and to learn things from. Older People's Day and the

event in Cwmbran Library were all about bringing old and young

people together to create better understanding and respect."

Page 7Go to www.torfaensustainability.co.uk to find out how sustainable you are

SCHOOLS RECYCLING“Don’t bin it, bring it.”

That was the message at

Torfaen schools, as pupils

collected electrical equipment

for recycling.

Small electrical items

that were either broken or

unwanted, but potentially

reusable, were handed over at

participating schools across

the borough.

Torfaen was one of 10

councils across south east

Wales to support the scheme.

It partnered with Circulate

to ensure any potentially

reusable small electrical items

were made available to local

people through their shops to

low income families.

For more information on the

scheme, visit

www.resourceefficiencywales.

co.uk or follow

@weee_wales_2012 on

Twitter.

Cycle network is expanding in TorfaenWork has started to expand Torfaen’s ever-growing cycle network.

Torfaen council is working with Sustrans, a UK

charity that promotes sustainable transport,

to extend the Valleys Cycle network. The

project has been part-funded by the European

Regional Development Fund through the Welsh

Government.

The council has started work on a new route

through the Albion playing fields in Pontypool

that will connect route 492 with the new 466

route from Crumlin.

The cross-valley cycle route

from Caerphilly to Pontypool links National

Cycle Network (NCN) routes 492 and 465

from Crumlin to Pontypool via, Swffryd and

Hafodyrynys.

The Torfaen section will link to sections being

constructed by Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent

and consist of a traffic free section though

parkland and a lightly trafficked

highway.

For more information,

contact

01633 648809.

Site visit inspires pupils

Pupils from Ysgol Bryn Onnen visited Ty Coch Recycling Centre, as part of Torfaen Sustainability Week.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said:

“School pupils in Torfaen are very enthusiastic about being

environmentally friendly and want to promote this message. They

understand that they are doing their bit to help save the planet

and they embrace this. School visits such as this help us stress the

importance of environmental and sustainable development issues.

“Making sure pupils understand the importance of sustainable

living is a key aim of Torfaen Sustainability Week and ongoing

initiatives such our school education schemes help us reiterate the

messages about energy saving, litter and pollution.”

Event hits right notesA group of learners from Torfaen Training’s engagement programme helped collect rubbish in Pontypool Park, as part of Torfaen Sustainability Week.

The learners had a brief introduction to

Pontypool Park Friends before getting their

hands dirty and helping out.

Torfaen Training officer Christian Hooper

explained: “The weather on the day was

dreadful, but they worked hard throughout

the day on the tools that are used on the

trees in the park, as well as collecting rubbish

in the area. Pictures of the work were taken

throughout the day, which the learners then

used to create a short video.”

Working with Urban Media Academy (UMA)

in New Inn, they created a music track to

complete the video.

UMA manager Kris Bishton said: “We gave

the learners the opportunity to use equipment

and facilities they wouldn’t normally have

access to. It shows everyone can make music

and we are hoping to continue to work with

Torfaen Training to help young people embrace

digital media and music making.”

Email urbanmediaacademy@hotmail.co.uk to

contact UMA. Call Torfaen Training on 01633

875 929.

Findhorn speakersTorfaen played host to some of the country’s most high-profile names in sustainable development.

They joined Torfaen council

leader and sustainability

champion Bob Wellington for a

thought provoking conference

in Cwmbran’s Congress

Theatre.

May East, executive director

of CIFAL Findhorn, spoke to

the guests about the real life

experience of creating an eco-

village in Findhorn, Scotland.

Since its creation in 1962,

Findhorn eco-village has grown

to a sustainable community of

more than 300 residents.

It includes 55

environmentally-friendly

buildings, four wind turbines

and numerous solar heating

systems.

Make Torfaen more sustainableSustainable living remains a key issue for Torfaen council.

It is continually working to show how, by

making minor adjustments to the way people

live, everyone can help reduce consumption of

the earth’s resources and atmospheric emissions.

The council is appealing for local people from

all backgrounds to spread the message of how

small changes to people’s every day lives can

help make Torfaen a more sustainable place to

live.

Some sustainability champions may

want to organise community clear-ups and

environmental projects in their area, while others

may want to talk to community groups and

encourage others to volunteer locally.

Some champions might want to suggest things

that their local councillor or community council

could help with.

Others might even want to lobby for changes

to national and international policy. It really is

up to you. The only restriction is your ambition.

Email eco-building@torfaen.gov.uk for more

information.

Council prepares action plan to help school placed in special measuresWhen Torfaen Talks went to print, the council had started working with Llantarnam School on an action plan to address issues raised by Estyn.

Llantarnam School has been placed

in special measures, following a

damning report by inspectors Estyn,

which highlighted concerns about the

standards of achievement at the school,

including the capacity of leaders and

managers to secure the necessary

improvements.

The executive member for children

and young people, councillor Mary

Barnett, said: “The feedback from

inspectors was damning and required us

to take immediate action.

“We have already conducted a

comprehensive review into the safety of

the school and pupils, and have helped

the school with a policy to address pupil

behaviour.

“The council has made raising pupil

attainment a priority, which is reflected

in the seven per cent improvement in

the school’s most recent GCSE results.

“The council provided the school

with extra resources, both staffing

and financial, which helped the school

achieve vastly improved results in

English and maths.

“We will continue to work with the

head and governors to produce a

detailed action plan to which they will

be held accountable and from which

we can consider any further action

necessary.”

Manor markets amaze

Page 8 For information on producer markets call 01495 742412

Players a credit to schoolThe year-10 and year-11 rugby team from Abersychan Comprehensive recently visited Millfield School in Somerset.

A highly successful

independent school that has

specialist sports college status,

Millfield is famed for its excellent

facilities and former pupils such

as Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams

and Duncan Goodhew.

In the early stages of the

game, the contest was close

with both teams playing high

tempo rugby that was extremely

physical. However, as the game

progressed, Abersychan showed

great maturity and patience

to get the upper hand on their

opponents and ran away 47-7

victors.

Staff at Millfield commented

on how well behaved the

Abersychan pupils

were, while head

teacher Mike

Conway said

they were

a credit to

themselves,

their families

and the

school.

2

wwww welll bbehaveed dd the

yychan pupils

wwhile heeada

er Mike

ay said

were

dit to

selves,

families

he

l.

The first local food and craft markets have been a big success at Llanyrafon Manor Rural Heritage Centre.

A pilot market at the

beginning of the summer

proved popular, so markets now

take place on the last Sunday of

the month at 10am-2pm.

Visitors can sample the wealth

of products that south east

Wales and Torfaen in particular

has to offer, with ample free

off-road parking and plenty

of stalls to keep you busy

throughout the event.

Markets will be held on 27

January 2013, 24 February

2013 and 31 March 2013.

For more information, contact

01495 742412 or email

create@torfaen.gov.uk

Nice day for a white wedding

Garnteg primary pupils held a wedding service, as part of their religious education. The year one and two classes enacted a wedding service during a half hour service at Pisgah Church in Talywain.

g

Changes to leisure servicesTorfaen council is creating a new not-for-profit leisure trust to delivery its leisure services from spring 2013.

Trustees, working in a

voluntary capacity, will help set

the strategy for operating the

facilities transferred to the trust.

Initially, they will work with the

council and its leisure advisor to

set up a shadow board.

The deputy leader of

Torfaen council, councillor

Lewis Jones, said: “Transferring

leisure services to a non-profit

distributing organisation

(NPDO) is the best long-term

option for the council.

“It is in the best interests

of leisure customers and

staff, while ensuring future

investment and improvements

in leisure services.

“The new trust will protect

this much-valued service from

future budget cuts and ensure

residents can continue to

benefit from the high-quality

leisure services we are very

proud to deliver.”

Torfaen has a good track

record of transferring

services, with the

successful

housing

stock transfer to Bron Afon

bringing large-scale investment

and improvements.

The NPDO will be funded

by a council grant, and any

savings can be re-invested

back into services and business

expansion, or redirected to

other council areas.

Under-occupied home suggestionsThere are a number of options to consider if you are assessed as under-occupying your accommodation.

Although it may sound

drastic, you might think about

moving to a smaller property.

It is likely some other bills, such

as heating, might go down too,

leaving you better off. If this

is an option, you need to think

about it now, as there is no

guarantee a suitable property

will be available. You may wish

to take in a lodger to fill the

extra room you have. If allowed

by your landlord, the lodger

would be assessed as part of the

household. However, the money

you receive from the lodger

might be counted as income.

In some circumstances, a

claimant may be entitled to a

payment from the discretionary

housing payment fund to make

up all or some of the reduction.

This fund is administered

by the council for those who

it considers are in need of

additional help with their rent.

Another possibility is

increasing your work hours to

make up the shortfall in rent.

The way that extra earnings

affect benefits, depends

on a person’s household

circumstances and how many

hours they work. If you are

thinking of working extra hours,

you can use the benefits advice

calculator on www.gov.uk for

an estimate of how an increase

in hours will affect you. Finally,

you might decide that you can

afford to pay any shortfall in

your benefit yourself and take

no action, making sure you keep

your rent account up to date.

Page 9For more information on benefit changes go to www.gov.uk

The UK government is planning some major changes, which could impact on the amount of help you get with your rent and council tax and how your rent is paid.

This page features a general overview of the changes that are coming and how you could be affected.

Will you be affected by the spare bedroom rule?From 1 April 2013, there will be rules regarding the number of bedrooms housing benefit will pay for, if you live in accommodation provided by a housing association such as Melin or Bron Afon.

Working age housing benefit claimants who under-occupy their property will have their housing benefit cut by 14 per cent for one spare room and 25 per cent for two or more spare rooms.

The new rules do not apply to you if you or your partner are of pensionable age. In April 2013 pensionable age will be around 61 years and six months rising to 62 in April 2014.

The rules allow one bedroom for:

• every adult couple (married or unmarried)

• any other adult aged 16 or over

• any two children of the same sex aged under 16

• any two children aged under 10

• any other child, (other than a foster child or child whose main home is elsewhere)

• a carer (or team of carers) who provide you or your partner with overnight care (providing you have a spare bedroom for

this purpose).

Please note• Foster children do not count as part of

the household for benefit purposes.

• Where there is shared custody of a child,

where the child lives will be based on

whoever receives the child benefit.

ExampleMrs and Mrs Jones are living in a three bedroom property with their two children Susan, aged six, and John, aged eight.

Their rent is £75 per week and they are

currently in receipt of maximum housing

benefit (£75 per week). Under the new size

limit rules, they would be entitled to housing

benefit for two bedrooms, one bedroom for

themselves and one for Susan and John (who

would be expected to share a room as they

are both under 10). This means Mr and Mrs

Jones are considered to be under-occupying

their accommodation by one room and from

1 April 2013 their housing benefit would be

reduced by 14 per cent. This decrease would

see them receive housing benefit of £64.50

per week (a reduction of £10.50 per week).

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?By the end of December, the council will have written to everyone it believes will be affected by the benefit changes. For more information on all the welfare reforms, go to www.gov.uk

WHAT IS UNIVERSAL CREDIT?Universal credit is a new benefit to be introduced between October 2013 and the end of 2017.

It will replace income

support, job seekers allowance

(income-based), employment

and support allowance,

(income–related) housing

benefit, child tax credit and

working tax credit.

This means that only one

claim will need to be made

and only one payment issued.

In most cases, universal

credit will be paid directly

to the claimant monthly in

arrears.

This means that housing

benefit will no longer be paid

to your landlord and you will

be responsible paying the rent

to your landlord yourself.

AssistanceIf you need further help or advice about the welfare reforms, contact Torfaen council.

You can do this by:

• Telephone – 01495 766430 or

01495 766570

• Email – benefits@torfaen.gov.uk

• In person – Visit the council's

customer care centres in

Pontypool, Cwmbran or

Blaenavon

• Minicom – 01495 767871.

Prepare yourself for benefit changes

•

•

•

•

Council tax benefit is changingFrom April 2013 more people will have to pay towards their council tax.

As part of its plan to reform the welfare system, the UK

Government has cut the funding for council tax support available to

local authorities. In addition, it has asked councils to devise their own

schemes for paying the benefit. The Welsh Government is working on

the detail with all councils. If you currently receive this benefit, this

is likely to affect you. The council will write to you as soon as it has

more information.

Benefit capFrom April 2013, the UK government will introduce a cap on the benefits working-age people can receive.

This will ensure people

don't get more money when

they are out of work than

they can reasonably expect

to earn working.

The level of the cap will be:

• £500 per week for couples

(with or without children)

and lone parents

• £350 per week for single

adults

There are exceptions for

those in receipt of disability

living allowance, working

tax credit or war widow's

pension.

At first the cap will be

applied by the council by

reducing your housing

benefit (HB) entitlement. In

the longer term the cap will

be applied as part of the new

universal credit system.

The cap does not apply to

pensioner households.

Page 10 For more information on Pontypool regeneration works call 01495 742247

In September 2011, Torfaen council officially launched the £10million Pontypool Settlement Area (PSA) project.

PSA is a large scale, physical regeneration project, coordinated by

Torfaen council and its partners. Over the last 12 months the money has

been spent in some key areas, including establishing community links,

redeveloping the town centre and improving Pontypool’s surrounding

areas.

Councillor John Marshall, chair of the Pontypool Regeneration

Partnership, said: “The PSA project aims to provide sustainable

growth and create a sense of place in deprived communities around

Pontypool through better access to services, facilities and employment

opportunities. We have made a good start. The project will increase the

vitality, viability and attractiveness of Pontypool and its surrounding

areas.

“We have worked in partnership with traders, shoppers and residents

and we would like to thank them for their contributions to making

Pontypool an area we can all be proud of.”

The Pontypool Settlement Area Project is funded by the European

Regional Development Fund, the Welsh Government’s Targeted Match

Fund and Heads of the Valleys Programme, Pontypool Regeneration

Partnership, Bron Afon, Cadw, Heritage Lottery Fund, SEWTA and Torfaen

council. For more information, contact 01495 742247.

£10M PONTYPOOL REGENERAT

Transform the town centrePontypool’s town centre is undergoing a bold transformation.

Since the beginning of the

summer, works have been taking

place to make the town centre

safer and more accessible to

pedestrians.

Long standing issues such

as the cobbled stones and

temperamental rising bollards

have been removed as part of the

project and replaced with more

sympathetic materials.

Five pieces of public art will be

installed along George Street to

add interest and variety. These

have been developed with local

schools, nurseries and community

groups to establish themes that

are relevant to Pontypool and

its people. The results have been

immediate with shoppers already

commenting on the improved

look of the streets.

When finished, the town centre

will be able to accommodate an

exciting programme of events

and activities, building on the

success of the Wednesday

outdoor market.

Torfaen council’s group leader

for strategic regeneration Dave

Evans said: “We would like to

thank local businesses and

shoppers for their patience

during the works.

“All works are set to be

complete by early December.

THI success for town centre pubThe Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) offers funding for large scale and targeted programmes to repair and enhance historic urban areas.

The main aim of the scheme is to

make the best possible use of the

fine buildings which make up the

special architectural character of

Pontypool town centre.

The THI project will run until April

2016 and during the lifetime of

the scheme, it is anticipated that

many of the town’s fine historic

buildings will be given a new lease

of life, enhancing

the town’s

appearance and

making it more

attractive

to residents,

businesses and

visitors.

The THI will also deliver a

number of complementary

activities, including conservation

skills training and educational

programmes to promote knowledge

and a wider appreciation of

Pontypool’s heritage.

One successful THI scheme is the

White Hart Hotel.

The derelict Pontypool hotel

will be restored to its former glory

thanks to a grant of just under

£266,000 and will re-open as an

restaurant, bar, and a four bedroom

bed and breakfast.

For more information, contact

01495 766239 or

moira.phillips@torfaen.gov.uk

Italian Gardens bloomingAn important part of the PSA project is connecting Pontypool town centre and the historic town park.

The Italian Gardens link

the town centre to the park

and are an important green

space in the centre of an

urban area. A recent project

has been the installation of a

fountain designed by artist

Jane Turner.

This was a joint project

between Torfaen council, art

REGEN and Torfaen Museum.

Torfaen council’s

group leader for strategic

regeneration Dave Evans

said: “The regeneration of

the fountain will encourage

people to make use of this

green space and attract more

visitors to the area.

“The gardens are visible

from the bus stops and

will help to create

a pleasant and

welcoming first

impression

of the town

centre and

Pontypool in

general.”

Centre conver

Phase one of the indoor maThe Jubilee Building, which is at

Street, has undergone a 10-month

Extensive work has been carried

has undergone an internal transfo

the top floor and a new recreation

now fully accessible from a newly-

The design works to the main m

include essential structural repairs

market will be wireless-enabled all

areas and enjoy refreshments whi

The transformation will ensure s

experience. It is hoped constructio

work will be phased to ensure the

the construction period.

It is hoped the works will ensure

sustainable for another 100 years

scratch.

2016 and during the lifetime of

the scheme, it is anticipated that

many of the town’s fine historic

buildings will be given a new lease

of life, enhancing

the town’s

appearance and

making it more

attractive

to residents,

businessssssssssssssssssssss es and

visitors.

restaurant, bar, and a four bedroom

bed and breakfast.

For more information, contact

01495 766239 or

moira.phillips@torfaen.gov.uk

visitors to the a

“The gardens

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Page 11For more information on Pontypool regeneration works call 01495 742247

ION FUNDING – ONE YEAR ONLinking communitiesPart of the PSA funding is to be spent on creating links between Pontypool and the surrounding communities.

Two recent examples of this work include

Churchwood Path and the Riverside walking and

cycling route.

The Riverside scheme connects the communities

of Abersychan, Trevethin and Pontnewynydd with

Pontypool. The new route makes it easier for people to

reach the town centre to work and shop without the

need to use the car or public transport.

Churchwood Path was a £135,000 project that

connects St Cadoc’s Church and Trevethin shops to

Pontypool. The money was spent on upgrading the

existing public rights of way from St Cadoc’s to the

lower section of Penygarn Road, while installing new

handrails, gates and steps.

For further information contact 01633 648505.

.”

For further information, contact

01495 742191.

rted into offices

arket project has been completed.t the top entrance to the market on Crane

h transformation.

out to the structure of the building and it

ormation to create high-quality offices on

nal space on the first floor. Both floors are

-installed lift.

market are progressing well and plans

s, upgrades to stalls and re-flooring. The

lowing shoppers to utilise new seating

le browsing the Internet.

shoppers receive a high-quality shopping

on work will start in May 2013 and the

market is kept open for trade throughout

e that the building is structurally

, as well as bring the building back up to

Pupils set benchmark standards Four year-nine pupils are helping restore historical benches found in Pontypool Indoor Market.

The Pontypool Market

Jubilee Project approached

West Monmouth School to

see if it could restore the

two benches, and the pupils

jumped at the chance.

The benches were found in

one of the upstairs rooms in

the market.

The four girls, Phoebe

Wilcox, Lucy Adams, Caitlin

Knight and Elly Meredith,

are

working with the design and

technology (DT) department

to restore the benches,

which they will present

back to the market once

complete.

They are also producing

an article on the history of

the market.

They started on the

benches at the end of

September and have already

removed the old fabric and

started rubbing down the

wood.

DT teacher Chris Mullins

said: “They have made

good progress on the

benches and are learning

all about different wood

finishes and the processes

involved in restoration.

“They are very keen and

can’t wait to present the

finished benches back to the

market.”

If you have any

information regarding the

history of the benches,

contact the school on 01495

762080.

P 111l ti kkkkk ll 01495 7422244444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444447

g ,

Wilcox, Lucy Adams, Caitlin

Knight and Elly Meredith,

are

said: “They have made

good progress on the

Work to improve Trevethin shopsBron Afon Community Housing is working with Communities First, Torfaen council and shopkeepers to transform Trevethin shops and the surrounding area.

The £1.5m project was launched in

February and includes improvements to

the shop frontages, walkways and car

parking, as well as the creation of a cafe,

toilet facility and social enterprise units.

Barbara Castle, director of community

investment and involvement, said: “Our

aim with this project is to transform

Trevethin shops into a vibrant,

community-focussed shopping and

business centre, which will bring a much-

needed boost to the area’s economy. We

have been talking with representatives

from community organisations and local

people interested in taking space in the

social enterprise building and starting up

small businesses.

“It’s an exciting time for the

redevelopment of this popular

shopping centre.”

The project is funded by the

Welsh Government’s European

Regional Development

Fund, Targeted Match

Fund, Heads of the Valleys

Programme, Bron Afon,

and Torfaen council.

For more information

on the scheme, call

0800 111 42 42 or

01633 620111.

Page 12 www.facebook.com/torfaen Follow @torfaencouncil

Taking control of your finances with GatewayTake the stress out of next year’s Christmas shopping, with a special savings account with Gateway Credit Union.

This year, more than

1,000 Torfaen residents took

advantage of Gateway’s

Christmas Saver Account,

which is locked until November

and is 100 per cent safe.

You can pay in by cash,

standing order or direct from

pay or benefits, as often and

as much as you choose.

This year, several local

Christmas thrift clubs joined

Gateway too.

If you save in a thrift and

would like to keep your money

working locally all year, call

01495 742500.

If you don’t want to start

2013 with money worries,

thrifty Gateway members have

the following Christmas tips:

• Plan and start shopping

early to spread the cost

• Only spend what you can

afford and don’t forget your

regular bills still have to be

paid

• Be honest with your friends

and relatives – lots of

families agree to just buy

for the kids or set a limit on

what they spend

• Decide what to buy and

then shop around. Don’t be

tempted into purchases you

will regret by new year

• Can’t think what to get for

the kids? Buy something

small and put money into

their savings account

instead.

Call 01495 742500 or go to

www.gatewaycu.co.uk for more

information.

Cemetery changesTorfaen council has changed its policy on the placement of wooden crosses on graves, after accepting the regulations had caused unnecessary upset to bereaved families.

Earlier this year, the council

apologised after removing

a large number of wooden

crosses from graves at

Blaenavon Cemetery.

A review of the incident

identified a number of areas

where the existing policy

could be improved.

Under the new terms

wooden crosses will

be allowed to remain

indefinitely, but the grave

owner will have responsibility

to maintain the cross.

If it falls into disrepair, the

council reserves the right to

remove the cross, but it will

first write to the grave owner

before any action is taken.

Brick-laying ceremony at Cae NantThe building of 111 new homes in Cwmbran has been officially marked with a special ceremony.

The £11.1million Cae Nant

development, on the site of

the former Brookfield Primary

School, will provide a range of

properties to rent and buy. Cae

Nant will bring a mixture of

houses and flats, and will also

feature an extra care scheme for

older residents. Melin has been

working with Torfaen council

and the Welsh Government

to fund the homes, with the

first phase of homes due to be

completed in spring 2013.

A brick-laying ceremony was

held to mark the start of work.

Melin’s chief executive Mark

Gardner said: “Melin is proud to

be providing high-quality homes

in Torfaen. I am delighted with

the progress that has been

made and I look forward to

seeing the finished product.”

This development is a small

part of Melin’s work with

Torfaen council to bring more

affordable homes to the area,

with more than £32million

having been invested to provide

more than 330 affordable

homes in Torfaen since 2007.

To register your interest, visit

www.nowyourhome.co.uk or call

08453 101102.

Chairman Margaret Spencer and board member Dorian Jones lay bricks

Expanding services

A Torfaen housing organisation has joined forces with volunteers and other agencies to develop a range of services in Blaenavon.

Bron Afon Community Housing has been working with Blaenavon

Community Volunteer Group (BCVG) to transform part of St Peter’s

graveyard and improve residents’ gardens. They are also promoting

and helping to develop allotments to encourage healthy eating.

The project was kick-started in March this year, when Bron Afon

staff and local volunteers from the area worked with BCVG to clear

an area of St Peter’s graveyard. Materials such as paving slabs,

scaffolding planks and wood were recycled for use in the graveyard

and in gardens.

Bron Afon community housing officer Claire Dullea said: “The

success of the initial graveyard project led to more volunteers

coming on board to help out, which is tremendous. We have also

had some fantastic feedback from residents, who really appreciate

the work that has gone into improving where they live. The hope is

that we can open a shop as a community hub, offering key support

and advice services, such as information on the government’s

changes to the benefits system.”

Schoolgirl wins gold for readingA Griffithstown Primary School pupil won a brand new bike in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Rebecca Cook was presented with the

bike after winning first prize in ‘The Story

Lab’ draw for children completing the 2012

summer reading challenge.

The aim was for children to read six

library books over the course of the

summer, and almost 700 Torfaen children

joined at their local library and collected a

free fun Summer Reading Challenge pack.

There were bright and smelly scratch-and-

sniff stickers and fun things to collect along

the way.

More than 300 Torfaen children read at

least six books and were awarded a super

gold medal and certificate, a free DVD loan

and entry to the special prize draw.

The deputy leader of Torfaen council,

councillor Lewis Jones, said: “The Summer

Reading Challenge is just one of many

exciting schemes public libraries are

developing to help children develop a love

of reading, gain confidence and get new

skills. I would like to congratulate Rebecca

and all the other children who completed

the 2012 challenge.”

Page 13For energy saving advice, call 0800 512 012

Customer serviceFrom January 2013, Torfaen residents will be able to access a comprehensive range of information about revenues, benefits and neighbourhood services, via the telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Self Service has been

designed to provide residents

with instant access to frequently

requested information via either

telephone or email, at times

convenient to them.

At present, people can only

contact the council by telephone

during normal office hours and,

in most cases, these enquiries

could be dealt with faster and

more efficiently by an easy to

use automated service. Anyone

who has a complex or urgent

enquiry will still be transferred

from Self Service to a customer

services officer during normal

office hours, but this new 24-

hour service will provide fast

and convenient answers to the

majority of enquiries residents

may have. The services will be

available in Welsh and English.

Winter fuel and safety advice for residentsAs the temperatures drop and the days are shorter, it is very important to stay warm.

While everyone is more likely to catch colds and flu in winter, the

cold weather can also trigger some more serious health problems

such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.

Follow these tips to help you stay healthy and save money this

winter:

• By setting your heating to 18-21°C, you can keep your home

warm and lower your bills

• Switch off appliances instead of leaving them on standby

• Replace normal light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs

• Only boil as much water as you need

• Ask your energy supplier if you qualify for reduced or ‘social’

tariffs

• Ask your family or friends to help if you don’t know how your

heating controls work

• If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room

throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed.

For free, independent and local energy advice, visit the Energy

Saving Trust website or call 0800 512 012.

Stay healthy hints• Protect yourself from flu

• Eat a varied and balanced diet

• Stay active to keep your body and mind in shape

• Contact NHS Direct Wales with any health problems.

Winter Fuel PaymentYou may get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or

before 5 July 1951 and normally live in Great Britain. This payment can be between £100 and £300 depending on

your situation. Call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 915

15 15 for more information.

Free advice from government schemeNest, the Welsh Government’s fuel poverty scheme, provides free, impartial advice on saving energy, money management, benefit entitlement and whether you’re eligible for home improvements at no cost under the scheme.

Call 0800 512 012 from landlines or 0300 456 2655 from mobiles.

Warm Homes DiscountThe Warm Homes Discount is a new obligation on energy suppliers to help those struggling to pay their fuel bills.

If you are a pensioner or in receipt of benefits you could save up

to £140 off your energy bills this winter. You need to contact your

energy supplier directly to find out if you are eligible. Visit

www.torfaenhomes.co.uk to find out more.

Cold Weather PaymentCold Weather Payments are made during periods of very cold weather to help people pay for extra heating costs.

The average temperature where you live must be recorded as 0°C

or below for seven days in a row. You don’t need to apply; you’ll get

a Cold Weather Payment automatically as long as you qualify.

Fire safety advice• If you have open fires, make sure they are properly ventilated

• Use safety guards and don’t hang washing near open flames

• If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom at night, always keep

a window and door open

• Use your electric blanket as instructed and get it tested regularly.

Be a good neighbourKeep an eye out for any older people who may need help during the cold weather.

Let someone know if you will need help getting out and about

yourself.

Wednesday 23 January 5-8pm at all campuses

01633 466000

01495 333456

01495 333100

01495 333000

01495 333639

coleggwent.ac.uk/open

Getting teenage kicks for free

Page 14 Sign up to gymstick aqua workouts, call 01495 742228 or 01633 624136

IN BRIEFLocal theatre showsA series of concerts will be

held at the Congress Theatre

in Cwmbran. Annette’s

School of Dance 2012 Show

(£8 and £6) will be held on

6-8 December, with 24hr

Musical (£10) taking place

on 19 January 2013. Best

of the Eagles (£17.50) will

be performed by Talon on

23 January 2013, while

the Fabulous Johnny Cash

Road Show (£17, £15) will

be staged on 24 January.

Legend – The Ultimate

Bob Marley Experience

(£12) takes place on 25

January, with Explosive

Light Orchestra (£15, £13)

performing on 26 January.

Dance For All Seasons (£8,

£7) will be staged 30 January

to 2 February, with Babes

In The Wood (£14, £10)

running 8-17 February. For

more information or to book

tickets, call 01633 868239.

Concerts in CwmbranChristmas concerts will be in

Cwmbran town centre during

December. On Wednesday

12 and 19 December

(6pm-8pm) and Saturday

15 December (2pm-5pm),

performances will be held

between Argos and Matalan.

Performers include Cwmbran

Baroque Singers, Cwmbran

Brass Band, Cwmbran Male

Choir, Gwent Music Support,

Our Lady of the Angels RC

Primary School, Pontnewydd

Male Choir, Torfaen Choral

Society and Tenovus Choir.

For more information, contact

Cwmbran Community Council

on 01633 624152 or

www.cwmbran.gov.uk

Local charity eventsSt David’s Foundation

is holding a series of

fundraising events. A Santa

run, bike ride or scooter event

will be held on Saturday

8 December at Cwmbran

Boating Lake. A rugby lunch

will take place on Friday 25

January 2013 at the Celtic

Manor Resort, while the

Newport half marathon

is Sunday 3 March 2013.

For more information call

01633 851051, email

Franca.Macdonald@

stdavidsfoundation.co.uk or

go to

www.stdavidshospicecare.org

New aqua exercise classesGymstick aqua workout sessions are now being held in Torfaen.

The sessions are a new fitness concept in group exercise, a

different dynamic experience that provides a great way to enjoy

a healthy and active lifestyle. The sessions, held at Fairwater

Leisure Centre and Pontypool Active Living Centre pools, combine

cardiovascular training, muscular strength and flexibility training, to

help increase circulation and promote relaxation.

Torfaen swimming development officer Michelle Witch said: “We

are always looking at ways of diversifying our exercise programmes

and are delighted to provide these new sessions. I expect a great

demand for the sessions, as this form of exercise could appeal to a

diverse range of people.”

The sticks used in the sessions are lightweight and buoyant,

with resistance bands in a variety of strengths that attach to your

feet. You use the stick to coordinate upper body movement and

resistance against the bands attached to your feet. As it is a water-

based exercise, there is little post exercise stiffness.

For information, call 01495 742228 or 01633 624136.

Special guest visits Able Radio

New fixed penalty enforcements by private companyTorfaen council has appointed a private enforcement company to serve fixed penalty notices to people caught littering, smoking illegally or allowing their dogs to foul on public land.

XFOR, which will initially

operate in Torfaen for a

trial period, will increase the

enforcement work being carried

out, meaning people who drop

litter and spoil the environment

are more likely to be caught and

fined. Its officers will be able to

issue £75 and £50 fixed penalty

notices.

Torfaen council receives

lots of complaints every year

about litter, dog mess and

other environmental issues. It is

hoped the private enforcement

company will help tackle this.

When XFOR starts patrolling

in January 2013, its officers will

be looking out for anyone who:

• Drops litter such as food

wrappers and cigarette ends

• Allows their dog to foul,

without picking up and

disposing of the dog mess

• Smokes in an enclosed public

place.

Once dog control orders are

introduced in Torfaen in spring

2013, XFOR will also start

enforcing the new dog bans in

schools, play areas, sports fields

and the Garn Lakes lapwing

breeding area (seasonal ban

only).

XFOR will follow the same

enforcement policy and

procedures as Torfaen staff.

There will also be an appeals

and complaints procedure in

place, overseen by experienced

Torfaen officers.

Gwenda Thomas AM, Welsh Government’s deputy minister for children and social services, visited Torfaen in October, where she was interviewed live on air by the team at Able Radio.

Able Radio, based at Ty

Nant Ddu in Pontypool is

a live, online, radio station

presenting shows at the heart

of the disabled community.

It is presented by a variety of

personalities, each adding their

own unique style focussing

on 'the ability in disability'.

Listeners and contributors

include carers, family members,

friends, social and health care

professionals, as well as all who

seeks a lively mix of music and

chat. Go to www.ableradio.com

to find out more.

A football charity has given two Torfaen youngsters the chance to watch Championship football this season.

The Free Kicks Foundation donated one adult and one child’s

season ticket for Cardiff City FC to Torfaen young people support

service (TYPSS). The tickets will give one young person an

opportunity to go along to each home game this season.

TYPSS gives opportunities to disadvantaged young people that

they would not normally be able to access.

The aim is to make the young people grow in confidence and

become more self-assured.

The executive member for health, social care, well-being and

equalities, councillor Cynthia Beynon MBE, said: “The visit to the

stadium and the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet

players and staff has had a long lasting and profound effect on the

young people involved.

“Staff are already seeing the difference in the young people who

have attended, with them reporting that they are far more engaged

and their interaction with staff is very positive.”

Web portal changesTorfaen council wants your opinion on the future of its community portal, Webster.

Officially launched in 2004 to increase awareness of ICT and

increase demand for ICT services in the borough, it is used by

people, clubs, groups and small businesses as a local gateway to a

world of information and services. It also provides email addresses

to a small number of organisations and individuals.

However, since its launch, many of the original participants have

developed separate sites and there has been a massive increase

in the use of social media. The Webster team no longer exists, so

there is only limited support available from the council. Webster is

currently made up of 184 domain and 263 redirect domains. Of the

184 domains, only 33 have been updated during 2012.

The council recently upgraded its website and, in order for

Webster to continue, it will now have to pay additional support,

maintenance and hosting costs. The council now needs to decide

whether to rebuild Webster, build separate mini websites for the 33

active domains or bring Webster to an end and provide advice on

alternative platforms. To comment, email keri.gould@torfaen.gov.uk

or write to Keri Gould, Floor five, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB,

before Friday 21 December.

Page 15For Pontypool Ski Centre information visit www.torfaenskiclub.org

Remembering Bryan’s legacyColin Jackson, Ryan Jones, Jamie Baulch – just a few of the many Welsh sporting legends whose careers were put on the road to success thanks to the expert coaching, knowledge and experience of the late Bryan Taylor.

Now Bryan’s outstanding contribution to

sport, both locally in Torfaen and beyond, has

been recognised with the dedication of weights

in his memory at Fairwater Leisure Centre’s

fitness and conditioning suite.

Bryan’s son, the Commonwealth Games

weightlifter, Neil Taylor and Torfaen’s

gold medal-winning Paralympian

John Harris donated the weights

in honour of Bryan who died in

2008.

Neil said: “I hope

youngsters who come

and use the gym

will see dad’s

name and know

his story and be

inspired to be

the best they

can. He worked

tirelessly in the

community

to help others

and to show

young people that sport could give them a

different perspective on life – that’s the legacy

that dad would have wanted. Sport has such

an important role to play in Torfaen – it can

change people’s lives and venues like Fairwater

have such an important role in achieving this.”

John added: “What Bryan Taylor did for

Welsh sport was enormous and something that

should never be forgotten by people in Torfaen.

I certainly wouldn’t have achieved what I did

without Bryan. It takes a special person to

dedicate themselves throughout their lives to

helping others, and Bryan was just that. He

was a great man and a great friend.”

Bryan Taylor was a carpenter by trade

and took up weightlifting during his

RAF National Service. He went on to

proudly represent Blaenavon and

Cwmbran becoming Welsh

champion on a number of

occasions, before going on to

coach hundreds of athletes

over a 40-year period.

The fitness and

conditioning suite at

Fairwater Leisure Centre

now has a plaque which

reads “In Memory of Bryan

Taylor, His Knowledge,

Wisdom and Kindness

Touched All Who Knew

Him.”

Torfaen Women’s Aid have been helping women and children

for over 35 years. We support over 500 women every year.

Do you need to talkto someone aboutdomestic abuse?

Contact us at the Chrysalis Centres (Drop-in, no appointment needed)

3 Town Bridge Buildings, Pontypool 01495 742052 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

5 Fairwater Sq, Cwmbran 01633 624240 Mon, Wed, Fri, 9.30am-12.30pm

15 Broad Street, Blaenavon, 01495 766887 Tues, Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm

� Someone to talk to in confidence� Emergency safe accommodation

for women and children� Sexual violence and domestic

abuse advocacy� Computer facilities

� Access to legal and benefits advice

� Support to contact the police

� Tenancy support in your own home

� Training and educational opportunities

� Sexual health clinic

What can we help with?

Gyda’n gilydd rydym yn gryfach • Together we are stronger

Take to Pontypool's slopesDry slope skiing is now available seven days a week in Torfaen.

Pontypool Ski Centre has a 230-metre main slope, a

beginners’ area, a ski lift, sprinkler system and mogul run.

In addition to open skiing times, the centre runs its own Ski

school that offers instruction for all standards of skiing and

snowboarding. However, complete beginners must have at

least three lessons before they can attend open practice.

Throughout the winter season, the slope is open to the

public except Wednesdays, when the centre is only open to

Torfaen Ski Club members.

Go to www.torfaenskiclub.org for information on

membership. For details about lessons, contact 01495 756955

or search Pontypool Ski Centre on Facebook.

Torfaen holds Santa appealTorfaen council’s Santa appeal needs your help.

The annual appeal has been a fantastic success over the past

five years, helping children who are experiencing poverty in

Torfaen and who will not receive a present on Christmas Day.

Some of these children have been in foster care for most of their

lives and have no contact with their families. If you would like to

participate in this year’s appeal, call 01633 647545 or 647539.

Christmas extravaganzaFor a wonderful festive shopping experience, visit the handmade Christmas event at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre on 7 December (6pm–9pm).

For one night, the centre will

be turned into a Christmas

shopping extravaganza, with a

variety of craft, food stalls and

workshops.

Why not come along and do

some last minute Christmas

shopping or try your hand

at one of the make and take

workshops? Alternatively, you

could just browse the gifts on

offer with a glass of seasonal

mulled wine and listen to

the choir to get you into the

Christmas spirit.

The event is organised by the

Forgotten Landscapes scheme,

in conjunction with Willowlane

Craft Fairs. Go to

www.visitblaenavon.co.uk or call

01495 742333 for details.

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Page 16 Report anti-social behaviour – call 101 or 999 in an emergency

New signs have been displayed along Abergavenny Road between Govilon and Blaenavon, as well as the Blorenge Mountain car parks.

The signs aim to prevent

speeding, dog attacks, distress

to animals and also the feeding

of animals, which can result in

vehicle accidents and injury to

animals.

These issues have caused a

problem for the commoners

who keep their animals on the

land. The scenic area attracts

dog walkers; however, the

commoners are asking dog

owners to keep their dogs

under control, especially during

lambing season. Dog attacks

are a serious problem but are

relatively rare. Most owners are

unaware that even by their dog

chasing a sheep or getting too

close to it while it is pregnant

can cause the sheep to abort

the lamb.

Another issue is members of

the public leaving piles of food

scraps and vegetable peeling for

animals on the side of the road.

Food left can attract animals

to the busy road leading to

animals being knocked over and

car accidents.

Alan Stinchcombe, who keeps

his sheep on the land, explained:

“If a sheep and their lambs get

separated after being chased

by dogs, it’s difficult for them

to find each other which can

lead to the lambs not surviving.

We lose a sheep or lamb every

week either because they’re hit

by cars or attacked or scared by

dogs.”

Speeding vehicles is a

problem along the road. PC Rob

Maddocks, who works for the

Forgotten Landscapes Project

covering the area, explained:

“The road has a 60mph speed

limit, but has lots of sharp bends

and steep drops. Sheep often

walk on the road, attracted by

food and we’re urging drivers to

use caution and drive carefully.”

PC Rob Maddocks, Brian Rees, Alan Stinchcombe and Chris Davies at

Keepers Pond underneath the new signs.

Driving safety campaignNearly 1,000 motorists were caught using their mobile phones while at the wheel during the 2012 All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone While Driving campaign in October.

The two-week campaign, involving road safety partners in

Wales, raised awareness about the real dangers involved when

drivers break the law through phoning or texting at the wheel.

Officers from all Welsh police forces carried out proactive

patrols to target motorists who endanger other road users

through this behaviour and educated drivers on the penalties

they face if caught.

During the campaign, officers detected a total of 972 mobile

phone driving offences. In the Gwent area, a total of 128 fixed

penalty notices were issued, while South Wales Police issued 242

notices to law-breakers.

Gwent Police roads policing inspector Lee Ford said: “This

campaign is just one part of our ongoing effort to target and

reduce the number of drivers who risk becoming involved in

a serious or fatal collision due to using a mobile phone while

driving. Along with drink driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt

and driving carelessly, using a mobile phone behind the wheel is

classed as one of the 'fatal five'; the five most common causes of

fatal road traffic collisions.

“Even the most experienced or competent of drivers can be

easily distracted. A slight lapse in concentration can have serious

consequences. It is disappointing 128 motorists in Gwent have

broken the law and risked their own lives and the lives of others."

Susan Storch, chair of Road Safety Wales, said: “We all need

to take account of how we drive on our roads. Driving a vehicle

requires us to multi-task, so anything above and beyond that

needs to wait until we are safely parked up or until our journey

has finished.”

Councillor Richard Clark, Torfaen council's executive member

for community safety, addedd: “Once a driver uses their phone,

they are not focusing on the road and this lack of concentration

can, even for a split second, be devastating. I hope campaigns

such as this make more drivers, passengers and the Torfaen

community more aware of the risks and consequences of using a

mobile phone while driving and as a society we see it in the same

light as drink driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts.”

Targeting anti-social behaviour in TorfaenFour anti-social behaviour (ASB) operations were held during the summer months in Torfaen and 47 youngsters were taken to Pontypool Police Station.

During the operations, members of Pontypool

neighbourhood team, St John’s Ambulance

and the council’s youth service patrolled areas

in Pontypool previously known for high reports

of anti-social behaviour – mainly New Inn

and Blaenavon. The ASB included incidents of

underage drinking and swearing, as well as anti-

social and reckless driving by youths.

All youngsters taken to the station were later

called before a panel made up of police officers,

youth service workers and local residents affected

by anti-social behaviour. A 16-year-old youth

representative was also part of the panel. Each

young offender was spoken to individually to

decide on the action to be taken against them.

Letters were also sent to parents or guardians to

inform them of the behaviour and let them know

that if their child is seen again acting anti-socially,

formal action will be taken. All young people

spoken to for underage drinking had to attend an

alcohol workshop at the Neon, Blaenavon.

Dee Ball, a youth programme and volunteer

development worker who runs the workshops, said:

“The panels and workshops have been fantastic.

They have given us the opportunity to work one-

on-one with young people at risk, and to educate

them on the dangers of alcohol abuse.

“They have also created a new trust and

dialogue between the young people of Blaenavon

and the police. With CSOs frequently visiting the

Neon and openly interacting, trust and respect

has increased, allowing preventative education to

be delivered and absorbed.”

Community support officer Pauline Lohfink, who

organised the operation, added: “We are pleased

that after our first operation we have seen a

marked decrease in the number of youngsters

drunk or with alcohol in Pontypool. If you are

suffering from anti-social behaviour, contact your

local neighbourhood officer for advice.”

Visit www.gwent.police.uk and enter your post

code for more information.

New crime commissioner electedThe new role of Gwent Police and crime commissioner has been elected.

Following his election, Ian

Johnston QPM said: “I’m

delighted and look forward

to getting on with the job on

behalf of the people of Gwent. I

look forward to working closely

with the Gwent Police chief

officer team to ensure local

residents get the best possible

police service.”

Gwent Police chief constable

Carmel Napier added: “I

extend my congratulations to

Ian following his election. The

officers and staff of Gwent

Police look forward to working

closely with him, as we get on

with the work of cutting crime,

protecting and reassuring our

communities and meeting

the challenges of economic

austerity.”

Pictured are assistant chief

officer Nigel Stephens, assistant

chief constable

Simon Prince,

police and crime

commissioner

Ian Johnston,

chief constable

Carmel

Napier and

deputy chief

constable Jeff

Farrar.

Improving Forgotten Landscapes

police service. chief co

Simon

police a

co

Ia

c

Page 17Donate money for Diabetes UK at http://adrian.jones.muchloved.com

Sun blesses Boating Lake extravaganzaOne of the biggest events in Torfaen’s social calendar was a massive success, with 10,000 people descending on Cwmbran Boating Lake.

Cwmbran Big Event – Take Two featured live

music, dancing, sports activities, raft racing and

more. Councillor Bob Wellington, chair of the

Cwmbran Regeneration Strategic Partnership, said:

“Last year’s event was a huge success and a lot of

people were disappointed when June’s event was

postponed because of the unusually wet weather.

“Thankfully, the

weather was on our side

and it turned out to be

an excellent event for all

the family. I can't wait

for next year.”

Voice your views on MySayTell Torfaen council and other local public services what you think with MySay.

MySay allows the council and its partners to consult with the

public, to help them improve their services.

By selecting the topics you are interested in, you will be able to

complete questionnaires, attend public events and comment on

statutory plans the council and its local service board partners

write.

Go to http://mysay.torfaen.gov.uk to read background

information, reports and plans, before having your say on any of

the following consultations:

Name Ends

21st Century Schools 14 December

Torfaen Together 24 December

SWFRS strategic improvement plan 31 December

Afon Llwyd Greenway project 31 March, 2013

Homeseeker impact assessments 31 March, 2013

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Pounding the pavements in memory of AdrianTwo Ponthir Church In Wales Primary teachers raised more than £700 for Diabetes UK by running and walking the Dublin Marathon.

Head teacher Ceris Spooner and deputy head teacher

Tina Davey took part in the marathon in memory of

a friend, Adrian Jones. Ceris said: “We started running

because we’ve walked marathons and wanted a

challenge. The death of our friend coincided with the

marathon and we thought that this would be an ideal

way to raise money in memory of Adrian.”

Tina added: “We have raised more than £700 at the

moment, but it is still growing! We did the marathon

in six hours and six minutes, so we are very pleased. It

was an amazing experience and the people of Dublin

totally embraced the marathon by lining the streets and

supporting the walkers and runners every step of the

way.”

To donate, go to http://adrian.jones.muchloved.com

Page 17chloved commmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

ssments 31 March, 2013

Page 18 Have your say – visit www.mysay.torfaen.gov.uk today!

The Welsh Government expects councils and their partners to work together effectively and efficiently.

To ensure this, each area has its own Local Service

Board (LSB), which sets the priorities for public

services to improve the lives of residents. Torfaen

LSB is a partnership that includes Torfaen council,

Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Torfaen

Voluntary Alliance, registered social landlords, South

Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Wales Probation.

On this page are a few examples of the work the

LSB is carrying out in Torfaen to improve the lives

of residents, visitors and people who work in the

borough.

Each of these projects require the different

organisations to work together because the issues

they are trying to address are too complicated

to tackle on their own and they need combined

expertise and resources to increase the

chances of success by working together.

On the next page is background

information on the LSB, its aims and

how you can help shape its future

and the priorities it delivers in your

communities.

Welfare reform workSubstantial changes are to be made to welfare

benefits, as part of the UK government’s welfare reform programme, and thousands of Torfaen

residents will be affected.Added to this, rises in fuel prices and the

general cost of living will put huge pressure

on many people’s income, many of which

are already struggling to make ends meet.

Many people will be vulnerable to these

changes and, as they will have less

money, it could affect their ability to

pay their rent, to heat their homes

or even their ability to buy food. This

could also affect other parts of their lives,

such as their physical health, well-being and mental

health, which could result in an increased demand for support from

public services like social care and housing services.

The LSB is currently developing a series of activities that will provide

accurate information and advice, early support to help people plan for

the changes and, where necessary, access to crisis services.

(see page 9 for more information on welfare changes)

Input into Torfaen's Wisdom BankThere are about 20,000 people in Torfaen aged between 45 and 65-years-old.

They have a lot to offer society because they have a wealth of wisdom, skills and

knowledge that can help other people. They are also often going through life changes

such as retiring, taking on a caring role or developing business ideas. They too could

benefit from the wisdom of others that have already experienced these transitions

in lifestyle.

Working with technology company Cisco, the LSB is examining how people

aged 45 and over want to continue to be engaged in communities and how

the LSB can help them to become better connected in the future. The

Wisdom, Wealth and Well-being programme aims to take advantage of the

knowledge, skills and experience of these people and the growing power

of communication technologies, to help stimulate the economy, local

communities and support people going through life changes.

Working with some local residents, it has developed a test product

– the Wisdom Bank. This is an online service that links people with

skills, knowledge and experience with people who would benefit

and want this support. This could include getting into work,

developing new businesses, helping carers to balance their

busy lives, supporting people to better manage their long-

term health conditions and much more.

Particpant Phil Jenkins (below) said: “I’m taking part

in the Wisdom Bank project, to share my experiences

and learn new things myself. So far, it has been really

easy and has only taken a couple of hours. The

information is really valuable, as you are speaking

directly to people who have been through

similar experiences.

It is really useful.

We now need

to make sure

it grows

and more

and more

people get

involved.”

Aiding complex needsIn Torfaen, there are a number of families that have complex needs.

These families

typically have deep-

rooted problems that

can lead to their children

repeating the cycle.

In many cases there

are issues of child

protection, absence

from school, anti-social

behaviour and at least

one parent out-of-work

and on welfare benefits.

Other problems can

also include domestic

violence and relationship

breakdown, as well as

mental and physical

health problems.

These families often

receive services that

react to each of their

problems but are not

always preventative

taking into consideration

the whole family.

If the LSB can identify

and help these families,

their lives would be

improved and Torfaen

communities would be

much better off.

The LSB is developing

a project over the

coming months to work

with a small number of

families with particularly

challenging problems, to

explore what they need

and how its services can

work together to help

them.

Happily independentThe majority of frail people want to live happily independent lives.

The LSB-run Gwent Frailty

programme already provides a

range of health and social care

services to people who have

become frail, mainly due to a

fall or illness. These services help

people maintain, and get people

back to being, independent or

as independent as possible.

This means they can continue

to live in their own homes or

communities.

There are other things that

contribute to people being able

to live happily independent lives,

including:

• being safe and secure

• living in good quality, warm

affordable homes

• being able to cook, wash, clean

and go out

• being financially stable to make

independent choices

• not being lonely and being able

to go out to social activities

• having a supportive family and

good friends and neighbours

keeping an eye out for them.

The LSB is currently looking at

what else can be done to help

frail people feel less vulnerable

and reliant on public services, by

focussing upon independence.

Improve the lives of local residents

d ect y to peop e o a e bee t oug

similar experiences.

It is really useful.

We now need

to make sure

it grows

and more

and more

people get

involved.”

What are the big issues facing Torfaen over the next ten years and how should local public services work together to address them?

Torfaen residents are being invited

to have their say on a new plan that

will guide the key decisions made by

public services in the borough over the

next decade. The LSB’s plan – Torfaen

Together – sets out how police, health,

local government, housing associations,

third sector and voluntary organisations

will work together to address the key

challenges and issues facing Torfaen

communities.

The plan sets out seven themes,

referred to as ‘outcomes’, that the LSB

believes its organisations should be

working together to achieve. They are:

• Torfaen has a healthy population with

a good quality of life

• People in Torfaen are safe

• People in Torfaen are educated for life

• People in Torfaen enjoy a prosperous

economy

• People in Torfaen live in quality

affordable homes

• People in Torfaen live in clean, green,

sustainable communities

• Frail people in Torfaen are happily

independent

The survey asks if people think these

are the right outcomes for Torfaen and

if they agree with the activities that

explain how their public services aim to

achieve them.

Whether it is through health, social

care, housing, schools or police, the

contents of Torfaen Together will affect

every Torfaen resident and community

in some way over the next decade.

The chair of Torfaen’s LSB, councillor

Bob Wellington, said: “With the outlook

for public sector finances set to be

challenging for some time, this plan

will ensure Torfaen’s public services are

working together, sharing a vision that

has been shaped by our residents and

focused on the issues that matter to

them.

“The detail of this plan will affect

every resident and every community,

so I would urge people to take this

opportunity to have their say.”

What is

Torfaen Together?

Torfaen Together is the new public service plan for

Torfaen, which will be published in April 2013.

It’s called a 'single integrated plan' because,

for the first time, organisations working in the

county borough have come together to produce

one plan representing their joint vision, priorities and

actions. This plan will affect you, your family and the

people who live and work in your communities.

The plan is led by the LSB, which represents partner

organisations working in the area. Its members include the chief

executive, leader and deputy leader of Torfaen council; the chair and

chief executive of Aneurin Bevan Health Board; chief constable and

senior officers of Gwent Police; the chair of Torfaen Voluntary Alliance; and

a representative from Welsh Government.

Torfaen Together replaces the separate plans published before, namely the

community strategy; the children and young people’s plan; the community safety

plan; and the health, social care and well-being strategy.Who’s been involved so far?Many of the key service providers you rely on on a daily basis have written the plan.

It has been prepared by Torfaen

council, Aneurin Bevan Health Board,

Torfaen Voluntary Alliance and

Gwent Police.

However, other organisations, such

as local housing associations and

Public Health Wales, have helped

shape it.

Torfaen residents have already

helped shape the themes and

priorities in Torfaen Together, having

previously told the LSB what it’s

like living in the borough through

other consultations.

These include the

council’s 'What Matters

to You' campaign

in 2010, Gwent

Police’s 'How

Would You

Spend It'

(2011) and 'Your Voice Counts'

(2012) initiatives or the consultation

on frailty as part of the Gwent-

wide Frailty Programme.

The LSB has also looked

closely at statistics and

data to understand

what life in Torfaen

is really like.

What happens before the plan is published?

Your views and comments will help develop the final version of Torfaen Together, and the LSB will

make sure no individuals can be personally identified.A report will be published at the end of the consultation where you will

be able to see what people have said.

You will be able to view a copy at www.mysay.torfaen.gov.uk, by emailing

engagement@torfaen.gov.uk or by calling 01495 766477.

Voice your views on Torfaen TogetherTorfaen Together

represents the key priorities the LSB will be focussing on in

Torfaen over the next five to ten years.

These range from ensuring people in Torfaen

are safe to people living and working in clean, green,

sustainable communities.

The LSB needs your help again, at this crucial stage,

to make sure Torfaen Together reflects the real needs of

you, your family, and the people who live and work in your

communities. It wants to know your views on the plan and

how you think it could improve it.

This is your chance to have your voice heard about what

matters most to you and help shape the final plan that

public services in Torfaen will work towards over the next

few years.

Page 19Have your say – visit www.mysay.torfaen.gov.uk today!

How can I get involved?This is a draft plan that has been published for consultation.

The LSB wants to know what you think before finalising the

plan. The consultation is open until Monday 24 December.

To read the full report and to fill in the questionnaire, go to

www.mysay.torfaen.gov.uk

For more information about any of the plans, contact PSSU@torfaen.gov.uk or telephone 01495 766255.

Have your say on Torfaen

Page 20 To download your waste calendar, go to www.torfaen.gov.uk/waste

COLLECTION:Blue bag

QUANTITY:100te/mth

MATERIAL:Cardboard

DESTINATION:Cardboard reprocessor

FACTS:This card is processed into

unique and innovative

packaging, displays and

products, including easy

glue packaging, dangerous

goods packaging, adhesive

and sealant cartridges,

composite packs,

corrugated pallets and

heavy duty packaging.

COLLECTION:Black bin

QUANTITY:1,400te/mth

MATERIAL:General waste

DESTINATION:Landfill

FACTS:The waste is buried in a

hole in the ground and can

take many hundreds of

years to break down.

COLLECTION:Green bin

QUANTITY:Summer 500te/mth

Winter 100te/mth

MATERIAL:Garden waste

DESTINATION:Composting facility

FACTS:The green waste breaks

down into compost and is

used in agriculture.

COLLECTION:Brown caddy

QUANTITY:250te/mth

MATERIAL:Food waste

DESTINATION:Anaerobic digestion facility

FACTS:When the food waste

breaks down methane is

released which is used to

make electricity, and the

remaining product is similar

to compost and is used as a

soil improver in agriculture.

Scheme named best practiceThe Welsh Assembly has stated in its current Welsh waste strategy that kerbside sorting is its preferred method for councils to collect recycling from their residents.

This is the system that is used

in Torfaen to collect residents’

waste, where waste is collected

from residents boxes and sorted

at the kerbside into a specialist

vehicle. By keeping the waste

separate, it ensures that all of

the material is of a high-quality

and that everything collected

can be recycled back into

products.

Other systems, such as

comingled collections, where

recycling is mixed together

in a bag or a bin often result

in the different materials

contaminating each other and

resulting in a lot of the waste

being rejected and sent to

landfill.

According to research carried

out by Welsh Government,

kerbside sorting is cheaper and

better for the environment than

comingled collections.

Over the last two years,

Torfaen council has received

hundreds of thousands of

pounds of additional funding

from Welsh Government to

expand its kerbside sorting

processes to include the food

waste and cardboard waste

collections. Further changes are

planned in the new year that

will enable more materials to

be collected in the black box

collection system.

The Welsh Government is

keen that other authorities

follow Torfaen council’s example

and use the kerbside sorting

systems and has committed to

work with them to help change

their current system to kerbside

sorting systems.

For more information on

recycling call 01495 762200.

COLLECTION:Black box

QUANTITY:500te/mth

MATERIAL:Paper, plastic bottles, tins

and cans, glass bottles and

jars and bagged textiles

FACTS:Paper is used in newsprint,

plastic turned into sheeting

and pipes, tins and cans go

towards everything from

cars to roller blind systems.

Glass gets processed back

into glass bottles and

textiles are sorted and sold

as clothes in the UK and

overseas. The remainder

is used for cleaning cloths

and sound proofing.

YOUR WASTE, COLLECTIONS AND FACTS

Torfaen council takes out the trash

In the last 12 months, Torfaen council has carried out more than 5,000,000 bin collections.

It has collected more than

31,000 tonnes of waste – more

than half of the weight of the

Millennium Stadium.

This is made up of general

waste, green waste, food waste,

recyclables and cardboard.

Out of the 2,600 tonnes that

are collected monthly, 1,400

tonnes goes to landfill and this

is a figure the council is aiming

to reduce.

Waste takes hundreds of years

to break down in landfill and

this process releases harmful

greenhouse gases into the

atmosphere. The costs to landfill

waste increases by about 10 per

cent every year due to annual

increases in UK landfill tax

In Torfaen, about 25,000

tonnes (te) of household waste

is landfilled each year costing

about £2million in disposal

costs. Landfill taxes make up

more than £1.4m of this figure.

Torfaen gets about £300,000

in income from selling the

recycling that is collected at the

kerbside. This is reinvested into

the recycling service towards

some of the collection costs.

Torfaen council needs your

help to recycle 70 per cent of

all household waste by 2025.

Last year, it recycled 44.3

per cent and its target for

this year is 52 per cent. More

than 24,000te of waste was

recycled and composted in

Torfaen in 2011-12. This saves

up to 20,000 tonnes of carbon

emissions each year, which is

the equivalent to taking about

5,000 cars off the road for a

year.

Improve your recycling

• Wash your recycling

materials

• Crush plastic bottles

• Don’t use plastic bags