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August 2011 - Awst 2011

Multi-million pound boost for Torfaensee page 3

Ski slope’s fortunes are not on the slidesee page 4

Local charity receives top digital awardsee page 5

Fairwater pupils get on the cooking bussee page 15

Premier line-up for jazz festivalThis year’s Pontypool Jazz Festival is promising to be the best yet.

With another classy collective of musicians set to take to the stage, a wonderful and diverse festival of live music will take place on 2-4 September.

Visitors to Pontypool Active Living Centre will be able to enjoy the sounds of some of Wales’ best jazz musicians, as well as some internationally-renowned stars.

Jeff Hooper and his Big Easy Swing Band will be dominating the main stage on Friday 2 September, while Snake Davies and the Suspicions headline on the Saturday night.

Protect the Beat will bring the festival to an energetic close on the Sunday.

The deputy leader of Torfaen council, councillor Lewis Jones, said: “The jazz festival has gone from strength to strength and I’m delighted we have such a wonderful festival taking place on our doorstep.

“Some exciting performances are expected this year and I am sure it will be another memorable occasion for everyone who attends.”

Tickets (£8 per day or £15 for the weekend) are available at The Congress Theatre in Cwmbran or 01633 868239.

Thousands of people enjoyed a spectacular start to the summer, thanks to a series of community events throughout the borough.

Torfaen cemented its position as the place to be this summer, with festivals and celebrations being held in Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran, as people welcomed the summer in a party mood.

The streets of Blaenavon were over-spilling for the World Heritage Day parade, before visitors enjoyed a relaxed day at the Garn

Lakes Country Fayre.

As always, Pontypool’s colourful carnival procession drew massive crowds to the town centre and many more people visited Pontypool Park throughout the day to sample many of the rides, attractions, stalls and entertainment on show.

Finally, the Cwmbran Big Event lived up to its name, as countless people took part in this massive celebration of culture and sport.

Events were held throughout the week in the borough, with free taster sessions

in a range of sports and pastimes proving popular.

Launched this year to complement the established events in the borough, the Big Event Finale at Cwmbran Boating Lake was the icing on the cake of a packed summer of family events in Torfaen.

Torfaen council is inviting people to post pictures from the events at www.facebook.com/torfaen

Turn to the centre-pages for more pictures for all the big summer events.

SUMMER’S big EvEnTS

PontypoolFestiva

l

PONTYPOOL ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE

2-3-4 SEPTEMBER

Landmark agreement signedA pioneering collaboration between two Welsh councils and a police authority was formally launched with the signing of a landmark agreement.

Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils and Gwent Police have combined ICT services, to form the Shared Resource Service (SRS). This is delivering significant efficiency savings for the partners, which will then be re-invested, helping them protect frontline public services.

The SRS has been quickly

Page 2 Contact the business support team on 01633 648644

nEWS in bRiEFbusiness club celebrates ten years of successA special celebration will be held at Greenmeadow Community Farm on 8 September, to mark the tenth anniversary of Torfaen Business Voice. There will be a hog roast and comedian Mike Doyle will be the guest speaker. Supported by the council’s business support team, Torfaen Business Voice provides members with an annual programme of meetings and networking events where professionals offer advice and guidance. Members also receive a quarterly magazine full of news, business tips and useful information to help businesses grow. To find out more, visit www.torfaenbusiness.co.uk or call 01633 648644.

new A-Z guide hits the streetsThe Torfaen A-Z of services and street map is out. Copies can be picked up from Torfaen’s Customer Care Centres and many council buildings throughout the borough.

Council’s Welsh scheme approvedTorfaen council’s Welsh language scheme has been approved by the Welsh Language Board. The scheme sets out the ways Torfaen council will ensure equality between the Welsh and English languages when delivering services to the public, whether by letter, email, over the phone or in person. For further information, contact 01495 762200 or visit www.torfaen.gov.uk

Comprehensive housing website now liveA new website provides comprehensive housing information, advice and assistance to Torfaen residents. The website, www.torfaenhomes.co.uk, is regularly updated and contains information on a wide range of housing related issues, including accessing accommodation, improving your home, energy efficiency advice, housing support, financial inclusion and a private landlords’ section.

Charity supports people with sight issuesA Pontypool-based charity is helping people in south Wales who are visually impaired. Sight Support offers advice and counselling, as well as the opportunity to attend clubs and activity groups. Volunteers are always needed. Contact 01495 763650 for more information.

Dance team available for hireThe Rebel Stompers line dance team is helping to raise funds for charity. There is no charge to hire the group, all it asks for is a donation to charity. Contact 01633 861504 for more information.

bag tax comes into force in OctoberA carrier bag charge is being introduced in Wales, to dramatically reduce the number of carrier bags used in the country. From 1 October, there will be a 5p minimum charge on all carrier bags from all retailers in Wales, not just those that sell groceries. It is hoped this charge will reduce the number of bags given out without putting an unnecessary burden on shoppers or preventing impulse shopping. During 2009, people in Wales took home an estimated 350 million carrier bags from the major supermarkets alone. That’s 273 bags per household and does not include any bags from other shops.

Older people forums welcome new membersForums for older people are available throughout the borough.Blaenavon Older Persons Forum meets at Baker Street Housing Complex on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm-4pm. Supporting Active Seniors meets at Torfaen’s People’s Centre, Trosnant on the second Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm-3.30pm, while Cwmbran 50+ Forum meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at Cwmbran Library at 2pm-4pm. New members welcome, contact Tracey Jones or Kirsty Hughes on 01495 762151 for more information.

grant ties up company’s loose endsA Local investment Fund (LiF) grant of £10,000 has helped tie up the loose ends at a Torfaen cable factory.

Gwent Cables has been supplying businesses across the UK for almost 20 years; however, it was recently in desperate need of new stock control software and a new website. The company’s managing director Keith Gibbons contacted Torfaen council and was given the support he needed to apply for a LIF grant.

He used the £10,000 grant to develop a website and purchase new stock control software for the warehouse, which led to the creation of two full-time jobs.

“I have a good relationship with the staff at Torfaen – I have received support from them since I started the business from home almost 20 years ago,” Mr Gibbons said.

“I would recommend getting in touch with the council to anyone who is running a business.

“The application process can seem daunting, but there is always someone available to help you on your way.”

The executive member for neighbourhood services, councillor John Cunningham, said: “I have visited the factory to see first hand the work that goes on.

“It is great to see another quality business in Torfaen.

“I wish Keith and his staff all the best for what I’m sure will

be a successful future.”

LIF grants of £1,000-£10,000 are available, subject to criteria, to small and medium sized enterprises, employing less than 250 people.

For more information, call 01633 648644.

Landmark agreement signedA pioneering collaboration between two Welsh councils and a police authority was formally launched with the signing of a landmark agreement.

Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils and Gwent Police have combined ICT services, to form the Shared Resource Service (SRS). This is delivering significant efficiency savings for the partners, which will then be re-invested, helping them protect frontline public services.

The SRS has been quickly

recognised as a model for successful public service collaboration in Wales. Based at a £3million facility in Blaenavon, it is one of the most digitally connected buildings in Wales and home to three state-of-the-art secure data halls.

The enormous interest in the facility has already seen the service draw up plans for expansion, with Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils creating a business arm called SRS Business Solutions, which offers services to the private sector.

Page 3Contact Torfaen Training on 01633 875929 or torfaen.training@torfaen.gov.uk

Training boost for TorfaenTorfaen Training has been awarded a multi-million pound contract from the Welsh government.

This success means hundreds of people in Torfaen will benefit from a wider range of opportunities to gain qualifications while they are working or on work experience.

The funding, worth at least £4 million per year for the next three years, will be used to offer more opportunities to jobless people and low-skilled youngsters.

Torfaen Training, which is part of Torfaen council, is one of Wales’ largest and most successful training providers, supporting more than 1,800 people every year.

It works with more than 1,000 companies, locally and across the region, providing work-based training in administration, customer service, retail, construction, plumbing and electrical, childcare, health and social care, hospitality, youth work and education.

Torfaen Training’s head of adult education and training Anne Davies said: “We’re really proud of the success of Torfaen Training and over the past two decades we have helped thousands of young people get their foot on the ladder, leading to hugely successful careers.

“This contract is reward for the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners and is a real

boost for the area.”

Supporting people in employment and providing training that leads to work opportunities is one of the council’s key priorities over the next five years.

Among the companies that work with Torfaen Training is Bridgetime Transport Ltd in Cwmbran, which currently has three trainees working for it.

SmartWater cuts crimeWhat can’t you see, despite it being spread all around Torfaen?

The answer is SmartWater – a forensic liquid used by Torfaen council in its fight against metal thieves. Its officers have been marking council-owned property with the invisible liquid that only shows up under UV light. Each bottle of SmartWater has a unique code which can be traced. It means the police can now stop anyone they see carrying metal and scan it for SmartWater.

If they find the liquid on any metal, they can send a source to the SmartWater labs where they can link that particular liquid’s code with the building it had been applied. SmartWater has a 100 per cent success rate when it has been used in court cases across the UK.

“Metal thieves cost the authority £107,000 last year and they have already cost £64,000 in 2011/12,” councillor John Cunningham, Torfaen’s executive member for neighbourhood services, said.

“That is why we are using

SmartWater across Torfaen – we have protected our property and we have also provided scrap dealers with SmartWater detection kits. These thieves should know that we are taking this issue very seriously and we will prosecute anyone who is caught in the possession of SmartWater-marked metal.”

Two men and a woman have been charged with stealing lead from Pontypool Indoor Market and Jubilee Centre. At the time of going to press, they were scheduled to attend Newport Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing.

Adult learningThe Torfaen Adult Learning Partnership brochure is being distributed to all houses in the borough throughout the first two weeks of August.

Whether you are looking to learn new skills, improve your job prospects or return to learning, it has classes on offer throughout Torfaen that are stimulating, enjoyable, challenging and affordable.

The partnership is holding open days on Tuesday 23 August at Pontypool Community Education Centre and Thursday 25 August at Croesyceiliog Community Education Centre.

Between 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm, specialists, tutors and managers will be available to answer questions about courses starting in September.

Call 01633 647700 or 01495 742600 for more information.

Transforming CwmbranTorfaen councillors have unanimously approved a multi-million pound development that will transform the centre of Cwmbran and create more than 1,000 jobs.

The single biggest regeneration project of its kind in the town’s history will see the 32-acre Arvin Meritor site substantially redeveloped to include a 37,000 sq ft Morrisons store with a petrol station and a 497-space car park.

The development will create 1,170 jobs and also include offices, a 60-bedroom hotel with the option of a pub or restaurant and a 225-space car park. The hotel and offices will provide 270 jobs, while the number of staff at the Arvin Meritor braking division will increase from 400 to 550.

The council has been working with the applicant on the proposals, which form a key part of its plans for the future expansion and development of the town, as set out in its Local Development Plan. The council negotiated free car parking at the Morrisons site, while the development will be well served by transport links within the town centre and the railway station.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “This is great news and a major milestone for Cwmbran’s regeneration programme. Cwmbran already boasts a first class shopping centre that rivals any town of its size and this will provide even greater choice for people.

“This development will provide jobs for more than 1,000 local people and ensures the viability of this area of Cwmbran – exceptional news given the current economic climate.

“This development will transform the leisure and retail opportunities in the heart of the town and I know the people of Cwmbran share our excitement and can’t wait to see the work start on what will be a superb, high-quality development.”

Bridgetime director, Robbie Evans is pictured with some of the trainees.

The leaders of Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils and Gwent Police sign the agreement.

Page 4 Recycle Torfaen Talks - pop it into your black recycling box

Feast of football fun at festivalPupils from across Torfaen descended on nant Celyn primary school for a football festival.

Llantarnam Comprehensive A-level students studying sports leadership refereed the tournament between pupils from Nant Celyn, Llantarnam, Greenmeadow, George Street, Coed Eva, Victoria, Woodlands and Ponthir primary schools.

Each team featured six players and two substitutes, with Woodlands winning the final against Nant Celyn on penalties.

Points mean prizesgetting fit, healthy and active are no longer the only benefits of attending Torfaen leisure centres.

Since July, every time you swipe your Torfaen Leisure Card you earn points which could win you a prize up to the value of £150. Cards allow access to a selection of discounted activities and services at Cwmbran Stadium, Fairwater Leisure Centre and Pontypool Active Living Centre.

Whether you’re a regular or casual visitor to the council’s leisure centres, make sure you register for your free Torfaen Leisure Card today.

Every three months, adult users and under-16 users will win health-related prizes that include everything from heart-rate monitors to quarterly fitness membership.

Women rugby players neededThe recently reformed ladies team at Croesyceiliog RFC has completed its first season in the WRU women’s development league.

The team came second in the league and also got through to the second round of the national plate competition.

New members aged 18 or over are always welcome. The team trains on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm at Woodland Road Sports and Social Club.

Contact Kate on 07834 914545 or visit the Croesyceiliog Women’s RFC Facebook group.

A youth side for girls aged 12-17 also trains on Thursdays at 6pm-7pm.

For more information, contact Nicola on 07768 197897 or Emily on 07896 988997.

Alternatively, visit the Croesyceiliog girls rugby team Facebook group.

new cafe at Heritage CentreA new café has opened at blaenavon World Heritage Centre.

Fresh!, which is run by Cottage Catering, offers a varied menu including tasty traditional home-cooked meals, snacks, sandwiches and afternoon teas at the centre.

David Walden, owner of Cottage Catering, said: “We hope to provide visitors the opportunity to experience the traditional tastes of Welsh food.

“Our aim has always been to cater for people with both quality and value in mind and this will also stay true in the cafe provision.”

The café is open 9.30am-4.30pm (April-September) and 9.30am-3.30pm (October-March), closed Christmas to New Year.

For more information, go to www.visitblaenavon.co.uk, email blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01495 742333.

Pontypool Ski Centre may only be operating one night a week through the summer, but the standard certainly hasn’t gone downhill.

In February, Torfaen council decided to close the ski centre in the summer as part of measures the council was taking to save £9.2million. During consultations, the council, Torfaen Ski Club and Snowsport Wales worked together and it was agreed to open the ski centre for two hours on Wednesday nights on the condition that Torfaen Ski Club took responsibility and covered operational costs.

The members not only rose to the challenge but, with support from the council, the club is now going from strength to strength and attracting new members.

It is offering two hours of skiing or snowboarding for just £10, including ski hire and instruction. Junior full members get the same benefits for just £7.50. Day membership for non-members costs £1.

Club treasurer Gary Cooper said: “We have been extremely pleased with the progress we have made.

“With support from the council, we have been able to continue the club’s activities and are now attracting new members who enjoy everything from recreational skiing and boarding, to race training with coaches.”

Torfaen council deputy leader Lewis Jones said: “I am delighted to see the club doing so well. As a council facing huge budgetary pressures, we will have to make tough decisions but this is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people sit down and work together.”

Top award for local charityA Torfaen charity has won a national award for its work in improving the digital skills of residents.

Garnsychan Partnership manager Emma Cambray-Stacey was presented with a National Digital Leaders Award on behalf of the charity.

Emma said: “We are delighted. It recognises our on-going hard work to raise the standards of digital skills in the area. Since we launched the Learn to Win project, we have supported more than 600 people through free courses to

enhance their IT skills. This improves their chances

Ski club’s popularity gains momentum

Page 5

new rural projects launched in TorfaenTorfaen council has launched two new projects, as part of its Rural Development Plan (RDP).

The restoration of Llanyrafon Manor and A Taste of Torfaen projects are to benefit from European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) funding.

A Taste of Torfaen will see £361,444 of funding help producers in Torfaen’s rural wards develop land-based production activities.

Support and advice will be available to producers, as well as revenue grants up to £3,000, a series of festivals and events to celebrate local produce, and the development of producer networks.

The restoration and transformation of the Grade-II 17th century Llanyrafon Manor and grounds into a

rural heritage centre will cost £1.6million, which is being funded by RDP, CADW, Welsh Government and Cwmbran Operational Group.

This new facility will be a tourist attraction displaying the history and significance of the manor house and its surroundings. It will also feature education and training rooms, spaces for rural

businesses, community events and a café using local produce.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “This is a substantial

investment. Never has it been so important for businesses to improve diversity, expand their businesses and increase their appeal to customers.

“A Taste of Torfaen

will play an important role in this process, by helping local people develop land-based produce such as food and drink, arts and craft, energy and recycling.

“Our plans for Llanyrafon Manor will encourage even more people to visit this wonderful part of Torfaen and to see for themselves how important our rural communities are.”

For more information on Torfaen rural projects, contact RDP team on 01495 742147.

For details of Torfaen’s rural projects call the RDP team on 01495 742147

Construction of the new £13million school for blaenavon has reached a significant milestone.

A special ‘topping out’ ceremony was held to mark the final element of work on the highest roof point of the school, which is on target to open in spring 2012.

The 450-place Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School will replace the existing schools and accommodate all primary school-aged children from the town. It will also feature a 130-place nursery.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: ‘This is another significant milestone on our journey to provide the

children of Blaenavon with a first-class learning environment to help them reach their full potential.

“There is a real positive atmosphere among the children who can see the excellent progress being made.

“I am sure everyone, from staff, parents to the wider community, shares their excitement at the prospect of a new community-focused school with first-class facilities and a landmark design.”

The school will have a strong community focus. It will be physically linked to community leisure facilities, including a two-court sports hall, dance studio, fitness suite and external multi-use games area.

Top award for local charityA Torfaen charity has won a national award for its work in improving the digital skills of residents.

Garnsychan Partnership manager Emma Cambray-Stacey was presented with a National Digital Leaders Award on behalf of the charity.

Emma said: “We are delighted. It recognises our on-going hard work to raise the standards of digital skills in the area. Since we launched the Learn to Win project, we have supported more than 600 people through free courses to

enhance their IT skills. This improves their chances

of gaining employment and we also help people with CV writing and improving their interview techniques.”

The National Digital Leaders Awards recognise people and organisations who have contributed to technological innovation and made a difference to individuals and hard to reach groups.

Microsoft nominated the Garnsychan Partnership for the award and its corporate affairs director, Matt Lambert, said: “We saw the passion and drive we were looking for. We were very pleased to be able to make recognition of the hard work and achievements made by Emma and the Garnsychan

Partnership’s Learn to Win project by nominating

them for a National Digital Leaders Award.”

For more information, visit 55 Stanley Road, Garndiffaith, or call 01495 774453.

Taste of

Torfaen

Blas ar

Dorfaen

A

Expenses publishedTorfaen council has published the allowances and expenses for all its councillors over the last financial year (2010/11).

Every year all councils publish the allowances and expenses paid to their members and Torfaen’s can be viewed at www.torfaen.gov.uk/CouncilAndDemocracy

All councillors are entitled to claim a basic salary to reflect the work that they do as local representatives. Some posts, for example the leader, cabinet members, scrutiny chairs and committee chairs, have special responsibilities over and above other councillors. These posts entitle councillors to claim a senior salary.

The mayor and deputy mayor are also paid an allowance.

For full details, go to www.torfaen.gov.uk

Work progresses on Llanyrafon Manor

Trustee Giles Davies and Emma Cambray-Stacey with the award.

School’s topping out ceremony

Forward Facing improvement Plan

Page 6 Call 01495 742547 or email comments to improvement@torfaen.gov.uk

1. Ensure people receive the benefits they are entitled to

2. Encourage social inclusion

3. Raise standards of educational attainment

4. Provide opportunities for people to improve their health

5. Raise awareness of available housing options

6. Ensure the range and quality of housing is appropriate to meet people’s needs

7. Enable good, sustainable housing development

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

9. Ensure children are safe

10. Develop educational provision for pre-school children

11. Support and protect vulnerable children

12. Improve access to social care services

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

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

15. Promote people’s independence

16. Support people and local communities to engage in positive activities

17. Coordinate activities that reduce anti-social behaviour

18. Ensure the local environment is safe, managed and maintained

19. Deliver efficient and effective waste and recycling services

20. Ensure roads and streets are safe, maintained and clean

21. Work in different ways to reduce costs

22. Create new learning settings that are appropriate for the 21st Century

23. Support communities to become sustainable, empowered and prosperous

24. Improve people’s access to learning opportunities, qualifications and training

25. Transform educational provision for young people aged 14 to 19.

Torfaen council has recently published its Forward Facing improvement Plan for 2011/12.

This year, the council has linked its improvement activities to the seven priorities of its new Corporate Plan.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “We are committed to delivering high-quality, value for money services that improve the quality of life and environment for our citizens and communities.

“By linking our Forward Facing Improvement Plan to the council’s new Corporate Plan, we can clearly show everyone how we are working to provide support to Torfaen’s most vulnerable citizens and communities.

“The plan contains a set of clear and measurable objectives for the council to deliver over the coming years that will have a positive impact on the lives of Torfaen residents.”

The council, working with partner agencies such as Heddlu gwent Police, Aneurin bevan Health board and voluntary organisations, will meet these objectives this year by undertaking a range of activities including:

The council has set the following improvement objectives as the council’s aims until 2016:

• Improving the information and advice available for citizens

• Ensuring benefit claims are promptly and accurately dealt with

• Helping parents improve their parenting skills

• Ensuring pupils leave education, training or work-based learning with approved qualifications

• Working with partners to support people to tackle their medical conditions

• Maximising opportunities to bring empty properties back into use

• Making appropriate provision for Gypsies and Travellers

• Improving pupil exclusion and attendance rates

• Consistently applying safeguarding and child protection practice across all agencies

• Promoting speech and language development for pre-school children

• Meeting the needs of children with complex needs through collaborative working

• Reducing the number of inappropriate admissions to hospital

• Assessing the needs of carers, so they are fully supported

• Reducing occupational therapy waiting lists

• Raising awareness of and tackling domestic abuse

• Visiting premises licensed to sell alcohol to reduce underage sales

• Reducing the amount of untidy and poorly maintained land and buildings

• Increasing recycling rates and introducing a new waste collection system

• Maintaining roads and pavements to safe standards

• Reducing the amount of office space used by the council

• Transferring more surplus assets to community organisations

• Modernising school buildings

• Enabling pupils aged 14–16 to participate in digitised learning

• Creating social enterprises and increasing the number of new business starts

• Increasing visitor footfall and spend

• Engaging people in work-based learning

• Reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

The council’s 2011/12 performance assessment report will be published in October 2012. This will be a review of performance for the 2011/12 financial year.

Each year, the council will review its improvement objectives to make sure they remain relevant for residents and affordable. To take play a part in this review, sign-up to Torfaen People’s Panel at www.torfaen.gov.uk/peoplespanel

Comments can be sent to the Improvement Team, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB or improvement@torfaen.gov.uk

To obtain a copy of the council’s second Corporate Plan or the Forward Facing Improvement Plan, call 01495 742547 or visit www.torfaen.gov.uk

Cynllun gwella Tua’r Dyfodol

Page 7Cysylltwch ar 01495 742547 neu e-bostiwch improvement@torfaen.gov.uk

1. Sicrhau bod pobl yn cael y budd-daliadau y mae ganddynt hawl iddynt

2. Annog cynhwysiant cymdeithasol

3. Codi safonau o gyrhaeddiad mewn addysg

4. Rhoi cyfle i bobl wella eu hiechyd

5. Codi ymwybyddiaeth ynglyn â’r opsiynau tai sydd ar gael

6. Sicrhau bod ystod a safon y tai’n briodol i gwrdd ag anghenion pobl

7. Galluogi datblygu tai da a chynaliadwy

8. Sicrhau bod addysg i bob plentyn a pherson ifanc yn gynhwysol ac yn hygyrch

9. Sicrhau bod plant yn ddiogel

10. Datblygu darpariaeth addysgol i blant cyn ysgol

11. Cefnogi ac amddiffyn plant agored i niwed

12. Gwella mynediad at y gwasanaethau gofal cymdeithasol

13. Sicrhau bod anghenion pobl yn cael eu hasesu’n amserol a bod y gofal a ddarperir yn briodol

14. Sicrhau bod ystod a safon y gwasanaethau gofal cymdeithasol yn briodol i gwrdd ag anghenion pobl

15. Hyrwyddo annibyniaeth pobl

16. Cefnogi pobl a chymunedau lleol i gymryd rhan mewn gweithgareddau cadarnhaol

17. Cydlynu gweithgareddau sy’n lleihau ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol

18. Sicrhau bod yr amgylchedd lleol yn ddiogel, yn cael ei reoli, a’i gynnal a’i gadw

19. Darparu gwasanaethau gwastraff ac ailgylchu effeithlon ac effeithiol

20. Sicrhau bod y ffyrdd a’r strydoedd yn ddiogel, yn cael eu cynnal a’u cadw, ac yn lân

21. Gweithio mewn ffyrdd gwahanol i leihau ein costau

22. Creu amgylchiadau dysgu newydd sy’n briodol ar gyfer y 21ain Ganrif

23. Cefnogi cymunedau i fod yn gynaliadwy, yn ymrymusol ac yn ffyniannus

24. Gwella mynediad pobl at gyfleoedd dysgu, cymwysterau a hyfforddiant

25. Trawsnewid y ddarpariaeth addysgol i bobl ifanc 14 i 19 oed

Mae’r cyngor wedi cyhoeddi ei gynllun gwella Tua’r Dyfodol ar gyfer 2011/12 yn ddiweddar.

Eleni, mae’r cyngor wedi cysylltu ei weithgareddau gwella â saith o flaenoriaethau ei Gynllun Corfforaethol newydd.

Dywedodd arweinydd cyngor Torfaen, y Cynghorydd Bob Wellington: “Rydym yn ymrwymedig i ddarparu gwasanaethau o safon, sy’n cynnig gwerth am arian, ac sy’n gwella ansawdd bywyd a’r amgylchedd i’n dinasyddion a’n cymunedau.

“Trwy gysylltu ein Cynllun Gwella Tua’r Dyfodol â Chynllun Corfforaethol newydd y cyngor, gallwn ddangos yn glir i bawb sut yr ydym yn gweithio i gefnogi’r dinasyddion a’r cymunedau mwyaf agored i niwed yn Nhorfaen.

“Mae’r cynllun yn cynnwys cyfres o amcanion clir a mesuradwy i’r cyngor eu cyflawni dros y blynyddoedd nesaf, fydd yn cael effaith gadarnhaol ar fywydau trigolion Torfaen.”

bydd y cyngor, trwy weithio ag asiantaethau partner megis Heddlu gwent, bwrdd iechyd Aneurin bevan, a sefydliadau gwirfoddol, yn cyflawni’r amcanion hyn drwy ymgymryd ag ystod o weithgareddau sy’n cynnwys:

Mae’r cyngor wedi gosod yr amcanion gwella a ganlyn fel nodau’r cyngor tan 2016:

• Reducing occupational therapy waiting lists

• Raising awareness of and tackling domestic abuse

• Visiting premises licensed to sell alcohol to reduce underage sales

• Reducing the amount of untidy and poorly maintained land and buildings

• Increasing recycling rates and introducing a new waste collection system

• Maintaining roads and pavements to safe standards

• Reducing the amount of office space used by the council

• Transferring more surplus assets to community organisations

• Modernising school buildings

• Enabling pupils aged 14–16 to participate in digitised learning

• Creating social enterprises and increasing the number of new business starts

• Increasing visitor footfall and spend

• Engaging people in work-based learning

• Reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

• Gwella’r wybodaeth a’r cyngor sydd ar gael i ddinasyddion

• Sicrhau yr ymdrinnir â cheisiadau am fudd-daliadau’n brydlon ac yn gywir

• Helpu rhieni i wella eu sgiliau rhianta

• Sicrhau bod disgyblion yn gadael addysg, hyfforddiant neu ddysgu seiliedig ar waith gyda chymwysterau cymeradwy

• Gweithio gyda phartneriaid i gefnogi pobl i fynd i’r afael â’u cyflyrau meddygol

• Hyrwyddo cyfleoedd i ailddechrau defnyddio eiddo gwag

• Gwneud darpariaeth briodol ar gyfer Sipsiwn a Theithwyr

• Gwella graddfeydd gwahardd a phresenoldeb disgyblion

• Cymhwyso arferion diogelu ac amddiffyn plant yn gyson ar draws yr holl asiantaethau

• Hyrwyddo datblygiadau mewn lleferydd ac iaith ar gyfer plant cyn ysgol

• Cwrdd â gofynion plant ag anghenion cymhleth trwy waith cydweithredol

• Lleihau nifer y rhai sy’n cael eu derbyn i’r ysbyty’n ddiangen

• Asesu anghenion gofalwyr, i sicrhau eu bod yn cael eu cefnogi’n llawn

• Lleihau rhestrau aros am therapi galwedigaethol

• Codi ymwybyddiaeth ynglyn â cham-drin domestig, a mynd i’r afael â’r mater

• Ymweld â safleoedd sy’n meddu ar drwydded i werthu alcohol er mwyn gostwng yr achosion o werthu i’r rhai dan oed

• Lleihau nifer yr adeiladau a thir blêr nad ydynt yn cael eu cynnal a’u cadw

• Cynyddu cyfraddau ailgylchu a chyflwyno system casglu gwastraff newydd

• Cynnal ffyrdd a phalmentydd hyd safonau diogel

• Lleihau faint o swyddfeydd a ddefnyddir gan y cyngor

• Trosglwyddo mwy o asedau dros ben i sefydliadau cymunedol

• Moderneiddio adeiladau ysgol

• Galluogi disgyblion 14–16 oed i gymryd rhan mewn addysg ddigidol

• Creu mentrau cymdeithasol a chynyddu nifer y busnesau newydd

• Cynyddu nifer a gwariant ymwelwyr

• Cysylltu pobl mewn dysgu seiliedig ar waith

• Lleihau nifer y bobl ifanc nad ydynt mewn addysg, gwaith na hyfforddiant

Bydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi adolygiad o’i berfformiad ar gyfer blwyddyn ariannol 2011/12 ym mis Hydref 2012.

Bob blwyddyn, bydd y cyngor yn adolygu ei amcanion gwella i sicrhau eu bod yn parhau i fod yn fforddiadwy ac yn berthnasol i’r trigolion. I gymryd rhan yn yr adolygiad hwn, ymunwch â Phanel Pobl Torfaen yn www.torfaen.gov.uk/peoplespanel

Gellir anfon sylwadau ar weithgareddau eleni at y Tîm Gwella, y Ganolfan Ddinesig, Pont-y-pwl, NP4 6YB neu improvement@torfaen.gov.uk

I gael copi o ail Gynllun Corfforaethol y cyngor neu’r Cynllun Gwella Tua’r Dyfodol, ffoniwch 01495 742547 neu ewch i www.torfaen.gov.uk

Page 8 Upload your photos of the summer events to www.facebook.com/torfaen

Spectacular Summer SceneSFrOm acrOSS tOrFaen

Blaenavon World Heritage Day Garn lakes country Fayre

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Clowning around in Blaenavon streets‘Spec’ tacular fun at costume parade

Archery aims to attract newcomers

Fantastic entries in the dog show

People relax at the lakeside

Thousands basked in the sun at the country fayre

Wonderful wildlife viewed up close

Colourful children enjoy a day of country fun.Live music hits the right notesHammering home the fun

More than 6,000 people enjoyed the

colourful heritage paradeBlaenavon gets Diva fever

Page 9Upload your photos of the summer events to www.facebook.com/torfaen

pontypool carnival cwmbran Big event

JAZZPontypool

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Archery aims to attract newcomers

People relax at the lakeside

Dressing up, I love it!

Young and old join in the carnival parade

Tug-o-war pulled in the crowds

Paddle boats were popular with puntersSuper entertainment drew around

7,000 visitors

Big event proves a swinging success

Passing challenge converts crowds to rugby

All generations agree the Big Event Finale was fun for all the family

Greenmeadow Primary pupils

performed songs from Annie

Taking live music to the

streets

High jinx in Pontypool Park

Face painting in the market

The sun shone on 5,000 people as

they enjoyed the carnival

Page 10 This is the left page titlePage 10 Become a fan of Torfaen at www.facebook.com/torfaen

green award for councilTorfaen council has been presented with an international green Hero wall-shield, in recognition of the good environmental work undertaken by its community-focused schools.

The trophy was presented by the Green Organisation during a ceremony in London, where the judges commented:

“Torfaen has involved its schoolchildren in carrying and promoting the sustainability message into the community.

“The children have learnt and spread the ethos throughout the borough, giving them a feeling of ownership for the country around them.”

The International Green Apple Awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out

projects that enhance the environment.

There were 500 nominations this year.

Connecting communities

A £135,000 project to safely connect two communities has been successfully completed.

Churchwood Path leads from St Cadocs Church, Trevethin shops and the Yew Tree Italian Restaurant to Penygarn Road.

The Trevethin Communities First Partnership Board worked with Torfaen council to secure a grant for the work from the Welsh Government’s Safe Routes in Communities scheme.

The work consisted of upgrading the existing public rights of way from St Cadoc’s to the lower section of Penygarn Road, the installation of new handrails, kissing gates and

gates, and the creation of steps.

The work also saw new surfacing, paths and crossings introduced at St Cadoc’s church and the Yew Tree.

Improvements were also carried out to highways, footways and crossings on Penygarn Road and there is now easier access to Old Penygarn Road. The new route represents the first step in delivering a range of new and improved footpaths and cyclepaths within the Pontypool Settlement Area project.

Supported through European and Welsh Government funding, the project will also provide improvements in Pontypool, Trevethin and Garndiffaith.

Connections to the capitalTorfaen residents who commute to Cardiff can now take advantage of Arriva Trains Wales’ new weekday timetable.

During the morning peak, Arriva now offers a half hour service from Pontypool-New Inn station to the capital as opposed to the two-hour service that had operated previously.

Between 7.15am and 8.45am, trains will now depart the Pontypool-New Inn station every half hour, with the standard two-hour pattern to Cardiff then resuming.

Commuters can now also benefit from an improved return timetable from the capital between 5.21pm and 8.17pm before the two-hour frequency resumes.

Copies of the new timetable can be viewed at www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk

For more information, contact 08457 48 49 50 or 0871 200 22 33.

Cwmbran

The Learn-IT Centre™19 The Parade, Cwmbran NP44 1QR. Tel 01495 333306 or email cwmbranlearnit@coleggwent.ac.uk

New Beginnings, New Opportunities, New Short Courses for 2011In a central location in Cwmbran Town Centre, The Learn-IT Centre Cwmbran is now offering a great selection of IT & non-IT courses.

Title Day Time Wks Start CostACCOUNTANCYC&G Computerised Accounts - L1 / L2 Mon 09:30 - 11:30 15 Flex TBCComputerised Payroll - L1 Mon 09:30 - 11:30 15 12/09/2011 £120Computerised Payroll - L1 Tue 13:00 - 15:00 15 13/09/2011 £95C&G Computerised Accounts - L1 / L2 Tue 15:15 - 17:15 15 Flex TBCC&G Computerised Accounts - L3 Thu 10:30 - 12:30 36 15/09/2011 £179ART AND DESIGNDigital PhotographyComposition and Skills - L1 Mon 10:00 - 12:00 15 12/09/2011 £67Creative Textiles - L1 Tue 09:30 - 12:00 12 13/09/2011 £67Guitar for Beginners - L1 Tue 18:00 - 19:30 30 13/09/2011 £114Botanical Illustration - L1 Wed 09:30 - 12:00 12 14/09/2011 £67Drawing & Painting - L1 Wed 13:00 - 15:30 12 14/09/2011 £67Garden Design - L1 Thu 09:15 - 11:15 15 15/09/2011 £67Interior Design - L1 Fri 09:30 - 11:30 15 16/09/2011 £67GENERAL EDUCATIONSign Language Stage 1 - L1 Mon 09:30 - 11:30 15 12/09/2011 £67Brush-Up English / Maths / Job Skills Tue 13:00 - 15:00 15 Flex £0Brush-Up English / Maths / Job Skills Fri 13:00 - 15:00 15 Flex £0IT AND COMPUTINGPC/Laptop - Essential Health andMaintenance - L1 Wed 13:00 - 15:00 15 12/09/2011 £67OCR/RSA Text Processing(Business Professional) - L1-L3 Fri 13:00 - 15:00 30 13/09/2011 TBCBasic Web Design - L1 Thu 09:30 - 11:30 15 15/09/2011 £67Web Design - L2 Thu 13:00 - 15:00 15 15/09/2011 £67Computers for the Terrified! - LE Fri 09:30 - 11:30 8 16/09/2011 £45Adobe Photoshop – L1 / L2 Fri 09:30 - 12:30 15 16/09/2011 £91L3 Adobe Photoshop Workshop - L3 Fri 13:30 - 15:30 15 16/09/2011 £67

Upgrade Your IT Skills – Start Anytime!The following IT courses are all workshop based. This means you can enrol and start at any

time and learn at your own pace.Approx Tuition/Hours Reg Cost

IT Basics – First steps in IT (for the complete beginner) 45 £20CLAIT ITQ Award (3 unites) 45 £112ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) Essentials 40 £93ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) Extra 90 £199ECDL Advanced Units (each) 30 £130e-Type (Touch Typing) 20 £77

All OCN below £25 each + one-off reg fee of £20 per levelLevel E Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Word Processing – Using Microsoft Word 2010 4 4 4 4

Drawing in Microsoft Word – Using Microsoft Word 2010 4 4 6 6

Graphics in Microsoft Word – Using Microsoft Word 2010 4 6 6 6

Spreadsheets – Using Microsoft Excel 2010 4 4 4 4

Graphs & Charts – Using Microsoft Excel 2010 4 6 6 6

Databases – Using Microsoft Access 2010 4 4 4 4

Desktop Publishing – Using Microsoft Publisher 2010 6 4 6 6

Presentation Software – Using Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 4 4 4 4

Internet and E-Mail – Using IE9 & Yahoo/Hotmail 6 4 4 6

File Management – Using Windows Explorer (Windows 7) 6 4 6 6

Simple Image Creation and Editing (non-Photoshop) –Using Paint.Net 6 4 6 6

Image Editing – Using Photoshop Elements 6 4 6 6

Digital Camera, Scanning and Simple Video Montage - Various 6 4 6 6

You may qualify for a fee waiver. Please contact us for futher information

TheCwmbran Learn IT Torfaen Talks June 2011:Layout 1 05/07/2011 11:15 Page 1

Page 11This is the right page title Page 11Sponsor the Velindre walkers at www.justgiving.com/thejonshow2011

Walking for velindrego the extra mile for charity in September on a sponsored walk in aid of velindre Cancer Centre.

Held every year in memory of Jonathan Conick, this year’s Jon Show Walk will be held on Saturday 10 September.

You can either complete the whole 15-mile walk from Big Pit in Blaenavon to the Three Blackbirds pub in Llantarnam, or join walkers for a shorter distance along the way.

Starting times and distances are:

•BigPittotheGlobepub,Talywain (4.3 miles) – 10am

•TheGlobepubtoPontypool

Active Living Centre (4.4 miles) – 11.30am

•PontypoolActiveLivingCentre to the Cross Keys pub, Pontnewydd (3 miles) – 1.30pm

•TheCrossKeyspubtothe Three Blackbirds pub, Llantarnam (3.8 miles) – 2.30pm.

Jon was employed by Torfaen council until June 2009, when he lost his fight with cancer at the age of 29. He was being treated at Velindre Cancer Centre.

To take part, call Lynne Mattravers on 01495 742486 or Keri Gould on 01495 766495. Alternatively, sponsor the walkers at www.justgiving.com/thejonshow2011

in bRiEFPlay equipment safetyTorfaen council officers are visiting premises with play facilities to test their safety. There are approximately 40,000 visits to hospital each year in Wales following accidents in playgrounds, which could be down to poor equipment design, installation or failure through lack of maintenance. Officers are visiting places that may have indoor or outdoor play facilities, to assess the condition of the equipment, cleanliness levels, maintenance checks and how well the facilities are managed. Where necessary, officers will advise businesses on areas where improvements may minimise the risk of injuries to children. For more information on the project or on play safety issues, contact 01633 647260.

Cwmbran’s got TalentThe grand finale show of Cwmbran’s Got Talent will be held at Our Lady’s School Church Hall in Cwmbran at 6pm on Saturday 6 August.

For information or tickets, call 01633 870119 or email cwmbransgottalent@hotmail.co.uk

Housing serviceCharter Housing Association is offering a new service to private sector landlords.

Charter Options letting agency is working with Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils to offer a managed lettings service while helping those in housing need. It provides both landlords and tenants with free set-up and admin fees, as well as free access to specialist staff such as surveyors, welfare benefit specialists and legal services.

Call 01633 678545 or visit www.charteroptions.co.uk for more information.

Writers’ clubPontypool District Writers meet every Monday at 2pm-4pm at Blaenavon Library. All writers, whatever the genre, are welcome to join.

Consultation continuesResidents can still give their views on whether and where Dog Controls Orders should be introduced in Torfaen.

The areas currently being considered are:

Total dog bans

•Children’splayareas

•PrimarySchoolgrounds

•Lapwingbreedingareaat Garn lakes Nature Reserve (breeding season only)

•Markedsportspitches

Dogs on leads

•Canaltowpath–CanalPath,Cwmbran to Sebastopol

•CyclePaths–alldesignated

cycle paths in Torfaen

•GarnLakesLocalNatureReserve – footpaths and land adjacent to lakes only

•CwmbranBoatingLake–footpaths and land adjacent to lake only

•TheFolly–footpathfromFolly Lane to Pontypool Park via the Folly

Dog fouling

Extended provisions to cover all publicly accessible land in Torfaen – including roads, parks and other public places.

For more information, go to www.torfaen.gov.uk/dogcontrol or email commercial.services@torfaen.gov.uk

Gypsy Traveller communities in TorfaenWith television shows like My big Fat gypsy Wedding proving popular with Tv audiences, never has there been such interest in the lives of this community.

However, the show has been criticised for not being representative of normal Gypsy or Traveller life and is helping to fuel prejudice. Pontypool is home to three Gypsy Travellers sites and Torfaen council’s support of plans for the development of one of the sites has divided opinion. Here are some key facts about Gypsy Travellers and their lives in Torfaen.

•Gypsies and Travellers are two distinct ethnic groups under UK law.

•The Romany originated in northern India and migrated through the Middle East, northern and central Europe, eventually reaching the UK around 1,500.

•The Romany language which is still spoken today, originated from Sanskrit.

•Census records show that Gypsy and Travellers have lived in the Pontypool area since at least 1871.

•Irish Travellers are a separate and distinct ethnic group.

•They share some cultural values with Romani Gypsies, such as a preference for self-employment and living and travelling in caravans or “trailers”.

•Most Irish Travellers are Roman Catholic and their language is Cant, which originates from Irish Gaelic.

•Many were forced into the nomadic lifestyle due to the Irish famine.

•Many more Gypsy and Traveller children are staying in school for longer and getting qualifications.

Young people’s forumA pioneering project at West Monmouth School is helping to make the voices of young gypsies and Travellers heard.

The Equal project has developed a Gypsy Traveller Youth Forum at the school, which is only the second of its kind in Wales. Last year, all members of the forum went to the Senedd to launch Travelling Ahead, a website for young people to discuss important issues, learn more about their rights and upload media content. It also has a toolkit for professionals, which contains resources to support them in their work with young Gypsies and Travellers,

information on culture, rights and policy context.

Gaining qualificationsA £4.6million initiative is helping young people from gypsy Traveller communities in Wales into employment.

The Pembrokeshire-led project is targeting 11-19 year olds from Gypsy Traveller communities across seven areas, including Torfaen, to help them gain skills and enter the workforce.

Torfaen is receiving £522,473 of European funding over three years to deliver the project which will provide support tailored to individual circumstances and aspirations.

Shepherd’s HillShepherd’s Hill has been in

existence for many years, with council records dating back to 1974 when the original planning consent was given to the site.

The site was set up in 1975 and later expanded and refurbished in the early 1990s. The council took control of the site in 2006 from the Gypsy Council.

The site currently has 26 permanent residential pitches and one transit pitch,

which comprises caravans and mobile homes. Last year, a community centre

was provided on site to facilitate community interaction, while Welsh Government funding was

also secured to improve the existing facilities on site.

There is subsidence on the site and the site’s sustainability is being investigated.

LDP proposalsThe Local Development Plan (LDP) has allocated land at Rose Cottage gypsy Traveller Site for 10 permanent pitches, primarily for local gypsy and Travellers.

This proposal is currently under consultation and the council is involving the local settled community and members of the Gypsy and Traveller community in the process. Other permanent sites may need to be identified once the future of the council owned Shepherd’s Hill site has been clarified.

Page 12 Call 101 or 0800 555111 to report any criminal behaviour

Sarge treads the boardsFor one night only, a musical production highlighting the issue of domestic abuse included a special guest.

Sergeant Clive Elliot, of Pontypool Neighbourhood Policing Team, joined TSP Voices Community Choir for its performance of ‘Carmen Jones From Trevethin’ at the All-Wales Domestic Abuse conference in June. Sgt Elliot attended the final rehearsal at Trevethin Communities First Hall to offer tips and advice to Ryan Howell, who was playing the role of a sergeant in the play.

He was so impressed with the production that he accepted an invitation to join the cast at the conference in Cardiff.

All the storylines and characters have been reinvented and some of the cast have personal experiences of domestic abuse.

Sgt Elliot said: “This musical production had a real impact at the conference. The choir members worked really hard on their performances and the play sends out a very powerful message – that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.”

To report domestic abuse, call Gwent Police on 101 or the Wales Domestic Abuse Hotline on 0808 8010 800.

Support group for residentsHave you been a victim of crime or harassment due to hostility towards your sexual orientation or gender identity?

If so, the Gwent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Community Liaison Group can help.

A group spokesperson said: “We know that victims of incidents, which are motivated by prejudice towards a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, often decide not to report them to the police because they fear that their report will not be dealt with sensitively and they will not receive appropriate support.

“The group aims to address

this by providing a platform for raising awareness of these issues within the criminal justice system and encouraging people to have the confidence to report crimes.”

The group meets every two months. Contact Jenny Porter on 01492 622202 or search Gwent LGB&T Community Safety Forum on Facebook.

Countering countryside crime in TorfaenTorfaen council and gwent Police worked together to target people committing crimes in the blaenavon World Heritage Site and its surroundings.

The operation targeted a wide range of countryside crime such as illegal off-road riding, vehicle crime, scrap metal thefts, fly-tipping and wildlife crime.

The operation covered Brynmawr down to Abertillery and Cwmtillery, over into Monmouthshire around Clydach, and down to the Blaenavon area of Torfaen.

During the operation, two vehicles were seized, 15 warnings were issued and six fixed penalty notices were handed out for riding on common land.

Landscape crime officer PC Rob Maddocks specifically tackles problems in the area. He said: “The countryside covered by the Forgotten

Landscapes project is a beautiful area, which is currently being spoiled by a minority of people.

“My role within the project is to help protect and preserve the landscape, keeping it free from anti-social behaviour, so it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area.

“We will continue to carry out operations such as this to bring offenders to justice and improve the local area for residents and visitors to this beautiful part of the world.

“Anybody caught riding off-road vehicles on the land, fly tipping or lighting fires will be prosecuted and could face a court appearance.”

Rob patrols the area on a daily basis to deter people from committing crimes and visits schools and community groups to raise awareness of landscape crime and explain how members of the public can report incidents and look out for suspicious activity.

To report landscape crime, call Gwent Police on 101.

Anti-drugs message delivered to pupils through school dramaDelivering the anti-drugs message to younger school children is being achieved through the medium of theatre.

A specially written drama about drugs called Wings to Fly was performed by Rougemont School pupils (pictured above) to year six children, aged 10-11, from every school in Torfaen and Monmouthshire. The production was staged at Cwmbran’s Congress Theatre in May.

The play, which is annually performed to children in their last year of primary school, has become a huge success throughout Gwent for more than 10 years.

Since 1998, hundreds of Gwent youngsters have performed Wings to Fly, which is part of the All Wales School Liaison program. The play tells the story of a group of teenage friends who have differing encounters with drugs.

It focuses on topics such as the influence of peers, upbringing and personalities – and how

each can have an effect on a person’s experience of drugs.

Wings to Fly reaches its climax as one character’s life is left hanging in the balance.

Partnership Sergeant Lyndon John, of Torfaen Local Policing Unit, said: “Wings To Fly is a long-standing and important event in the school calendar.

“This is reflected by the consistent high attendance from both Torfaen and Monmouthshire boroughs, which was achieved again this year.

“We know that the play has a lasting impact and therefore continues to deter children from experimenting with illegal substances long after they have attended the performance.”

The cast from Rougemont School also performed another play about Internet safety on each evening at the theatre.

This production is called ‘Cyberweb’ and was written by the school’s drama department.

Page 13For energy efficiency tips go to www.torfaenhomes.co.uk

Pupils pound pavementsThe rain clouds parted long enough for 243 children, teachers and adjudicators to participate in the annual giant Walking bus record attempt at Maendy Primary School recently.

The event, organised by road safety charity Brake, gives a visual reminder to passing drivers that they should slow down around schools.

Leading the crocodile of more than 240 pupils clad in hi-visibility tabards were the year-5 junior road safety officers Josh Williams and Emma Tapp.

Teacher Alison Wicks, the walk organiser, said: “It has been hard work, but everything has worked out as planned.

“The Giant Walking Bus fulfils many curriculum requirements and also helps towards our eco-school submission.

“Best of all, we’ve all had a lovely morning. Maendy School will definitely be participating in next year’s Giant Walking Bus!”

Penny Thorpe, principal road safety officer with Capita Symonds (Cwmbran), said: “I was one of the adjudicators and went on the walk with the pupils.

“I was very impressed by their interest and how well they behaved on the walk, especially the older children who took responsibility for younger pupils and talked about some of the visible road safety issues as they walked.”

blaenavon’s biodiversity blitzWildlife lovers flocked to blaenavon World Heritage Site to take part in a ‘biodiversity blitz’.

The unique event saw four groups scour the area surrounding Keeper’s Pond to record the different types of species living in the habitat.

Each group focussed on different groups of animals, including invertebrates and plants, birds, mammals, butterflies and day flying moths.

Sarah Lewis, volunteer recruitment and training officer for the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership, said: “A long list of species was found and the highlight of the day seems to have been a sighting of two green hairstreak butterflies mating!

“The species lists will continue to help us build up a picture of wildlife in the World Heritage Site.”

Volunteer rangers are always needed to carry out a range of tasks in the area, including practical conservation, wildlife monitoring and environmental education.

The Forgotten Landscapes Project is funded by the Heritage Lottery and a range of other partners.

Contact sarah.lewis@torfaen.gov.uk or 01495 742333 for information.

Don’t fall foul of food poisoningMake sure you don’t fall foul of food poisoning this summer, by remembering some basic hygiene advice.

Food poisoning cases double over the summer. It is usually mild and most people get better within a week; however, sometimes it can be more severe, even deadly.

Children, older people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning.

The safest option is to cook food indoors using your oven and then put the cooked food on the barbecue for flavour. If cooking only on the barbecue, the two main risk factors are undercooked meat and germs spreading from raw

meat onto food that’s ready to eat.

This is because raw or undercooked meat can contain germs that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter. However, these germs can be killed by cooking meat until it is piping hot throughout.

To stay safe this summer, make sure:

•The coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before cooking

•Frozen meat is properly thawed before you cook it

•You turn the meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly

•Meat is piping hot in the centre

•Meat has no pink meat

•Any juices are clear

•Always wash your hands after touching raw meat

•Use separate utensils (plates, tongs, containers) for cooked and raw meat

•Never put cooked food on a plate or surface that has had raw meat on it

•Keep raw meat in a sealed container away from foods that are ready to eat

•Don’t put raw meat next to cooked or partly cooked meat on the barbecue

•Don’t leave food out of the fridge for more than a couple of hours, and don’t leave food in the sun.

‘gem of a site’ inspires ChrisA group of environmentally friendly residents is helping to champion sustainable living in Torfaen.

One of the main initiatives of Torfaen Sustainability Week, the council has been inviting local people to volunteer to spread the message of how small changes to people’s every day lives can help make Torfaen a more sustainable place to live.

The Torfaen Sustainability Champions receive support and training, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that they’re changing things.

Here’s one of the champions:

name: Chris Partridge

Age: 37

Lives: Henllys

Why did you get involved?

Torfaen has an incredible mosaic of green spaces of fantastic visual beauty and of superb biodiversity value.

Green spaces give us a chance to breathe, exercise, meet other people and are crucial for our health and well-being. Looking after them is a difficult and time-consuming business and in a period of dwindling resources we can all have a role to play in maintaining and enhancing our green spaces.

Henllys Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is extremely popular with local residents and visitors who are often walking their dogs.

The management of the reserve is undertaken by Torfaen council; however, there is only so much it can do. Last summer, I set up the Friends of Henllys LNR.

We are a very small group so far, but have pulled up thousands of Himalayan balsam slowing the spread across the grassland and woodlands. Moreover, the word has spread and countless people are getting involved in doing their bit towards safeguarding this gem of a site.

We recently made and put up dormouse and bat boxes, ran a bug hunt and will be performing a hay rake to improve the wildflower quality of the meadow. In the winter, we’ll be starting a rotational coppice.

Anyone is welcome to join. For more information, call 07717 412 270, follow @HenllysLNR on Twitter or visit http://friendsofhenllyslnr.blogspot.com

•Can you help? Torfaen council is continuing to gather information about the energy efficiency of homes. go to www.forms.torfaen.gov.uk/homeenergy/survey.htm to take part.

Anti-drugs message delivered to pupils through school drama

each can have an effect on a person’s experience of drugs.

Wings to Fly reaches its climax as one character’s life is left hanging in the balance.

Partnership Sergeant Lyndon John, of Torfaen Local Policing Unit, said: “Wings To Fly is a long-standing and important event in the school calendar.

“This is reflected by the consistent high attendance from both Torfaen and Monmouthshire boroughs, which was achieved again this year.

“We know that the play has a lasting impact and therefore continues to deter children from experimenting with illegal substances long after they have attended the performance.”

The cast from Rougemont School also performed another play about Internet safety on each evening at the theatre.

This production is called ‘Cyberweb’ and was written by the school’s drama department.

Page 14 To report empty properties call 01495 742629

Meet your councillorAbERSYCHAn

Councillor Gwyneira Clark 01495 773737

Councillor Ray Williams 01495 774723

Councillor Wayne Tomlinson 01495 774953

bLAEnAvOn

Councillor Stuart Evans 01495 792335

Councillor Brian Whitcombe 01495 790704

Councillors Evans and Whitcombe share a surgery on the first Monday of the month at 7pm, alternating between Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall, Garn-yr-Erw Welfare Hall and Forgeside Community Hall.

Councillor Tom Huish01495 791822/ 07980682669

bRYnWERn

Councillor Brian Matthews 01495 757288

COED EvA

Councillor Fiona Cross 07881 855553

Councillor Cross holds surgeries on the second Saturday of the month 10am - 12pm Coed Eva & Hollybush Community Centre

CROESYCEiLiOg nORTH

Councillor Richard Clark 01633 480083

Councillor Sarah Richards MBE 01633 485495

Councillors Clark and Richards share a surgery on the second Saturday of every month 11am - 12pm in Glaslyn Court

CROESYCEiLiOg SOUTH

Councillor Marlene Thomas 01633 485067

Councillor Thomas holds surgeries on the second Saturday of every month 10am - 11am Woodland Road Social Centre, Bowls Annex

CWMYnYSCOY

Councillor Doug Jones01495 757738/ 07964 792732

FAiRWATER

Councillor Phil Seabourne 01633 863744

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

Councillor Jeff Rees 07517 467262

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

gREEnMEADOW

Councillor Catherine Lewis01633 766557/ 07948 373090

Councillor Bob Wellington 01633 868402

Councillor Wellington holds surgeries on the first Saturday of the month 9.30am - 11am Greenmeadow & St Dials Community Hall, 11am -12pm Thornhill Community Centre

LLAnTARnAM

Councillor Maria Graham 07817 609419

Councillor Graham holds surgeries on the first Saturday of every month 11am - 1pm Llantarnam Leisure Centre

Councillor Paul Williams01633 770349/ 07875 120491

Cllr Williams holds surgeries on the second Monday of the month at the Three Blackbirds Public House at 6pm-7pm, second Friday of the month at Our Lady of the Angels Church Hall at 4pm-5pm, second Saturday of the month at St Michael's Church Hall, Llantarnam at 11am-12pm, second Saturday of the month at Court Farm and Oakfield Community Hall at 12.30pm-1.30pm, and the second Saturday of the month at Cwmbran Band Hall at 2pm-3pm.

LLAnYRAFOn nORTH

Councillor Veronica German 07957 995603

LLAnYRAFOn SOUTH

Councillor Margaret Pead 01633 482685

nEW inn

Councillor David James 01495 758559

Councillor Raymond Mills 01495 750327

Councillor Graham Smith 07527 963774

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

PAnTEg

Councillor Cynthia Beynon MBE01495 751740/ 07806 617156

Councillor Norma Parrish 01495 763067

Councillors Beynon and Parrish hold surgeries on the second Saturday of every month 11am - 12pm Griffithstown Labour Hall alternating with Sebastopol Labour Hall

Councillor Kathleen Williams 01495 753778

POnTnEWYDD

Councillor Peter Cathcart 01633 863189

Councillor Aneurin James01633 864736/ 07980 682478

Councillor Brian Mawby 01633 484948

The three councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month 10.30am - 12pm Mount Pleasant Hall

POnTnEWYnYDD

Councillor Ron Jones 01495 750238

POnTYPOOL

Councillor John Killick 01495 750866

Councillor Killick holds surgeries on the last Friday of the month 10am-11am St Matthews Church Hall, Pontymoile, 11.30am-12.30pm Salvation Army Hall, Park Road, Penygarn.

SnATCHWOOD

Seat currently vacant following the death of councillor Tom Gould.

ST CADOCS AnD PEnYgARn

Councillor Neil Mason 01495 750019

ST DiALS

Councillor Julianna Biggs 01633 864902

Councillor Biggs is holding a surgery on 30 July at Cwmbran Park bowling pavilion 10am-12pm.

Councillor Elizabeth Haynes 01633 870119

Councillor Haynes will hold a surgery on Saturday 27 August, 2pm-4pm, at St Dials & Greenmeadow Community Hall (Cockerel).

TREvETHin

Councillor John Marshall 01495 755812

Councillor Lewis Jones 01495 756950

TWO LOCKS

Councillor Ron Burnett 01633 874157

Councillor Alastair Cunnington JP 01633 874631

Councillor Colette Thomas 01633 482104

Councillor Thomas holds 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

Councillor Robert Jones 01633 838658

The three councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month 10am - 12pm Thornhill Community Association (1Cllr) West Pontnewydd Community Hall (2 Cllrs)

WAinFELin

Councillor Mike Jeremiah 01495 755830

Councillor Jeremiah holds surgeries on the first Saturday of every month 10am - 11am St Johns 11.10am - 12.10pm Tranch Hall

Diary datesThe dates and times given below are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to additions or change.

An updated list is posted in the foyer of the Civic Centre weekly. Agendas and minutes are available at www.torfaen.gov.uk/CouncilAndDemocracy

Planning committee 23 Aug

Pensions committee 12 Sept

Cabinet 13 Sept

Audit 14 Sept

Learning communities O&S committee

14 Sept

Safer O&S committee 15 Sept

Planning committee 20 Sept

Resources 21 Sept

Healthier communities O&S committee

22 Sept

Gwent Joint Records 23 Sept

Council 27 Sept

Cleaner communities O&S committee

28 Sept

Cabinet (equalities) sub-committee

4 Oct

A Melin development has officially opened at Clos Odyn, Pentwyn.

The homes, costing nearly £4million to build, were completed with the help of £2.3million from the Welsh Government.

Resident Mrs Gwyer loves her new home. She said: “This bungalow has made a huge difference to our lives. Before we had the Melin bungalow my husband, because of ill health, had to sleep in the conservatory as he could not

manage the stairs. I am now able to work in the garden, which I love, and still be close enough to hear my husband if he needs me.”

Mark Gardner, chief executive of Melin Homes, said: “When I hear stories such as that of Mr and Mrs Gwyer it shows me exactly how vital the work we do is.

“Knowing that we have made such a positive difference to their lives, and many others like them, is a huge encouragement for us at Melin to want to do more.”

Torfaen’s homes surveyedMore than 1,100 homes in Torfaen have been surveyed, to establish the condition of private residential homes in the borough.

The survey found:

•Thereare29,000privatesector dwellings in Torfaen

•Themajorityofpropertieswere constructed during 1945–1964

•Thelargestproportionof dwellings is medium/large terraced houses (43.6 per cent)

•95.5percentofrespondentswere satisfied or very satisfied with their home

•93.7percentweresatisfiedor very satisfied with their area.

However, the survey found that many properties in Torfaen are in need of significant improvement.

The home survey discovered that:

•28,000dwellings(96.7percent) can be classified as failing the Welsh Housing Quality Standard

•15.9percentofdwellingshave a Category 1 Hazard (4,600 dwellings)

•Anestimated2,500(8.6percent) dwellings are currently in fuel poverty in the county borough.

Making local houses homesTorfaen council’s Empty Hopes project has successfully brought 130 empty properties back into use since its launch last year.

Since then, the council has contacted more than 180 owners of empty properties, offering them help and advice in bringing their empty property back into use.

Empty properties can lead to social, economic and environmental concerns, including creating eyesores, decreasing the value of neighbouring properties, contributing to the housing shortage and increasing pressure for housing development on greenfield sites to meet housing demand.

For further information or to report an empty property, call 01495 742629 or go to www.torfaenhomes.co.uk

Rocking around the clockYoung musicians in Torfaen are riding the crest of a musical wave, after gwent Music Support Service presented its annual showcase at St David’s Hall, Cardiff last month.

The concert featured pupils from across Torfaen, including the Torfaen Brass Project. Ninety Hillside, Pontnewynydd and Victoria primary pupils have been learning brass instruments and entertained the capacity audience with songs including Rock Around the Clock. The highlight saw the pupils perform the beautiful Welsh song Suo Gan with the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band.

St Albans RC High School pupil and clarinettist Lydia Clough was presented with the Greater Gwent Senior Young Musician Award at the same event. For more information on Gwent Music Support Service, visit www.gwentmusic.net or call 01633 414800.

new homes unveiled

Page 15Visit www.gwentmusic.net or call 01633 414800

Skills funding boostTorfaen council has been awarded almost £2million to improve the basic skills of young people.

The Pre-VENT (Pre-Vocational Education and Training) 14-19 project is targeting about 8,000 teens in south east Wales who are at risk of becoming or actually are NEETs – a term used for those not in education, employment, or training. Its aim is to help young people improve their skills so that they are better prepared for the worlds of work, training or further education.

For more than two years, officers from five south east Wales councils – Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Torfaen – have worked as a partnership to develop Pre-VENT 14-19. Now the project is getting £8.2million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, about £1.9million of which will be used in Torfaen.

The executive member for children and young people, councillor Mary Barnett, said: “This project will support young people who are at risk of becoming disengaged from education and also to re-engage young people who have already disengaged. It will make a real difference to the lives of those involved, helping them improve the skills they need to succeed in education and supporting them to achieve their full potential.

“The Pre-Vent 14-19 project is another example of cross-boundary public sector working, which will help us meet the challenge of change. It will play a pivotal role in improving the education and skills of young people in south Wales.”

The project will be delivered up to autumn 2013.

All aboard for fabulous fresh food at Fairwater High School

Cwmbran pupils were in for a treat when they enjoyed a special visit to the Cooking bus.

This giant, hi-tech articulated lorry opens out into a spectacular purpose-built kitchen and classroom where qualified food teachers give pupils, teachers and the community a taste of quality cooking.

The Cooking Bus, funded by

the Welsh Government, visited Fairwater High School, where pupils climbed on-board for lessons under the expert eye of advisory teacher Richard Shaw.

His programme of cooking activities is tailored to the age of those taking part.

The executive member for children and young people, councillor Mary Barnett, said: “We know when young people eat healthy food regularly they are sharper and more alert

in class, while playing sports, or while carrying out other activities.

“Healthy eating is high on the agenda in both primary and secondary schools. Many of our pupils are involved with growing vegetables and the topic of diet is discussed extensively at school.”

Key aspects of food education including nutrition, food safety and hygiene and food preparation skills were taught.

improving attendanceTorfaen council has a new policy to improve its school attendance rates.

Schools contacting parents on the same day their child is absent is improving attendance, while regular truancy sweeps in partnership with the police support this. The changes were made after behaviour expert Professor Ken Reid worked with the council to redraft its existing policies and train staff.

Information leaflets for parents and carers are also being developed covering first-day absence, truancy sweeps, holidays in school time and guidance on prosecution.

There is a strong link between attendance and education attainment, so it is essential children are in school.

For more information, contact 01633 647385.

Changes to 21st Century SchoolsThe Welsh government has announced significant changes to its 21st Century Schools programme.

This will require councils to contribute significantly more cash to the programme than originally anticipated. It means Torfaen, like all Welsh councils,

will be revising its proposals which had set out a long term strategic plan for the future of education in the borough.

The proposed money to be provided to the council has now been significantly reduced. The council will work with the Welsh Government to renew its plans to meet the needs of pupils in the borough.

Rocking around the clockYoung musicians in Torfaen are riding the crest of a musical wave, after gwent Music Support Service presented its annual showcase at St David’s Hall, Cardiff last month.

The concert featured pupils from across Torfaen, including the Torfaen Brass Project. Ninety Hillside, Pontnewynydd and Victoria primary pupils have been learning brass instruments and entertained the capacity audience with songs including Rock Around the Clock. The highlight saw the pupils perform the beautiful Welsh song Suo Gan with the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band.

St Albans RC High School pupil and clarinettist Lydia Clough was presented with the Greater Gwent Senior Young Musician Award at the same event. For more information on Gwent Music Support Service, visit www.gwentmusic.net or call 01633 414800.

Pupils are jumping for joyTorfaen’s newest Welsh medium primary school has been officially opened.

Ysgol Panteg, Torfaen’s third Welsh medium primary school, was opened in September 2010.

Located on the former Griffithstown Infant School site, it is a 150-place primary school with a nursery unit of 13 places attached (26 part-time).

The executive member for children and young people, councillor Mary Barnett, cut the ribbon at the school to mark its official opening last month.

She said: “This official opening of Ysgol Panteg marks our on-going commitment

to Welsh medium education in Torfaen. It is an exciting expansion of Welsh medium education in the middle of the borough and reflects our ambitions for making Torfaen a place of learning and opportunity for everyone. We are a determined to listen to what parents want and there is clearly an increasing demand for Welsh medium education.”

Head teacher Rhodri Harries said: “We have recently had the school extensively refurbished and we are thrilled with the results. We are incredibly grateful for this investment and everyone involved in the school shares my excitement of the prospect of the school expanding in the future.”

Page 16 Send your cooking tips to lovefoodhatewaste@torfaen.gov.uk

in Wales, we throw away a staggering 410,000 tonnes of food and drink each year.

Some of this waste is made up of things like peelings, cores and bones, but the majority is, or once was, perfectly good food that should have been eaten.

That is why Torfaen council is supporting Waste Awareness Wales in promoting Love Food Hate Waste, to help reduce the amount of good food we all throw away.

The environmental costs of food waste are enormous. The amount of food we throw away is a waste of resources. Just think about all the energy, water and packaging used in food production, transportation and storage.

It is estimated that more than 20 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food production, distribution and storage.

If this isn’t shocking enough, then consider the financial implications. In Wales, we buy, and then waste, about £600million every year on food and drink that could have been eaten.

That’s an average of £420 per household per year and, for households with children, it’s even more at around £610 a year!

Over the next few months, Torfaen council will be bringing you tips on how to cut down the amount of food waste we produce – if you have any tips that you would like to pass on and share with others, email lovefoodhatewaste@torfaen.gov.uk

‘Soup’er recipe for leftover food

Here is a great recipe for using

up any leftover chicken and any

vegetables that you might have in

the fridge.

Serves 2

570ml chicken stock

1 sliced garlic clove

4 over-ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped

A handful of runner beans, chopped

1 tablespoon of homemade tomato

ketchup or tomato puree

A drained tin of mixed beans

French bread

Leftover soft cheese

Virgin olive oil

Black pepper

instructions

1. Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan

and add sliced garlic, chopped tomatoes,

chopped runner beans, homemade tomato

ketchup or tomato puree.

2. Then add mixed beans and let the

soup bubble for about 4-5 minutes.

3. For the bread croutes, cut slices, not

too thick, from a stale French bread stick

and toast them under the grill.

4. Then sprinkle a mixture of leftover

soft cheeses into the soup bowls. Ladle

the bubbling soup over the cheese and top

it with the toasts, a good drizzle of virgin

olive oil and a generous grating of black

pepper.

best baking tipsFrom sliced bread to bagels, Love Food Hate Waste has lots of top tips for making the most of all your bakery products.•Mostbakeryproductshavea‘bestbefore’

date – these dates refer to quality, so your bakery products can still be eaten after this date, but may no longer be at their best

•Slicedbreads,pittabreads,crumpets,hotcrossbuns and bagels are all are great for freezing and can be toasted straight from frozen as and when you like

•Makeslightlystalebreadandleftoverbreadcrustsinto breadcrumbs by whizzing up in a food processor, and store in the freezer to use later in bread sauces, savoury crumbles or as a coating for chicken or fish

•Useupleftovercroissantsandmuffinstomakeatraditional bread and butter pudding with a twist – take a look at the recipe on lovefoodhatewaste.com

•Freezeleftovercakeinslices;defrostslicebyslicefor a tasty treat – or if you have a whole cake to freeze, wrap in a layer of plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil, and freeze for up to one month

•Storingbreadinthefridgecanmakeitgostalequicker. The best place to store bread is in a cool, dark

and dry place, your bread bin or store cupboard is perfect

•Tofreshenupadayoldloaf,holditverybrieflyunder a running cold tap. Give it a good shake and pop in a hot oven for about 10 minutes; it will be as soft and crusty as freshly baked bread

•Spreadthecrustsfromaloafwithgarlicbutterandtoast under the grill, cut into fingers and serve for a quick and easy snack.

For more top tips and recipes to help reduce food waste, visit lovefoodhatewaste.com