The exciTing transformation of cwmbran town centre is a step closer. Torfaen council has a plan to make sure the town keeps its place as one of Wales’ best shopping centres.

Work is already going well on the £15 million cinema, bowling alley, and restaurant development which will bring some great new facilities to cwmbran when it opens in October 2008.

Views

The next stage is to agree the plan which will set out how other key areas in and around the town centre will be developed. The council wants your views on the proposals.

This is the vision for cwmbran:‘In 2021 Cwmbran has an improved and expanded town centre with a significant and sustainable mixed use offer including retail, leisure, office, employment and residential provision, enhanced and meaningful areas of public open space, a high quality urban environment in terms of design and amenity, and fully integrated sustainable and accessible transport provision’.

The draft plan will guide the various developments that will take place until 2021. Torfaen council needs this plan to be able to refuse applications that do not fit in with the long term vision and strategic aims contained in the draft plan.

The council wants to attract more high profile shops, more office jobs, more housing, more leisure uses, and more people to use public transport. This will attract more people to use the town centre, especially in the evenings. The council also wants to see the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal

become a feature of the town centre.councillor Bob Wellington, Leader

of Torfaen council, said: “cwmbran is hugely popular with both local people and visitors. We will come under pressure from developers who want to build in and around the town centre so we need to have the power to be able to control its growth to make sure it’s done to get the maximum benefit.

“The draft plan will give us the

power to do this. it is an excellent shopping centre but we want to protect it from unsuitable development.

“The complex being built near Llantarnam grange Arts centre is a great example of attracting private investment to provide the kind of facilities the town needs to keep its place as one of the best shopping centres in Wales. Private investors are spending £15 million on this project which shows their confidence in cwmbran.”

INSIDECentre page special.Find out what the Council’s key priorities are for the next year.

Get fit for free! Torfaen’s first Green gym opens. Turn to page three.

See how £12 million has been spent in two Torfaen schools. Turn to page eight.

You can now recycle your drink cartons in Torfaen. Turn to page seven to find out where.

November 2007 - Tachwedd 2007

www.torfaen.gov.uk 01495 762200

Cwmbran town centre in 2021

What do you think? The public consultation is from Monday 5 november to Wednesday 16 January. You can look at a copy of the documents in -

County Hall, Cwmbran Civic Centre, PontypoolCwmbran library Pontypool library Blaenavon library Torfaen mobile library

copies will also be available for you to take away and comment sheets will be available for you to give your views.

PeOPLe in Torfaen are being urged to make christmas special for children and young people in need. While most young people receive piles of brightly-wrapped presents on christmas morning, some may receive nothing.

Last year, kind-hearted residents donated hundreds of presents to make sure that the most vulnerable children in Torfaen didn’t miss out on the excitement that most experience on christmas morning.

Those wishing to spread a little joy this christmas are asked to call 01633 647540 or 647539.They will then be given the first name and age of a young

person, plus a reference number. These details must be attached to the wrapped present.

councillor Rose Seabourne, executive Member for health, Social care and Well-being, said: “There

is no need to spend a great deal of money and i can assure you that every gift will be gratefully received by the young person concerned.”

The Principality Building Society in Pontypool has kindly agreed to act as a collection point for Torfaen’s Santa Appeal. gifts can also be handed in at county hall, cwmbran or the civic centre, Pontypool. The deadline is 12 December.

Torfaen Council support workers Kirsty Smith and Louise Bright surrounded by some of the gifts

donated last year

Bring Christmas to a child near you

Council Leader Bob Wellington and Duncan Smith, Chief Officer for Planning and Public Protection at the top of Cwmbran’s

famous landmark, the Tower Block

“I can assure you that every gift will be gratefully received by the young

person concerned”

“Cwmbran is hugely popular with both local

people and visitors”

This is an artist’s impression of what the new complex (next to Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre) will look like when it opens next year

Page 2 If you need us, call 01495 762200 www.torfaen.gov.uk

The cAnAL running through Ty-coch in cwmbran is being improved to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Welcome to Waterways for Life is a project which will see volunteers doing lots of work along this popular stretch of water.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn practical skills such as hedge laying and how to record and identify wildlife. For more information or if you want to volunteer call Kris Roberts on 01633 648015 or visit www.webster.uk.net/SportsAndLeisure/Fishing

The canal banks are used by walkers, cyclists, anglers, joggers, and wildlife spotters. cwmbran Angling Association is working with Torfaen council to make it more enjoyable for the people who use

it and provide a better environment for wildlife to live.

The path verges and grassy areas will be cut to encourage wildflowers to bloom, set seed and increase in number every year. hedges will be cut to encourage the growth of a thick, dense hedge to make them more attractive to wild birds as places to build their nests. new fishing pegs including platforms for disabled people will be installed and the canal will be dredged in winter to prevent it silting and becoming choked with waterweed.

This project is being funded by £25,000 from the Rural Key Fund, a european Union grant programme managed by Torfaen council, and £2,000 from cwmbran Angling Association.

Enjoy your canal

The canal is popular with anglers and cyclists

Ready trek

POnTYPOOL Police community Support Officers covering Penygarn are helping to keep kids fit and getting them to and from school safely every day by operating a ‘walking bus’.

The ‘bus’, which departs from channel View at 8.30am to arrive at Penygarn and St. cadocs Junior School in time for breakfast club, ensures that pupils take the safest route, get to school on time and are highly visible to motorists by wearing fluorescent waistcoats.

The initiative, supervised by PcSO Daniel Wise and PcSO Jordan Williams working alongside Kevin Weaver, Woodlands Field co-ordinator, aims to teach children about road safety, raise awareness among drivers of the need to slow down and stay alert and will hopefully encourage more schools to take up the idea.

PcSO Williams said: “The ‘walking bus’ is an opportunity for children to develop their road safety skills, gives parents peace of mind that their child is arriving to school safely and on time, keeps them active and also eases traffic congestion in the area.”

ThiS is the new logo for Torfaen Young People’s Forum. it was chosen by young people who voted on a selection of logos during Local Democracy Week in October. The special election used an online poll as well as traditional ballot papers and were held in as many schools, youth clubs and other organisations as possible.

Local Democracy Week is a national event to help young people aged between 11 and 25 become more involved with decision-making and planning at a local level. The theme is “take part, take power”.

Torfaen Young people’s Forum gives young people aged between 11 and 25 a chance to speak out and take action on issues that affect their life, meet other young people, and influence people who make decisions.

Forum representatives act for their school council, youth group or other organisation. They bring issues to the Forum and also give feedback to their group on how the issues are being dealt with.

The Forum has been involved in recruiting senior officers of the council, held seminars on anti-bullying and sought proactive action, and has been consulted on a number of issues by Torfaen council and other bodies such as the nhS.

if you are aged between 11 and 25 and want to join the Forum call Julia Rooney, the Young People’s Forum Officer, on 01495 766473.

The winning logo

Local Democracy

WeekThe MAYOR of Torfaen wants to get out and about to meet more people at events throughout the area. councillor Bill King and Mayoress Janet both work full time and want to encourage people to invite them to events as early as possible.

councillor King is the Wales convenor for UniSOn, the public services union. he leads 100,000 members in Wales, and sits on the general council of Wales TUc. Janet is a community Midwife and cwmbran community councillor.

councillor King said: “We want to get out into the community and meet as many people as possible. But as we work full time we do need early notice to make sure we can book the time in our diaries. it is a balancing act between

work, family and other commitments to make sure we can accommodate as many requests as possible.”

councillor King has represented the Fairwater Ward since 1999. he is a family man with extensive interests in music, photography and cooking. his charity Appeal supports War on Want and Amnesty international.

if you would like the Mayor and Mayoress to attend a function please call chris Slade on 01495 766068.

Meet the Mayor

A ground-breaking cwmbran-based service which takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable young people has opened.

Torfaen Young People’s Support Service (TYPSS) recognises that vulnerable young people generally have multiple needs which are often inter-related and require the services of more than one agency. Those shown to be most at risk were care leavers, young people with mental health issues, those who were homeless and young people not engaged in education, employment or training.

TYPSS brings together Torfaen’s 16+ team, a community cAMhS psychiatric nurse, the 16+ mentoring scheme co-ordinator, a careers officer, Torfaen Youth Service, the emphasis Project, housing and homelessness teams, Ace Project and education and training under one roof.

Young people are welcome to visit TYPSS with or without an appointment, from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. councillor Rose Seabourne, executive Member for health, Social care and Well-being, said: “The impact of young people’s mental health

upon their ability to achieve a satisfactory level of independence is well-documented. homelessness also has a significant impact on mental health, and the experience of being in local authority care impacts on all of these issues, and all these issues impact on young people leaving care. The creation of TYPSS means that services for these vulnerable young people are now co-ordinated centrally.”

TYPSS is located on Floor 5, gwent house, gwent Square, cwmbran Town centre (above cwmbran library).

New ground-breaking service

“The ‘walking bus’ is an opportunity for children to develop their road safety

skills...”

The canal before it was dredged

Do you have something to say about improving health, care and well-being in Torfaen? if so now is the time to give your views and ideas for the next health, Social care and Well-being Strategy.

The strategy, which will cover April 2008 to March 2011, will set out what the council and Local health Board need to do to improve support services to tackle issues such as poverty, obesity, education, employment, and improve and increase health and care services for everyone.

The council and health Board will work in partnership with gwent healthcare nhS

Trust, gwent Police, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, carers and service users.

it’s important that you let us know what you think. You can get a copy of the consultation paper from libraries, council offices or by

calling 01495 766147. You can also read a copy online at:

www.torfaen.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare The deadline for comments is 30 December.

Have your say

Councillor Bill King and his wife, Janet

www.webster.uk.net If you need us, call 01495 762200 Page 3

TORFAen has got its first free gym which will encourage people to exercise outdoors. The council has built a set of nine ‘Lifetrails’ alongside the Afon Lwyd river, in northfields, cwmbran with a £20,000 grant from the Sports council of Wales.

‘Lifetrails’ are outdoor gyms but without the membership fee; they are designed for all ages as they have different levels of difficulty. They offer strengthening, flexibility and balancing activities to be done before, during or after a walk.

councillor neil Lewis, executive Member for Regeneration, said: “This new outdoor gym will make it easier for people to get more out of their regular walk along the river.”

The £20,000 came from the Active Lifestyles Fund which is part of the Welsh Assembly government initiative to help create new or improved physical activity opportunities as detailed in the Assembly’s sport and physical activity strategy Climbing Higher.

The Minister for Sport, Rhodri glyn Thomas AM, said:

“We want more people to live healthy and independent lives and that means taking exercise more often. This doesn’t have to be an exercise gym membership. it could be walking, cycling or taking part in a class in your local community centre.”

Users enjoying the outdoor gym in Croesyceiliog

A JOinT Torfaen Tenants and Bron Afon Membership conference will be held on Tuesday 13 november at county hall, cwmbran at 9.30am. The conference is open to all tenants and residents in Torfaen.

The theme of the conference is ‘Pride in our Past and faitH in our future’. it will be a celebration of the role that council housing has played in shaping the communities in which we live today. n Would you like to find out more about your new landlord, Bron Afon community housing and its vision for the future?

n Are you interested in knowing more about the planned improvements to your homes and your communities? n Would you like to get involved in this exciting new organisation?

Workshops on the day will include: n A new way of delivering servicesn how members of Bron Afon can influence the very heart of the organisationn Sheltered housing Service

Transport is available (upon request) and buffet and refreshments will be provided. To reserve your place call the housing choices Team on 08000 286933 or email housing.choices@torfaen.gov.uk

Conference news

OVeR 200 people enjoyed an afternoon tea dance to launch this year’s ‘Keep Well This Winter’ campaign for over 60s living in Torfaen. The fun filled event had three serious messages for older people.

n Keep welln Keep safen Keep warm

The dancers were reminded to have the flu jab and get advice from gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue, Trading Standards, The Pensions

Service, the home energy efficiency Scheme, and the Older Persons Forum.

The ‘Fab 40s’ live band encouraged everyone onto the dance floor. More entertainment was provided by the Suzanne Sims Dance group and Pontnewydd Male choir.

copies of the Keep Well This Winter newsletter were given out and further

copies are available at council offices, chemists, and libraries. if you can’t get a copy call 01495 766147. it contains simple hints on accident prevention, keeping fit, keeping your home warm, saving money, and healthy eating.

Keep well this winter Win £100 of Argos vouchers

DO YOU brighten up your street by decorating the outside of your house with christmas decorations? Send webster.uk.net a photo of your house and the best one will win £100 of Argos vouchers. Torfaen householders are invited to enter this great competition. The runner-up will receive £25 in Argos vouchers.

entries must be received by Tuesday 18 December. Visit www.webster.uk.net to have a look at all the entries. You can enter online at www.webster.uk.net/competitions/christmasLights2007entry.aspx

You can also write your name and contact details on the back of the photo and post it to christmas Lights competition, webster.uk.net, Floor 5

civic centre, Pontypool, nP4 6YB.

The packed dance floor at County Hall

Warmth and Welfare Day

OVeR 150 people picked up a free energy efficient light bulb at a Warmth and Welfare day in the congress Theatre. They also got lots of useful advice on saving money over winter, applying for grants to insulate their homes, and making sure they were getting all their benefits.

For advice on council tax, housing benefit, or pension credits call Torfaen council on 01495 762200. To find out about grants towards home insulation and other energy saving tips call Allan Jones, Torfaen council’s energy Manager, on 01633 648853.

Councillor Marlene Thomas, Executive Member for Resources, at the event in the Congress Theatre

Get fit in Cwmbran’s free gymGet fit in Cwmbran’s free gym

Page 4 If you need us, call 01495 762200 or visit www.torfaen.gov.uk Page 5

Making Torfaen a better place to live, work and visitThe Council is continually striving to improve the services it provides. Unfortunately, financial pressures can prevent the Council from doing everything it would like. Tough decisions inevitably have to be made about which services should be funded and which should not.In 2006, following consultation with stakeholders, the Council identified five key service priorities, which were most important to the people living and working in Torfaen. These priorities formed the basis of the first Torfaen Corporate Plan, a strategic document covering the period up until 2011.By identifying the things that really matter to Torfaen residents, the Corporate Plan enables the Council to focus its energy and resources on improving the lives of its citizens in those areas they consider most important.There are certain services that the Council is required by law to deliver and these will continue to be provided. The Corporate Plan acknowledges that the Council must prioritise other services to avoid spreading resources too thinly. To focus on what matters, tough choices have to be

made. Investments in priority areas will require savings in others.The Corporate Plan sets out a strategy for improving services in these areas by refocusing the Council’s funding and resources. Already over the past year, the Corporate Plan has started to change the way in which the Council works as an organisation and has helped make Torfaen a better place to live, work and visit.This summary update outlines the progress that has been made to date and sets out the Council’s commitments for the year to come. It reflects the Council’s aim to provide supportive, fair and effective services in Torfaen – services that will help realise the vision of a safe, prosperous, sustainable place where everyone has the opportunity to be the best they can be.

What has been done over the past year?• The Council and Gwent Police jointly funded ten new

Police Community Support Officers (PCSO).• Funding from the Sports Council for Wales has been used

to employ officers to work with schools to encourage young people to take the recommended 5 x 60 minutes of exercise per week.

• A programme of effective test purchasing, alcohol confiscations and alcohol free zones has been implemented. Ten alcohol free zones, reducing nuisance, annoyance and disorder caused by the consumption of alcohol in public places, are now in place.

• A dedicated substance misuse base for Torfaen has been established which will allow individuals with alcohol/ drug problems and their families to access services within their own locality.

What is planned for next year?• New safer neighbourhood groups will be established in

Pontnewynydd, Sebastopol, New Inn and Griffithstown.• The Council will develop the Neighbourhood Policing

Programme by working with the Police to joint task the new PCSOs. This will ensure that the officers are working in the areas where they are most needed. The success of the PCSO project will be evaluated and the Council will decide whether more officers should be funded next year.

• Potential areas of joint enforcement between the Council and Gwent Police will be explored. Street inspections and the use of covert cameras will reduce the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.

• The number of alcohol free zones will be increased.

To reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and take action to help people feel safe in their neighbourhoods

An extra ten Police Community Support Officers now patrol Torfaen streets.

To read a full copy of the latest Corporate Plan Annual Update call Tom Roberts, Performance Improvement Manager, on 01495 766298 or email tom.roberts@torfaen.gov.uk - alternatively, call Heather Myers, Head of Policy and Engagement, on 01495 766259 or email heather.myers@torfaen.gov.uk Copies are also available on the Council’s website at www.torfaen.gov.uk The full copy shows what the Council aims to achieve by 2011, and more information on what has been achieved in the last year and what work is planned for the next year.

What has been done over the past year?• Support and guidance is being offered to victims and

witnesses of anti-social behaviour.• The Help2Own scheme has helped 30 first time buyers to

buy their own homes. • The homelessness hostel is providing supported living

accommodation for young people. • The future direction for Council housing has now been

determined following the yes vote to transfer all Council housing to Bron Afon, the new housing association.

What is planned for next year?• The Council will continue to tackle and reduce anti-social

behaviour and provide support to victims. • The Council will continue to work with Registered

Social Landlords in delivering new affordable housing developments.

• Around 7,000 new homes will be allocated within the Local Development Plan and the Council aims to provide 450 homes per year for the next four years.

• The Council will develop and deliver a one-stop shop approach to housing options, access, advice and information across all types of housing.

The Help2Own scheme has helped 30 first time buyers to buy their own homes. Call 01495 766419.

To improve the quality, variety and affordability of housing and reduce the level of homelessness

What has been done over the past year?• A new recycling contract is in place and the Twin Bin

scheme has been extended so it now covers 23,500 homes which is 60% of Torfaen.

• The Council has also started to prepare a brief to review bus service delivery for Torfaen so that services can be improved and more people encouraged to use public transport.

• Two Safe Routes to Schools projects have been completed.

• Council owned buildings now use less energy. This has been achieved by encouraging staff to turn off computers and office lights when they are not being used.

What is planned for next year?• A wider variety of items will be collected through the

black box scheme. • A second household waste recycling centre for Torfaen will

be investigated and planned to help increase recycling rates.

• Residents and businesses will be consulted about the success of the recycling and Twin Bin scheme.

• Improved participation rates of the kerbside recycling collection scheme will be targeted through a programme of education and enforcement.

The eco-building on Springvale industrial estate is the most environmentally friendly building in Torfaen.

Call 01633 648018.

To improve waste management and increase recycling creating a cleaner and more energy efficient area

What has been done over the past year?• Pontypool Active Living Centre has opened, providing a

programme of family based activities such as aqua-natal classes and parent support groups.

• The Council has worked with a number of voluntary sector organisations to deliver the “Healthy Living Initiative”, focusing particularly on nutrition and physical activity projects in Abersychan, Trevethin and Thornhill.

• Support to Care and Repair Torfaen has been increased. A further £350,000 has been invested to support housing allocations to help maintain independence.

• Torfaen now has a trained person to support victims of domestic violence.

What is planned for next year?• The Council will show its commitment to the healthy

schools programme by improving the quality and nutritional standard of its school meals.

• The Council will focus on personal and social education for young people and will increase the resources available to deal with bullying and drugs education.

• Building work will start on the Health Learning Station in Trevethin.

• Torfaen Council will continue to offer support so that more perpetrators account for their abuse and the conviction rate for domestic abuse is improved.

The not-for-profit Garnsychan Partnership sell low cost fruit and veg to improve people’s health.

Full bags cost £3 and half bags cost £1.50. Available throughout most of Torfaen. Call 01495 774453.

To improve services for vulnerable people and improve health outcomes for everyone by promoting healthier lifestyles

What has been done over the past year?• The Council has taken action to ensure that more pupils

are working towards achieving accredited qualifications and the skills focus for pupils participating in the Youth Access service has been improved.

• The Integrated Children’s Centre has opened and a programme of early intervention work has been developed.

• The Council’s new Basic Skills Strategy is helping to ensure that Basic Skills are embedded in the 14 – 19 curriculum in secondary schools.

• Additional funding has been provided to schools. An extra £800,000 in 2006/07 and an additional £390,000 in 2007/08 will help reduce the pupil/ teacher ratio.

What is planned for next year?• A programme will be put in place so that pupils starting

school have better language and number skills.• The community role of schools will be increased and the

provision of out-of -hours activities will be developed.• The physical and mental health of children and young

people will be promoted by ensuring that emotional health is an integral element of the Council’s Healthy Schools Programme.

• The Council will work with schools to ensure that future investment is linked to improved standards of literacy and numeracy.

To improve the quality of teaching and learning for young people and other students and to equip citizens of all ages with the necessary skills for employment and the regeneration of their local communities

Children getting the best start at Little Red Berries playgroup

Page 6 If you need us, call 01495 762200 www.torfaen.gov.uk

Visit Pontypool Museum to enjoy its latest exhibition, Matisse - Drawing with Scissors. it runs until 25 november. entry to exhibitions is free on Wednesdays and Sunday afternoons and free at all times to Torfaen library card holders. The museum has a small gift shop which sells a wide range of unusual gifts, cards and trinkets, together with ‘old fashioned’ toys you don’t see elsewhere. it also stocks a great range of ‘local’ books and videos. call 01495 752036.

Torfaen Trading Standards Service is warning residents not to get ripped off by scam letters. Some residents have complained after receiving a letter saying they had won £46,000 and then asking for £24 to process the ‘win’. councillor glyn caron, executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “The advice is to throw these letters away. if it is too good to be true, then it usually is.”

hard work and community spirit have paid off for residents at Taliesin court, cwmbran after they were awarded £1500 from Awards for Wales. The residents committee will use the cash to re-decorate their communal lounge.

cwmbran Diabetes Voluntary Support group meets at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month at St David’s Rc church hall on Avondale Rd (opposite the group’s former meeting room in the annexe of the church). Forthcoming events include: Wednesday 14 november - health and Safety at home talk by the St John’s Ambulance. Tuesday 11 December- christmas lunch at cwrt henllys. Meet at 12.30pm for 1pm. For more information call 01633 866638.

Do you have a complaint about a public body in Wales? have you already complained to them, but are still not satisfied? The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales can look into complaints about most public bodies in Wales, such as local government (including community councils), the national health Service (including family doctors), housing associations and the national Assembly for Wales. The Ombudsman is independent and unbiased. The service is free. For more information call 0845 601 0987, visit www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk, ask@ombudsman-wales.org.uk, or write to The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, 1 Ffordd yr hen gae, Pencoed, cF35 5LJ.

Ten members of Pontypool Youth council recently travelled to Pontypool’s twinned town of Bretten for a youth festival with Pontypool’s other twinned towns, Longjumeau in France and condeixa in Portugal. They enjoyed a week of sporting activities including rock climbing, a mountain trek, swimming, a barbecue in the Black Forest and a ghost walk through a haunted forest. A visit to heidelberg and the castle was followed by a trip to the largest theme park in germany.

consumer Direct Wales has some great advice to stop ‘rogue traders’ trying to pressure sell, charge extortionate prices and carry out substandard repairs to homes and driveways. You should always ask the caller to identify themselves and their company, and make a note of the details. is the trader offering you something you really want or need? if not, tell them you do not buy goods or services at the door unless you are really interested. get more than one written quote for any work required and ask for details of how to cancel. You should be given a seven day ‘cooling off ’ period and cancellation rights. never hand over the full payment until the work is completed. call consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06. A Welsh-speaking consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

News iN brief

YM l mron l bob cwr o l gymru, mae mudiad lleol o’r enw Menter iaith, gyda’r nod o hyrwyddo ac ehangu defnydd o’r l

gymraeg yn y l gymuned. Trwy l gynnal gweithgareddau yn y l gymraeg a rhoi cymorth a l chyngor i unigolion, mudiadau a busnesau, mae’r Mentrau’n gweithio i l godi proffil yr iaith ac i adlewyrchu awydd cymry cymraeg lleol i’w defnyddio’n l fwy.

Ac eithrio yng l nghaerffili, hyd at eleni doedd dim Menter iaith yn gweithio tu l fewn i’r hen l Went. Ar ôl cyfres o l

gyfarfodydd llwyddiannus dros yr haf, gyweiriwyd y diffyg hwn trwy sefydlu Menter iaith newydd yn gorchuddio ardal Torfaen, Mynwy a Blaenau gwent.

heblaw am l godi proffil yr iaith a darparu cyfleoedd i’w defnyddio, bydd y mudiad hwn yn canolbwyntio ar l bontio rhwng dysgwyr a siaradwyr cymraeg a l chefnogi

defnydd o’r iaith ymhlith plant, pobl ifanc a l

theuluoedd.

Ar 19 hydref, cyhoeddwyd gobeithion y Fenter mewn cyfarfod cyhoeddus yn Ysgol l

gyfun gwynllyw. Dywedodd Dirprwy Faer Torfaen, cynghorydd Aneurin James, l air i l groesawu a l chefnogi’r mudiad newydd o l ran y cyngor. Tynnodd sylw ar l gynnydd y l gymraeg yn l nhorfaen a galwodd ar l

Fwrdd yr iaith a’r cynulliad i l roi ‘chwarae teg’ i l Went wrth l ddosbarthu arian i hybu’r iaith.

Roedd ysgrifennydd y mudiad, Steffan Webb, yn croesawu diddordeb yng l

ngweithgareddau’r l Fenter gan l blant yr ysgol ac yn edrych ymlaen yn l frwdfrydig at l weithio dros l ddyfodol yr iaith yng l ngwent. ‘Mae ceisiadau ariannol wedi cyflwyno,’ meddai ef, ‘ac mae’r l Fenter yn gobeithio penodi staff ac agor swyddfeydd

gyda l chymorth gwasanaeth Tân De cymru ac Awdurdod iechyd gwent ar ôl 1af ebrill 2008.’ Os oes rhywun am l wybod mwy yngly^n â’r l Fenter a gweithgareddau yn y gweill, mae Steffan yn croesawu ymholiadau trwy e-bost: Steffan.Webb@coleggwent.ac.uk

Geirfa - Vocabularyer mwyn helpu dysgwyr sy’n darllen gyda chymorth geiriadur, defnyddiwyd y symbol ‘l’ o flaen pob gair sy wedi’i threiglo. / in order to help Welsh learners using a dictionary, the symbol ‘l’ is used in front of all mutated words.

ac eithrio - exceptheblaw am - with the exception ofpontio - building bridges (lit. ‘bridging’)o ran - on behalf oftynnu sylw - to draw attentionchwarae teg - fair play

menter Iaith Newydd i Dorfaen

DO YOU want to be involved in the multi-million pound plan to transform the British in Talywain? The site is to benefit from a £100m development. Developer Spring (Talywain) Ltd, which is the regeneration and residential division of castlemore Securities, has bought the land with a view to bringing houses, business units and shops to the site.

The council and Spring (Talywain) Ltd want to set up a community liaison group which will give local

people the opportunity to discuss the developer’s proposals for the area and make suggestions prior to a planning application being submitted.

The group will give the local community the regular opportunity to ask the company about progress, and make suggestions and comments on the development.

if you are interested in taking part call caroline Tremeer on 01633 648001 or email caroline.tremeer@torfaen.gov.uk by 23 november.

The KniTTing skills of residents at Talywain house sheltered housing complex are making a huge difference to the lives of others.

They started knitting together two years ago and their garments have benefited a huge variety of people including new mothers and babies at nevill hall hospital. They have knitted hundreds of small caps for premature babies and recently received a thank you letter for all their hard work. They also knit garments for children in need.

councillor gwyneira clark, executive Member for housing and community Safety, said: “i’d like to thank everyone who has donated wool and blankets to this complex. As you can see it is being well used. i hope this story encourages more people to donate so they can continue their good work.”

if you have any spare wool the knitting group would love you to donate it to them. Their address is Talywain house, The Woodlands, Talywain, nP5 9DZ.

The future of the British SeVenTY one years have flown by since the Memorial clock

and Tower in Old cwmbran were dedicated by the cwmbran Branch of the British Women’s Temperance Association and the Ratepayers of the Urban District of cwmbran.

Many residents who have known the clock over the years wouldn’t, however, have set their watches by it, as it was known for being inaccurate and breaking down.

The cwmbran Regeneration Partnership decided to spend £17,000 to have it completely refurbished and restored, along with the replacement of the original memorial plaques.

The official opening ceremony saw over 50 local people along with the Mayor of Torfaen, councillor Bill King, and the chairman of cwmbran community council, councillor Tom Matthews join with local church representatives and the Salvation Army Band to mark a new era in the clock’s history.

Time flies

Councillor Gwyneira Clark, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, (standing far right) with the Talywain House knitting club

A SMALL group of Torfaen mums who have themselves suffered from postnatal depression are running their own drop-in support group called Friendly Faces.

Around one new mother in ten may experience some form of postnatal depression, and it can range from being relatively mild

to very hard-hitting. Friendly Faces is a Sure Start initiative, set up in conjunction with the Sunshine Seekers group. health visitors and mental health professionals have been involved in training the volunteer mums.

The group meets every Tuesday at Pontypool Active Living centre from 10am-12pm. A free

crèche is available. if you have suffered from postnatal

depression in the past and would like to offer support to others, go along to the Friendly Faces group or contact Lorraine childs, health co-ordinator (Sure Start/Flying Start) on 01633 647420.

Friendly Faces helps mums

Donate your old wool

www.webster.uk.net If you need us, call 01495 762200 Page 7

Meet your councillor

* Where Surgeries fall on a Bank Holiday please call 01495 766092 to check they’re taking place. No Surgeries during August.When Surgeries are not held, please contact the Councillor to arrange an appointment or home visit.

AbersychAnCouncillor Gwyneira Clark .................01495 773737gwyneira.clark@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Ken Clark ............................01495 773073ken.clark@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Raymond Williams ............01495 774723raymond.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

blAenAvonCouncillor Tom Huish ...........................01495 791822thomas.huish@torfaen.gov.ukSecond Tuesday of every monthBlaenavon Workmen’s Hall 6.30pm to 7.30pmCouncillor Stuart Evans ........................01495 792335stuart.evans@torfaen.gov.uk Surgery time 7pm - 8pmFriday 16 November - Forgeside Community CentreFriday 21December - Garn-yr-Erw Welfare HallFriday 18 January - Blaenavon Workmen’s hallCouncillor Neil Lewis ...........................01495 790751neil.lewis@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Monday of every month 6.30pm - 7.30pm (except Bank Holidays)Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall

brynwernCouncillor Leonard Constance .........01495 755669leonard.constance@torfaen.gov.uk

coed evACouncillor Agnes MacGill ....................01633 862755agnes.macgill@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*Hollybush & Coed Eva Community Hall10am - 11.30am

croesyceiliog northCouncillor Richard Clark .....................01633 480083richard.clark@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Sarah Richards ...................01633 485495sarah.richards@torfaen.gov.ukSecond Saturday of every month 11am - 12pmGlaslyn Community Hall (This is a joint Surgery with Sgt Kevin Warren and PC Mike Brooks of Gwent Police)

croesyceiliog southCouncillor Marlene Thomas ...............01633 485067marlene.thomas@torfaen.gov.ukSecond Saturday of every month 10am - 11amWoodland Road Community Centre (This is a joint Surgery with Sgt Kevin Warren and PC Mike Brooks of Gwent Police)

cwmynyscoyCouncillor Neil Waite ...........................01495 759468neil.waite@torfaen.gov.uk

FAirwAterCouncillor Bill King ................................01633 872753bill.king@torfaen.gov.uk

Councillor Phil Seabourne ...................01633 863744phil.seabourne@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*SWAP Office, Fairwater Shopping Precinct10.30am - 12pm

greenmeAdowCouncillor Rose Seabourne ................01633 863744rose.seabourne@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Bob Wellington ..................01633 868402leader@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month* Greenmeadow & St Dials Community Hall, Pandy, Greenmeadow9.30am - 11am followed by Surgery atThornhill Community Centre 11am - 12pm

llAntArnAmCouncillor Mike Gough ........................01633 485543Councillor Barbara Ryan ......................01633 876001barbara.ryan@torfaen.gov.uk

llAnyrAFon northCouncillor Glyn Caron .........................01633 871047glyn.caron@torfaen.gov.ukLast Saturday of every month* (Except Aug & Dec)Llanyrafon Social Centre 2pm - 3.30pm

llAnyrAFon southCouncillor Margaret Pead ...................01633 482685margaret.pead@torfaen.gov.uk

new innCouncillors Helen Ford ........................01495 759341helen.ford@torfaen.gov.ukMaurice Morgan ......................................01495 755125maurice.morgan@torfaen.gov.ukJohn Turner ...............................................01495 756845john.turner@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*Family learning centre, The Highway 10am-12pm

PAntegCouncillor Gwilliam Evans ..................01495 764244g_evans1@tiscali.co.uk Councillor Kathleen Williams .............01495 753778kathleen.williams@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Brenda Edwards ................01495 769743brenda.edwards@torfaen.gov.uk

PontnewyddCouncillors Gwyn Coles .....................01633 863391gwyn.coles@torfaen.gov.ukBrian Mawby ............................................01633 484948brian.mawby@torfaen.gov.ukNye James .................................................01633 864736aneurin.james@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of the month*Mount Pleasant Hall 10.30am - 12pm

PontnewynyddCouncillor Joyce Gregory ...................01495 758709joyce.gregory@torfaen.gov.uk

PontyPoolCouncillor Lyn Irwin .............................01495 753991Third Friday of every month*St Matthew’s Church Hall, Blaendare11.15am - 1.15pmLast Friday of every month*Civic Centre, Pontypool 11.15am - 1.15pm

st diAlsCouncillor Mervyn Reece ...................01633 770364mervyn.reece@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Julianna Biggs ......................01633 864902julianna.biggs@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*Melbourne Court Sheltered Housing Complex 9am-11am

st cAdocs/PenygArnCouncillor Michael Davies ...................01495 756134michael.davies@torfaen.gov.uk

snAtchwoodCouncillor Ivor Davies ..........................01495 755706

trevethinCouncillor Lewis Jones .........................01495 756950deputyleader@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor John Marshall ......................01495 755812john.marshall@torfaen.gov.uk

two locks & henllysCouncillors Stuart Cameron ..............01633 873793stuart.cameron@torfaen.gov.ukColette Thomas ......................................01633 482104colette.thomas@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*Hollybush and Coed Eva Community Hall10am - 11amCocker Avenue Community Centre11.15am - 12.15pmCouncillor Ronald Burnett ...................01633 874157ronald.burnett@torfaen.gov.uk

uPPer cwmbrAnCouncillors Bob Jones ..........................01633 838658bob.jones@torfaen.gov.uk Mary Barnett ...........................................01633 484002mary.barnett@torfaen.gov.ukJohn Cunningham ...................................01633 862050john.cunningham@torfaen.gov.uk First Saturday of every month*Pontnewydd Housing Office,Maendy Way Shopping Centre & Thornhill Community Centre 10am - 12pm

wAinFelinCouncillor Yvonne Warren ..................01495 752180yvonne.warren@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*St John’s Church 10.30am - 12pm

TWenTY FOUR young people have gained national Vocational Qualifications Levels 1-3 through the SAVY Project at cwmbran centre for Young People.

The nVQs were in areas such as iT, Youth Work and Business Administration. Further nVQs were gained through work placements including welding, mechanics and child care. Six staff members have passed the nVQ A1 Assessors Award and two are training to become internal

Verifiers. The project also offers the training programme which encourages young people to develop workplace skills, and Open college network qualifications in personal development, communication, youth work and icT.

The project has just received an additional £70,000 grant from the european Social Fund which means more young people can receive training grants while they learn.

Qualification success

Council meetingsMORe information about public attendance at council meetings is available on our website www.torfaen.gov.uk. All meetings are held in the civic centre. Licensing hearings are scheduled for every Monday morning and Thursday and take place if required. A council Policy Development Seminar is scheduled for every Monday afternoon at 2pm. call 01495 766081.

6 november 10.30am cabinet 4pm Planning committee7 november 2pm Operational Services Overview & Scrutiny committee8 november 2pm Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny committee13 november 2pm Resources Overview & Scrutiny committee 5pm council28 november 2pm Scrutiny co-ordinating committee29 november 2pm Planning & Public Protection Overview & Scrutiny committee

4 December 10am Licensing committee 2pm housing & community Safety Overview & Scrutiny5 December 2pm children & Young People Overview & Scrutiny committee6 December 2pm health & Wellbeing Overview & Scrutiny committee11 December 10.30am cabinet 1pm Resources Overview & Scrutiny committee 4pm Planning committee12 December 10pm Audit committee 2pm Operational Services Overview & Scrutiny committee13 December 11am cabinet (housing Stock Transfer) 2pm Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny committee14 December 10am gwent Joint Records committee18 December 2pm Members’ Services Working Party 5pm council

ReSiDenTS in Torfaen can now take their drinks cartons to special recycling bins. The council, in partnership with Tetra Pak Ltd and the carton industry body Ace UK, has launched the carton recycling scheme. each year, UK beverage carton manufacturers produce around 55,000 tonnes of paper-based cartons for milk, juice, sauces and other liquid. cartons can now be recycled at special collections bins at:

n Prince Street car park, Blaenavon

n cwmbran stadium car parkn Ponthir nursery car parkn Sainsbury car park, cwmbrann Llanyravon golf courseAfter collection, cartons are

recycled into a range of products including plasterboard liner and high strength paper bags and envelopes. Torfaen’s recycling rate is currently 37 per cent - just 3% short of the Welsh Assembly’s 2009-10 target. Visit www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk

Recycle your drink cartons

A cWMBRAn luncheon club has celebrated its first anniversary. West Pontnewydd luncheon club now attracts between 20 and 30 people aged 50+, who sit down every Monday to enjoy a healthy three-course lunch for £2.50.

it’s a far cry from the days when poor kitchen facilities hampered any attempts at large-scale catering at West Pontnewydd community Association hall.

Support was sought from Torfaen council’s healthy Living initiative and co-star, however the turnaround in the hall’s fortunes is really down to enthusiastic support from the local community backed by a £10,000 Big Lottery grant,

which funded the installation of a modern, functional kitchen in April. The luncheon club has since gone from strength to strength, providing nutritious meals at low prices as well as somewhere for old and new friends to meet up for lunch once a week.

Reg Maidment and his wife, gwyneth, are regular diners.

“i love the atmosphere here,” he said. “The food is terrific for the price and the crowd that come here are very friendly. We all get on very well together.”

All volunteers will go through Food hygiene Training to enable them to take over the cooking in the long-term.

New kitchen facilities turn luncheon club around POnTYPOOL’S christmas parade is on Saturday 1 December. it starts

at 4.30pm in commercial Street and ends at the Link, on the top of crane Street where noddy and Big ears will turn on the christmas lights. This will be followed by a firework display. noddy and Big ears arrive at 12.30pm for an afternoon of fun before the big parade. entertainment includes magic, mischievous elves, Franco the clown, juggling, fire eating, and Punch and Judy.

children can meet Santa in his grotto at Pontypool indoor Market and have their face painted for free. every child will receive a gift. Santa will be sitting in his grotto on:

Saturday 1 December 11am- 1pm and 2pm- 4pmSaturday 15 December 10am- 1pm and 2pm- 4pmSaturday 22 December 10am- 1pm and 2pm- 4pm

if you want to take part in the parade call Ann James, from Pontypool community council, on 01495 756736.

See Santa in Pontypool

Page 8 If you need us, call 01495 762200 www.torfaen.gov.uk

PUPiLS at two schools in Torfaen have started the new term learning in some great new buildings after a £12 million investment. Abersychan and West Mon Schools have each had £6 million spent on them.

Abersychan School now has seven new classrooms, an icT resources area, a sports laboratory, modern changing facilities and a new dining hall. The project also included re-furbishing existing buildings, a floodlit astro-turf pitch and a football/ rugby pitch. The school has an impressive entrance in a new location which makes it easier for pupils and visitors.

West Mon School now has a Vocational Resource centre which will be used by both the school and the community. it means the pupils will be able to study a wider variety of courses including gnVQs and new style gcSes, which have a vocational element.

There is also a new iT computer room and library. Pupils now have lunch in a new dining room and have cookery lessons in a new kitchen classroom. The toilets have been refurbished and the car park and entrance from college Road has been improved.

The council was recently praised in The Times educational Supplement for the way its education service worked with the affected schools to ensure the ‘seamless transfer’ of pupils from Trevethin to Abersychan and West Mon schools.

councillor John Turner, executive Member for children and Young People, said: “This £12 million investment was part of the promise we made to parents, pupils and teachers of Trevethin community school, during its closure. The investment demonstrates our commitment to our corporate Plan to focus education spending where it is most needed. We promised pupils at Trevethin school that we would invest heavily in West Mon school and Abersychan school to transform the learning opportunities and be able to cope with the extra pupils.”

councillor Bob Wellington, Leader of Torfaen council, said: “i am delighted to see these state of the art, modern school buildings open with the sort of 21st century facilities that our young people deserve. This is the standard of educational facilities we intend to build in Blaenavon.”

The work was funded by £9m from the Welsh Assembly government, a £2 million

regional School Buildings improvement grant, and £1 million from the council’s core capital programme.

A new RC primary schoolA new £3 million 210 pupil Roman catholic primary school is due to open in September 2008 to replace St Albans Rc School and St Francis Rc School. it is being built on conway Road in Pontypool.

Blaenavon - The future A brand new nursery and primary school is planned for Blaenavon to give the town’s children the best possible start in life. The vision is for the school to combine with a new community leisure facility, a health care centre, and a base for council services, police and community safety officers. This £15 million building will transform the current facilities in the town and show how public organisations can work together to improve services.

The key facilities envisaged are:Leisure - it will include community use of the school hall (for badminton, short tennis etc.), a fitness suite, an all weather floodlit outdoor pitch, and a studio room for activities like dance, aerobics and martial arts. Health & Well-being - The centre will accommodate a gP surgery, a chemist, a dental practice, and community nursing base for services such as physiotherapy and chiropody.Education - The brand new primary and nursery school will replace St Peters and hillside primary schools.Community - A customer care centre will give instant access to council services, provide a base for the community safety team (police and police community support officers) and have meeting rooms for community groups.

The detailed design, location and the final make-up of services will be subject to further consultation and planning as the scheme progresses.

Make sure you keep an eye on Torfaen Talks for future updates on the Blaenavon project.

£12 million investment for our children’s future

TORFAen council is showing its commitment to making the area cleaner by prosecuting fly tippers and fining litter louts.

in the last year, five people have been prosecuted for dumping rubbish. in two recent cases environmental health officers searched abandoned rubbish sacks in a bid to catch fly tippers. Their investigation led to a Blaenavon man being fined £100 and £100 costs after household rubbish and clothing was dumped in the Varteg area.

A cwmbran woman was fined £200 and £150 costs for fly tipping after six bags of her household rubbish were dumped on Springvale industrial estate. Powers under the clean neighbourhoods and environment Act 2005 require people to ensure household waste from their home is properly disposed of through an authorised person.

The council can also fine litter louts £75. The area around Pontypool McDonalds

and the Total Service petrol station was targeted recently and six people were fined for dropping litter. Another nine were given official warnings.

councillor glyn caron, executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “We will not tolerate fly tipping and we will catch those people who do it. People have a duty to ensure their rubbish is disposed of properly and taken away by an authorised collector. We are urging everyone to act responsibly as it takes little effort or time to throw away rubbish correctly.”

The environmental health Team also uses surveillance equipment. Remotely operated cameras are regularly used to monitor dumping hotspots.

if you have information on fly tippers call 01633 648494. This is how long it takes some common items to decompose if they are dropped on the floor.n Paper - up to 5 monthsn orange peel - up to 6 monthsn Cigarette butt - up to 12 yearsn Plastic bag - up to 20 yearsn Plastic drinks bottle - over 100 years

Councillors John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational

Services, Gwyneira Clarke, Executive Member for Housing and

Community Safety, and Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, at an area spoiled

by fly tipping

Council snares fly tippers and litter louts

The stunning new entrance at Abersychan school

The new kitchen classroom at West Mon school

Abersychan pupils exercising in their new gym

Pupils enjoying the new music equipment at West Mon School

BLenheiM Road community Primary is the latest school to encourage pupils to become greener to help the environment. Pupils have their own eco committee who were recently given £300.

emma Rosser, a teacher and their healthy co-ordinator, said: “This money will be used to teach the children how to grow

food and be more aware of their environment. We have recently received the green Flag Award and will use this money, along with a Breathing Space Lottery grant, to develop a Sensory garden. We would appreciate any offers of help from the community in this venture.” if you can help in any way call the school on 01633 484655.

Councillor Bob Wellington, Cwmbran Community Councillor Jeff Williams, and Councillor Rose Seabourne celebrate the £300

award with pupils

PeOPLe in Torfaen are being urged to have a “green” christmas to help boost recycling rates. Over the christmas period about 30 per cent more rubbish is produced.

glass, cans, christmas trees, cards, and plastic bottles are all thrown away but with a little thought, we can all limit the impact we have and help boost Torfaen’s recycling rate of 37%.

here are some handy tips:n When shopping for Christmas presents use reusable shopping bags or reuse carrier bags.n Do not over wrap Christmas presents - use a Christmas stocking instead of paper or use recycled paper.n Try sending electronic cards. n Cut up old Christmas cards and make tags for presents.n Buy Christmas trees with roots so they can be replanted in the garden or buy an artificial tree that can be reused. n Buy rechargeable instead of disposable batteries. n use your black box for recycling any card, glass, cans and plastic bottles that you dispose of.n Take glass, cans, paper, plastic bottles and film, textiles and shoes to recycling banks in Torfaen. Alternatively take your waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in New Inn.n Remember to compost fruit and vegetable peelings.n Take your old Christmas tree to Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran to be shredded.n If your area is covered by the green bin scheme use it for your kitchen and garden waste.

councillor John cunningham, executive Member for Operational Services, said: “We want everyone to have a merry christmas but we also want people to think of the environment during the festive period.”

The council is allowing residents already on the twin bin scheme to put out up to two bags of side waste for their first black bin collection after christmas.

For more information visit www.torfaen.gov.uk

Have a merry “green” Christmas

Looking after the environment