November 2008 - Tachwedd 2008

www.torfaen.gov.uk 01495 762200

To celebrate the opening of Bowlplex in Leisure @ Cwmbran, Bowlplex have offered two fantastic prizes...

WIN a Birthday party for 12 children. Including bowling, a birthday meal, unlimited drinks and the opportunity to meet Roley, the friendly Bowlplex mascot!

WIN a group party package for 12 adults. This includes 2 games of bowling per person, a delicious basket meal and a winner (and loser!) certificate.

Turn to page 8 for details.

Melin Homes’ £6.1 million development of Torfaen’s first extra care scheme - Ty George lansbury - was officially opened by Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas and Deputy Minister for Housing Jocelyn Davies.

The 35 self-contained apartments, built on the site of the former residential home of the same name, provide modern, purpose-built accommodation for people over 55 who need care and support that will help them to continue to live independently.

Shared facilities for residents include a restaurant/dining room, hairdressing salon, laundry, bowls

area, reading, craft, computer and physiotherapy rooms and support workers will be available on site to deliver individual care packages.

The scheme has been built in partnership with Torfaen Council and has already impressed the residents as they move in.

Torfaen Councillor Gwyneira Clark, executive Member for Housing and Community Safety said: “i have visited the site throughout the build and now that it’s open i am thrilled we have been able to bring the first development of its kind to Torfaen. The facilities are fantastic and will make a huge difference to the lives of residents.”

Zoopadoopa is Cwmbrans’ brand new Childrens Activity Centre in the new Leisure @ Cwmbran development.

Open during October, it offers children the chance to play, learn, explore and party in a fun, safe and stimulating environment.

Attractions include the amazing Zebra Astra Slide, Tiger Tube Slide and Leopard Cannon. There is a special toddler area, a multi-sports court and for parents, the relaxing Zebra lounge café.

Open 10am - 6pm everyday.

www.zoopadoopa.co.uk

Turn to page 8 for details.

To celebrate the opening of Vue Cinema in Leisure @ Cwmbran. Vue are offering every reader a discount.

Turn to page 8 for details.

SPECIAL OFFER

SPECIAL OFFER

COMPETITON

THe Council and partner housing associations have been working together to develop a Common Housing Register (CHR) and a new allocation system. This will be called Torfaen Homeseeker and it will replace Homefinder.

The CHR will combine the waiting lists of all registered social landlords in Torfaen so that just one single waiting list is used to allocate properties.

This single list will cover Bron Afon Community Housing, Melin Homes,

Charter Housing Association, Hafod Housing Association and linc Cymru. The Council no longer owns any housing stock.

The new scheme will make it easier for people who want to live in Torfaen to register and apply for properties as they only need to register once. it also targets those in greatest need of housing.

The scheme, due to be introduced at the end of January 2009, will use a system of priority bands to identify

housing need; those in greatest need will be awarded a Gold priority, with this reducing to Silver and Bronze priority bands for people with less urgent housing needs.

new technology will also enable people to register for housing online. Those who have no access to the internet will still be able to receive printed advertisements.

We have written to all new and existing applicants, asking them to complete a Homeseeker application

form. Guidance will be provided, however if you need help to complete the form, please contact us.

it is important that you complete and return your Homeseeker application form if you wish to remain on Torfaen’s housing register.

Homefinder will continue to operate as usual until the new scheme is launched.

For further information please contact linda Barnett on 01495 766421.

New single housing waiting list for Torfaen

WoRk has now started on converting a disused cricket pitch into a senior sized football field for the Blaenavon Blues junior and ladies teams as part of the first phase of the £15 million Blaenavon Community campus site.

The club is being relocated from their base over the next two years and are being supported by officers to

create pitches for a Football Centre of excellence where young people can advance from the most junior side up to seniors.

Approximately £272,000 will be spent on renewing the pitches plus a further grant of £140,000 has been applied for to provide additional changing facilities for the club and further mini-football pitches for junior sides.

The Junior and ladies Section are anticipated to relocate to their new pitch in time for the 2009/10 football season.

leader of the Council, Cllr Bob Wellington said: “The work on these new football pitches is a significant phase in the development of the £15million Blaenavon campus. The

pitches will allow the ladies and juniors to play side by side plus work is planned for the Harlequins pitch to be brought up to Football Association of Wales standard to accommodate the senior section. The Blues football club has an enviable record for producing talent and this impressive pitch will become a wonderful facility for the town and for future generations of footballers.”

Work kicks off in Blaenavon

Inside Ty^ George Lansbury

A first for TorfaenA first for Torfaen

Council Leader Bob Wellington and

Blaenavon Councillor Tom Huish make the first

pitch inspection

“The pitches will allow the ladies and juniors to play side by side plus work is planned for the Harlequins pitch to be brought

up to Football Association of Wales standard”

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

ToRFAen residents are being reminded to ensure their names are correctly entered on the electoral register by either returning their annual canvass form, or, if there are no amendments to the information contained in the form use the freephone telephone or internet service.

This year’s electoral registration canvass will soon be coming to an end the new electoral register will be published on 1 December.

A form was sent to all households in early September and reminder forms at the end of September. Residents who have mislaid their form can visit the Civic Centre, Pontypool or Customer Care Centre, Cwmbran where forms are available. Forms can also be downloaded from Torfaen’s web page www.torfaen.gov.uk.

The names of all eligible residents of your household over the age of 18, or will be 18 within the next 12 months need to be included.

it is a legal requirement for every eligible person in the country to be registered. Anyone who isn’t registered can be fined up to £1,000. People not on the register may also have difficulty obtaining credit, loans or mortgage.

if you move during the year you can update your details by using a rolling registration form. These forms can be found in Council offices, libraries and Torfaen’s web page www.torfaen.gov.uk.

To find out more e-mail: voting@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01495 762200.

Protect Yourright

to voteFive thousand households across Torfaen will save around £110 on their annual heating bill thanks to Bron Afon Community Housing. The energy savings trust website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk estimates that double glazing will save around £110 off the annual heating bill on an average three bedroom semi-detached home.

Bron Afon is fitting tenants’ homes with new high energy rated double glazing and doors in a project that will be finished by the end of 2010. All of these homes currently have single glazing.

Bron Afon has already fitted over 200 properties with double glazing since 8,000 homes were transferred to it from Torfaen Council earlier this year.

New windows and doors help tenants

save cash

A ‘home from home’ is how a new short breaks facility for disabled children is being described.

BBC Wales’ newsreader, and new mother, lucy owen recently opened ‘Sêr Bach’ (translated as ‘little stars’) and said its name was ‘perfect’ for ‘a wonderful place’.

The new family-orientated service, which operates in partnership with Monmouthshire Social Services, means that Torfaen children with a wide range of disabilities can enjoy overnight stays in a ‘home from home’ environment where they will have their own bedroom.

Foster carers, karen and Rob Breakwell live in the large, adapted house with their own children.

“This isn’t a centre, it’s a home,” said

karen. “i hope that all the children who come here will be very happy.”

lucy owen said, “i’ve looked around the house and it really is a wonderful place. As a new mum i’m beginning to get a bit of an understanding of how important centres like these can be for parents. Sêr Bach, or little stars, is the perfect name for a great facility.”

Councillor Brian Mawby, executive Member For Health, social care and wellbeing, said:

“it’s particularly pleasing that our councils are supporting parents in Monmouthshire and Torfaen by working together to achieve this wonderful service.

“We are achieving things together that we couldn’t do alone.”

New short breaks provision for Torfaen’s ‘little stars’

BBC Newsreader Lucy Owen visits Sêr Bach facility

Citizens can come along to meetings of the Council and present petitions or ask questions about local issues of concern.

If you wish to ask a question or present a petition to a Council meeting, you must give notice in writing at least two working days in advance of the meeting. Statements for Planning Committee also have to be given two days in advance.

For further details of Council meetings contact Richard Gwinnell, on 01495 766262 or email richard.gwinnell@torfaen.gov.uk

For further details of Planning Committee meetings contact Ros Gwynn, on 01495 766057 or email ros.gwynn@torfaen.gov.uk

WiTH over 30% more rubbish produced over the Christmas period, the council’s waste department has come up with some handy tips on how to recycle as much as possible.

loads of items can be recycled but we cannot accept wrapping paper, Christmas cards, envelopes or cardboard in your black box. By following some handy tips, you can help boost the county borough’s recycling rate of 42%. n When shopping for Christmas presents and food use re-usable 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 Christmas tree that can be reused. n Buy rechargeable instead of disposable batteries. n Use your black box for recycling paper, glass bottles and jars, tins, cans and aerosols, textiles, and plastic bottles.n You can also take cardboard, glass, cans, paper, plastic bottles, and textiles 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.n If your area is covered by the green bin scheme use it for your kitchen and garden waste.n You can recycle your Christmas cards at WHSmith, Tesco, or TK Maxx

Councillor John Cunningham, executive Member for operational Services, said: “We want residents to enjoy the festive season and spare a thought for the environment by

recycling as much as they can.”The council is allowing Torfaen

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 visitwww.torfaen.gov.uk/waste

Go green this christmas

THe flu vaccination has been around for several years and it has helped many older people to avoid the debilitating, and potentially dangerous virus.

older people and those with chronic illnesses like asthma, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease are particularly at risk if they catch flu,

especially if it leads on to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Bron Afon Community Housing is inviting a doctor or nurse to each of its 39 sheltered housing complexes. over 1,000 residents will be able to opt to receive their flu vaccine in this way.

Flu vaccines are free for disabled

people, those aged 60 and over, those with chronic diseases and unpaid carers who look after disabled or older people.

For more information about flu jabs contact your GP or practice nurse.

Turn to pages four and five for more advice on keeping Well This Winter.

GeTvaccinated

A brand new Primary School, Padre Pio, in Pontypool, opened its doors to pupils on the 8 September and held its inaugural opening on the 23 September.

Jane Hutt, the Assembly Member for Children, education and lifelong learning attended, along with the Archbishop of Cardiff.

Former pupils at St Alban’s and St Francis’ Catholic Primary Schools started the new term in a brand new school following the closure of their schools.

The £3.5 million project was financed jointly by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff, the Welsh Assembly Government and Torfaen Council. The school has many unique features; it is totally wireless,

has interactive whiteboards in every classroom and has the latest High Definition video conferencing unit.

Perhaps even more important to the pupils, they now have an outdoor sports playing field - an asset which neither of the schools benefited from previously.

environmentally the school is doing its fair share too, with rain water being collected and used to flush toilets as well as heating from a Bio Mass Boiler which uses sustainable energy to heat the building.

executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Mary Barnett said, “This is a huge leap forward for Torfaen. The fantastic facilities which provide a stimulating environment for pupils, teachers and support staff alike.”

top technology for Padre Piotop technology for Padre Pio

Mr and Mrs Francis admire their new front door

Santa Dan Can

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

Meet your councillor ABERSYCHANCouncillor Gwyneira Clark 01495 773737 Councillor Wayne Tomlinson 01495 774953 Councillor Ray Williams 01495 774723

BLAENAVONCouncillor Stuart evans 01495 792335Councillor Brian Whitcombe 01495 790704Councillors evans and Whitcombe share a surgery at 7pm in the following venues:Monday 1 September - Forgeside Community Hall,Monday 6 october - Garn-yr-erw Welfare HallMonday 3 november - Blaenavon Workmen’s HallCouncillor Tom Huish 01495 791822 / 07980682699 BRYNWERNCouncillor Brian Matthews 01495 757288

COED EVACouncillor Fiona Cross 07881 855553Second Saturday of every month 10am -12pmCoed eva and Hollybush Community Centre

CROESYCEILIOG NORTHCouncillor Richard Clark 01633 480083Councillor Sarah Richards MBe 01633 485495Councillors Clark and Richards share a surgery on the second Saturday of every month 11am -12pm in Glaslyn Court.

CROESYCEILIOG SOUTHCouncillor Marlene Thomas 01633 485067Second Saturday of every month 10am-11amWoodland Road Social Centre, Bowls Annex

CWMYNYSCOYCouncillor Doug Jones 01495 757738 / 07964 792732

FAIRWATERCouncillor Phil Seabourne 01633 863744 / 07980 682009First Saturday of every month 10.30am - 12pmFairhill Methodist ChurchCouncillor Jeff Rees 07517 467262last Saturday of every month 10am- 12pmFairwater leisure Centre

GREENMEADOWCouncillor Catherine lewis 01633 766557 / 07948 373090Third Saturday of every month 2pm -4pmGreenmeadow and St Dials Community HallCouncillor Bob Wellington 01633 868402First Saturday of each month 9.30am-11am Greenmeadow and St Dials Community Hall11am - 12pm Thornhill Community Centre

LLANTARNAMCouncillor Maria Graham 07817 609419First Saturday of every month 11am - 1pmllantarnam leisure CentreCouncillor Paul Williams 01633 770349 / 07530 385376Second Saturday of every month10am - 11.30am llantarnam Church Hall12pm - 1.30pm oakfield and Court Farm Community Hall2pm-3.30pm Cwmbran Brass Band Hall, Henllys Way4pm - 5.30pm -The old Boiler Room, The Tower Block

LLANYRAFON NORTHCouncillor veronica German 01633 870075

LLANYRAFON SOUTHCouncillor Margaret Pead 01633 482685

NEW INNCouncillor David James 01495 758559Councillor Raymond Mills 01495 750327Councillor Graham Smith 07527 963774

The three new inn Councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month10am-12pmlearning Centre, The Highway, new inn

PANTEGCouncillor Cynthia Beynon MBe 01495 751740 / 07806617156Councillor norma Parrish 01495 763067Councillor Beynon and Parrish hold a surgery on the second Saturday of every month 11am - 12pmGriffithstown labour Hall alternating with Sebastopol labour HallCouncillor kathleen Williams 01495 753778

PONTNEWYDDCouncillor Peter Cathcart 01633 863189Councillor Aneurin James 01633 864736 / 07980682478Councillor Brian Mawby 01633 484948

The three Councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month 10.30am -12pmMount Pleasant Hall

PONTNEWYNYDDCouncillor Ron Jones 01495 750238

PONTYPOOLCouncillor Fred Wildgust 07852 268419 / 0800 1692189last Friday of every month 11am -1pmSt Matthews Church Hall, Pontymoilelast Saturday of every month 2pm - 5pmPontypool Museum

SNATCHWOODCouncillor Tom Gould 01495 757165Third Saturday of every month 11am - 12pmemmaus Chapel, Pontnewynydd

ST CADOCS AND PENYGARNCouncillor neil Mason 01495 750019

ST DIALSCouncillor Julianna Biggs 01633 864902First Saturday of every month 9am -11amMelbourne Sheltered Housing ComplexCouncillor elizabeth Haynes 01633 870119 / 07963 332195Third Saturday of every month 2pm - 4pmGreenmeadow and St Dials Community Hall

TREVETHINCouncillor John Marshall 01495 755812Councillor lewis Jones 01495 756950

TWO LOCKSCouncillor Ron Burnett 01633 874157Councillor Alastair Cunnington JP 01633 874631

Councillor Colette Thomas 01633 482104First Saturday of every month 10am-11.30amHollybush Community Centrelast Friday of every month 2pm - 3.30pm Cocker Avenue Community Hall

UPPER CWMBRANCouncillor Mary Barnett 01633 484002Councillor John Cunningham MBe kSG 01633 862050Councillor Robert Jones 01633 838658The three Councillors share a surgery on the first Saturday of every month10am -12pmThornhill Community Association (1 Cllr)Housing office, Maendy Square (2 Cllrs)

WAINFELINCouncillor M Jeremiah 01495 755830First Saturday of every month10am - 11am St Johns11.10am - 12.10pm Tranch Hall

Priority: ReDUCe CRIMe AND ANTISOCIAL BeHAVIOUR AND TAKe ACTION TO HeLP PeOPLe FeeL SAFe IN THeIR NeIGHBOURHOODS

GooD NeWS The number of violent crimes committed against a person in Torfaen has fallen from 1,672 to 1,407.

AReAS FoR IMPRoveMeNT The number of acceptable behaviour contracts issued in Torfaen has risen from 14 to 27.

CoMMeNT Antisocial behaviour related to alcohol continues to be real problem. in 2009 we will be putting in place a new service which will help people who are troubled by their alcohol use. Those whose behaviour continues to harm their neighbours quality of life will be asked to sign Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and if that fails they could be prosecuted. Almost half of recorded violent crime is Domestic violence. By november of this year a new service base to support victims will be fully working in Town Bridge Pontypool

Priority: 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

GooD NeWS The % of key stage 2 pupils achieving the core subject indicator has risen from 69.69% to 71.02%.

AReA FoR IMPRoveMeNT The percentage of children leaving education without qualifications has fallen from 4.38% to 2.46%. We aim to continue this improvement.

CoMMeNT Much still needs to be done to continue to improve whilst ensuring pupils are within an appropriate learning setting. We aim to increase funding to schools and ensure this brings about improvement. We will work with partner organisations to reduce the number of young people in Torfaen not in education, training or employment.

Priority: TO IMPROVe WASTe MANAGeMeNT AND INCReASe ReCYCLING CReATING A CLeANeR AND MORe eNeRGY eFFICIeNT AReA

GooD NeWS The percentage of waste sent to landfill has been reduced from 68.06% to 60.37%.

AReA FoR IMPRoveMeNT Currently, residents can take cardboard to recycling banks in the County

Borough but after listening to their views we are looking how we can link cardboard recycling with our successful twin bin scheme. We are also looking at ways of containing recyclables in the black box.

CoMMeNT The amount and percentage of waste that we divert from landfill in Torfaen has continued to decrease. in Torfaen we have rolled out the twin bin recycling scheme to a further 8,000 homes and introduced a new community recycling facility in Trevethin making a total of 20. Much work still needs to be done to improve both the percentage of recycling and composting as well as minimising the amount of weight sent to landfill, to keep costs at a minimum and continue to strive to become a greener county.

Priority: TO IMPROVe SeRVICeS FOR VULNeRABLe PeOPLe AND IMPROVe HeALTH OUTCOMeS FOR eVeRYONe BY PROMOTING HeALTHIeR LIFeSTYLeS

GooD NeWS We have helped over 1700 older people to live at home and reduced the average number of calendar days to deliver a Disabled Facility Grant by 25%.

AReAS FoR IMPRoveMeNT The rate of delayed transfers of care for the over 75’s has fallen from 46.81 days to 26.74 days. We aim to continue this improvement.

CoMMeNT Joint working between the Council, the local Health Board and the Gwent Healthcare Trust has helped to develop a much wider range of intermediate Care services. These services aim to reduce unnecessary hospital as well as preventing any unnecessary delay in discharge. in this way, we have reduced both the number of people who experience a delayed transfer, as well as the average length of that delay.

Priority: TO IMPROVe THe QUALITY, VARIeTY AND AFFORDABILITY OF HOUSING AND ReDUCe THe LeVeL OF HOMeLeSSNeSS

GooD NeWS The number of new homes provided that are affordable homes has risen by 500% from 15 to 74.

AReA FoR IMPRoveMeNT The total number of homeless households having used Bed and Breakfast accommodation has fallen from 278 to 220. We aim to continue this improvement.

CoMMeNT We will strive to improve the availability of affordable housing through continuing our Help2own scheme to develop and increase affordable accommodation. We will continue to reduce the number of people registering as homeless through development of a needs based allocation system, a common housing register and the employment of a homelessness prevention officer.

THe Council strives to improve people’s lives through the services it provides to make Torfaen a better place to live, work and visit. in 2006, elected Members identified five key service priorities, which were most important to the people living and working in Torfaen. These priorities form the basis of the Torfaen Corporate Plan.

in october 2008 the Welsh Assembly Government published performance information for all local Authorities in Wales. This has allowed us to asses whether

we are achieving our targets and delivering improvements in key service areas.

The data has shown we are improving services for our most vulnerable people. We are helping our older citizens remain independent at home for longer and we are improving how we deliver Disabled Facility Grants. The number of homeless people using bed and breakfast accommodation has reduced and the percentage of new affordable homes for young people and families is the best in Wales.

our investment in schools is starting to

improve the results of our younger pupils although we must continue to strive for improvements and ensure all school leavers obtain qualifications and are ready for employment.

The following examples show how over the past year, the Corporate Plan is improving lives in Torfaen. it is the Council’s aim to provide supportive, fair and effective services for everyone to help realise our vision of a safe, prosperous, sustainable place where everyone has the opportunity to be the best they can be.

Making torfaen a better place to live, work and visit

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

It is very important to stay warm as the cold weather can trigger serious health problems such as heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia. It’s possible to keep warm and cut down on energy use.n Get your home insulated - good insulation makes a real impact on fuel billsn Find out if you are eligible for a grant to help you update your heating system n Keep your rooms heated to a temperature between 18º C - 21º C (64º - 70º F) n Use timers to switch heating on just before you get up and off just after you’ve gone to bed. If very cold, set to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning up the thermostatn If money is tight, heat your living room during the

day and your bedroom just before bedtime. Close curtains when it gets dark and always shut doors n If you don’t understand your heating controls, ask family and friends to help n Set your water heating thermostat at 60ºC - this is plenty hot enough n Wash your clothes at 30ºC to save a third of the energy your washing machine uses n Have a shower, not a bath. It saves time, money and uses less water n Keep fridges and freezers away from cookers and heaters. New energy-efficient models save on running costsn Don’t leave appliances on standby, e.g. televisions, microwaves

n Switch off lights and replace normal light bulbs with energy efficiency bulbsn Don’t fill the kettle for small amountsn If you are struggling to pay your fuel bills, contact your energy supplier as soon as soon as possible n Check meter readings when estimated bills arrive so you only pay for what you use, and avoid running up large arrears n If you have open fires make sure they are properly ventilated and use safety guards. If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom at night, keep a window or door open n Get electric blankets tested every three years and never use one with a hot water bottle

For free, independent and local energy saving advice call 0800 512 012, or visit www.energysavingwales.org.uk Alternatively, contact Torfaen Council’s Energy Efficiency Section on 01633 648853.

Keep well this winterKeep well this winterThe fear of running up high bills should not stop older people heating their homes to an acceptable level of warmth this winter because there is financial help available.

Winter Fuel Payment (WFP)This tax-free annual benefit for people over 60 is usually paid from November. The amount varies depending on age and personal circumstances but may be up to £400 for couples. There is an additional payment of £50 for households with someone aged 60-79 and £100 for households with someone aged 80 or over.

If you were 60 or over on September 21 2008 and getting a state pension or qualifying benefit WFP should be paid automatically. Otherwise, you will need to claim.

helpline: 08459 151 515 or textphone 0845 601 5613 (Mon - Fri, 8.30am - 4.30pm) www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel

Cold Weather PaymentIf the temperature drops to or below freezing (0º C) for seven consecutive days you may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for each qualifying week between November 1 and March 31.

You may be eligible if you or your partner are aged 60 or over, or disabled, and receive:n Pension Creditn Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Unemployed families with children under five may also be eligible for the payment.

The Home Energy Efficiency SchemeThe Welsh Assembly Government funded scheme provides grants of up to £3,600 for eligible householders. There are two levels of the grant:

n heeS (grant of up to £2,000) is for householders who are pregnant and in receipt of a MAT B1 certification or families with children under 16.

n heeS Plus (grant of up to £3,600) is for householders who are 60 and over; lone parents with children under 16 and people receiving certain sickness or disability-related benefits.

Qualifying households may be eligible for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing, hot water tank jackets, central heating and repairs to existing heating systems. In the majority of cases the grant will be enough to cover the cost of work (if there are any additional costs, e.g. installing a gas supply, you will be advised of this before any work takes place.)

heeS also offers a benefits entitlement check. Telephone free on 0800 316 2815 or apply online at www.heeswales.co.uk

Help from utility companiesIf you are over 60, have a disability, or are spending 10% of your income on your energy bills, you may be eligible for additional help from your energy company.

Contact the telephone number on your bill for more information.

Benefit entitlement checkMany people are missing out on Government money that is rightfully theirs because they are unaware of their benefits entitlement.

One 96-year old Cwmbran man has recently received a substantial amount of back-dated benefits after his social worker identified a discrepancy in his benefit entitlement which entitled him to claim three years’ back-dated benefits.

The unexpected lump sum has enabled him to move into new accommodation with a new wheelchair, furniture and personal items.

The pension service will also visit people in their own homes to check out entitlement to a range of benefits as well as providing advice at Torfaen Customer Care Centres in Cwmbran and Pontypool Tel: 0845 60 60 265.

Age Concern Torfaen provides home visits and advice at their George Street office in Pontypool. Torfaen Mind, Torfaen People’s Centre and Citizens Advice can also help.

Financial help to keep warm this winter Age Concern Torfaen 01495 762151

Benefits Advice Service (for social care service users)

01495 762200

Bron Afon 0800 111 4242

Care and Repair Torfaen 08453 101180

Energy Saving Wales0800 512 012

Citizens Advice Bureau Cwmbran 01633 482464Pontypool 01495 757421

HEES0800 316 2815

www.heeswales.co.uk

Pension Service 0845 60 60 2 65

Torfaen Credit Union 01495 750020

Torfaen Energy Efficiency Section01633 648853

Torfaen Revenue and Benefits Team

Freephone 0800 652 5422

Winter Fuel Payment Helpline08459 151 515

Pontypool couple, Bernard Gibbs, and his wife Gwyneth, were unaware they were eligible for help until Bernard fell ill. Now their home has benefited from free loft insulation as well as minor adaptations, including a new stair banister and shower rails, to make life easier for them; the work was done by Care & Repair Torfaen, completely free of charge.

“They are marvellous and very, very efficient,” said Mrs Gibbs. “We didn’t have to pay anything. We were vaguely aware of the service but didn’t realise we qualified.”

“A lot of people are a bit too proud to seek the help they need,” she added. “There is help out there for you, please take advantage of it.”

Cwmbran resident, Frances Brown, 69, has had loft insulation fitted under the heeS scheme. “It only took about an hour; there was no disruption to my home at all,” she said. “The man who did the work was very re-assuring and helpful and I was really amazed how fast and clean the installation was. The house already feels

warmer, especially upstairs and I’m hoping the insulation will help to keep my fuel costs as low as possible.”

Mrs Beryl Watkins, 89, (right) is hoping that her recently installed loft and cavity wall insulation will help her reduce her heating bills.

Mrs Watkins has lived in her Cwmbran home for 53 years, and is currently paying £91 a month after her energy bills shot up last winter.

her daughter learned she was eligible for free insulation under heeS and contacted Care & Repair Torfaen on her mother’s behalf. Mrs Watkins is delighted with the results.

“My heating bills were high and I was worried about them getting higher this winter,” said Mrs Watkins. “When you’re coming up to 90 you have to have heat no matter what the cost, my children tell me that. I’m hoping that the insulation will bring my heating costs down and next year, when they come to reassess my monthly payment again, I won’t have to pay so much.”

We’ve already received help

Hot TipsHot Tips

Free electric blanket testing for over 60sTorfaen Trading Standards will be carrying out free checks on electric blankets on Thursday 13 November at Cwmbran Library from 9.30 - 4pm. As demand in the past has been high, it is by appointments only so any Torfaen resident wishing to book an appointment should contact the Trading Standard service on 01633 647624.

Keep Well This Winter is an annual campaign aimed at the over 60s. however, in today’s tough economic climate, we hope the information on these pages will be useful to everyone.

With winter almost upon us and escalating food and energy prices rarely out of the news, it’s hardly surprising that many people in Torfaen, especially older people, are viewing the coming months with concern.

Shockingly, every winter people in the UK die as a direct result of cold weather or as a result of ill health linked to cold, damp living conditions. Older people are particularly vulnerable, often because they can’t afford to heat their homes adequately.

Keep Well This Winter encourages people over 60 to keep warm, keep well and keep healthy. Local councils and health services organise campaigns providing information about the support that is available: n financial help with installing new heating systems and home insulation n energy efficiency advicen help to maximise incomes

With average energy bills up by 40%, it is more important than ever that all Torfaen homes, whether privately owned or rented, are comfortable, well-heated and energy efficient.

“A lot of people will be severely hit by the increase in fuel prices,” said Wilf Bridges, 85, a member of Pontypool Older Person’s Forum. he said members of his generation typically lived economically and thriftily and were not wasteful,

however many now had to rely on their adult children to help them pay their bills.

Mr Bridges has anecdotal evidence that the increasing differential between the state pension and the UK average wage has resulted in real hardship for many older people. Their struggle to keep warm throughout the winter months sometimes results in extreme measures like staying in bed for long periods of the day, or conversely, staying out all day to avoid heating their homes.

“I know people who catch a warm bus to Cwmbran, wander around warm shops for a few hours and come back again on a warm bus,” said Mr Bridges. “In this way people can enjoy a couple of hours of warmth, something that they can’t afford at home. how dreadful is that?”

he added that rising energy and food prices impacted disproportionately on older people; they were more susceptible to the cold (particularly those taking anti-coagulants), missed out on discounted fuel tariffs linked to direct debit payments and their fixed weekly food budgets meant they were unable to take advantage of supermarket offers or bulk buying.

The sad irony is that every year in Wales, thousands of pounds worth of benefits are not claimed, with the result that many people simply do not have enough money to heat their homes and eat properly - and are often forced to choose between the two.

The Keep Well This Winter campaign is trying to change

that situation by encouraging more people to claim the benefits and grants that are theirs by right and which, in some cases, are dependent on age and are not means-tested.

The Council believes that everyone living in the borough should enjoy an acceptable level of warmth in their home and is dedicating resources to ensure that older and vulnerable people are being identified and helped to claim all the benefits and grants that they are entitled to.

The Revenue and Benefits Team organise annual Welfare and Warmth days at Pontypool and Cwmbran.

The Council’s energy Manager works with the Se Wales energy Advice Service and utility companies to ensure the best deals are available and the Affordable Warmth Officer can provide information about heating grants.

Care & Repair Torfaen works in partnership with the Council and other organisations to improve the housing conditions of older and vulnerable disabled people and will arrange for repairs and adaptations to be carried out and help people to access funding from sources like heeS - See page 5.

home-owners and tenants have been able to have new energy-efficient boilers or cavity wall insulation fitted at no cost.

The Council works with other local services, such as Age Concern Torfaen, Citizens Advice Bureau, Torfaen Credit Union and the Pension Service, to promote and provide benefits advice and debt management for those who do find themselves in financial difficulties - See page 5.

Lewis Jones, Deputy Leader and Champion for Older People said, “I am concerned that the current economic climate will mean a difficult time ahead for people so I am very pleased that the Keep Well This Winter campaign provides information to help everyone in Torfaen.”

“Rising energy and food prices have greater impact on older people”

“The sad irony is that every year in Wales, thousands of pounds worth of

benefits are not claimed”

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

Super highways team work the extra mile

THeRe is no such thing as a quiet day for our Highways team as there are over 430 km of road to maintain in the County Borough.

As well as over 430 km of road, there are 17,000 gullies which the local authority aims to inspect twice yearly and clean where necessary.

This can be difficult with limited resources and adverse weather conditions which have been a feature this summer. Roads in Torfaen are currently benefiting from a £650,000 package of improvement works.

The latest works include resurfacing works along stretches of The Highway, new inn; newport Road, Cwmbran; Grange Road, Cwmbran; Bythway Road, Pontypool; Race Road, Pontypool and Penygarn Road, Pontypool.

improvements to parts of A4051 Cwmbran Drive have just been completed. Work from the latest round of spending is due to finish by Christmas. * You can now find out about roadworks in Torfaen by visiting the council website, www.torfaen.gov.uk. Reports are updated weekly.

A young Cwmbran mum has proved that teenage motherhood needn’t be an end to attaining qualifications and a fulfilling career.

Abbie Gillard from Cwmbran fell pregnant with her son Joey, now two-and-a-half years, while studying for A levels at Fairwater High School. After Joey was born, Abbie, now 19, returned to school but found she had lost a lot of confidence and soon dropped out.

When Joey was 11-months old, Abbie contacted the Cwmbran Centre for Young People (CCYP) in Cwmbran, where staff provided childcare for Joey while she completed an nvQ level 1 in Business Administration.

not sure of her next step, the newly-confident Abbie discussed her options

with Careers Wales Gwent and Torfaen Young People Support Service, who explained that she didn’t necessarily need to go back to school in order to have a successful career.

Abbie is now working towards achieving an nvQ in Customer Service with Torfaen Training and has a work placement at Community Service volunteers (CSv) in Pontypool.

“i developed a lot of new skills while doing my nvQ and my confidence grew by helping out in the CCYP offices,” said Abbie. “i was nervous about leaving Joey at the crèche so i went with him the first few times. now, i’ve got to know the staff really well and they are absolutely amazing with Joey. He really looks forward to going.

“i wanted to break away from the stereotype of a teenage mum and show that i can juggle looking after my son and having a career. i hope my story inspires other young mums and makes them aware that there are options other than the traditional education route.”

Young mum juggles career plans and motherhood

Abbie Gillard with her son Joey aged 2 ½

Mini motorbikes and trial bikes are getting more and more popular and in the run up to Christmas it is important that people become aware of the restrictions around riding these bikes on the roads and on public land before making this very expensive purchase.

over the past 18 months there have been two serious accidents involving motorbikes in and around the Torfaen area - one above Blaenafon and the other at the British. in one of the cases a helicopter had to be called to rescue a man who was injured and isolated in the mountains.

Gwent Police and Torfaen Council receive calls each week from members of the public wishing to report off-road vehicles driving around the countryside.

if you want to ride, make sure you follow these guidelines to ensure you ride legally:YoU MUST NoT: Ride on public land, parks, pavements and pathwaysYoU MUST NoT: Ride unlicensed bikes on public roadsYoU MUST: Always use a van or trailer to transport the off-road vehicle to the legitimate riding area. if you do not follow the guidelines you will be breaking the law. When the police catch up with you, you run the risk of:

n Your bike being seized and crushedn Receipt of a heavy finen if you are able to reclaim your bike after seizure, expect a charge of more than £100n Points on your driving licence or on your parents driving licencen Disqualificationn imprisonmentn An Anti-Social Behaviour ordern An unlimited civil claimn Serious injury to yourself and others

If you ride your off-road motor vehicle around Torfaen the chances are you are breaking the lawToRFAen’S Sports Development Team hosted a World Sports Day

at Cwmbran Stadium with over 350 children taking part. The day gave young people a platform to reach their sporting potential

The event had an olympic theme giving the children an opportunity to celebrate the success of Team GB in Beijing. one child from each school represented different countries around the world.

World Sports Day at Cwmbran Stadium

What you can do to helpTorfaen Council has set up an anonymous form on the internet where anyone can log on and report problems anonymously and the Police will follow them up.

Log onto www.torfaen.gov.ukThere are over 80 tracks around the UK. If you would like more information on how to ride legally please contact the Auto-cycle Union who are the governing body for the sport.

www.acu.org.uk

THe 2,000th child is about to learn the importance of road safety through the kerbcraft scheme run by Torfaen Council.

Thanks to extra funding and an additional officer dedicated to the cause, the initiative is set to rollout to more primary schools in Torfaen.

Road safety mascot, iolo the Zebra, recently helped pupils from Penygarn Primary School celebrate the success of the scheme. if you have a morning a week to spare during term time, and are interested in becoming a volunteer for kerbcraft phone 01633 648435.

2,000 children learn about road safety

Cllr John Cunningham out and about in Torfaen

Off road biking

lolo the Zebra helps teach road safety skills to Penygarn Primary School pupils Chloe Yemm (pictured left), aged 5,

and Holly Evans (right), aged 5

ST DAviD’S RC primary school received grade one in all seven key questions from an estyn report recently. The school was described as a good Catholic school that provides well for its pupils. it was also described as being a caring and supportive environment for pupils who feel safe and secure in the school.

Cllr Mary Barnett, executive Member for Children and Young People said: “i’m really pleased the school has had such a wonderful report that reflects the hard work and dedication pupils and staff put into this school everyday. Well Done St. Davids primary!”

Staff at the school were also highly praised in the report saying that very good teaching is evident across the curriculum and the good quality teaching makes a valuable contribution to the standards achieved by the pupils. it also described teachers as being good role models for pupils.

Head teacher, Anna Davies said: “i’m thrilled with the report from estyn. We’re a close school who work very hard together and this is our reward.”

Top marks for St. David’s RC primary

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

AFTeR listening to local residents’ views, Torfaen Council is planning to move the access road into a proposed £1.7 million cemetery.

The Council is now looking at building the road to the proposed cemetery at Hollybush Heights to the east of Hollybush view. if approved, the road would be built across Council-owned land rather than the original proposal through a housing estate at Cefn Milwr. Before the new access road can be formally adopted as the Council’s preferred option, it must be approved by the Countryside Council for Wales and the environment Agency.

A decision is expected over the coming weeks.The Council says that the proposed change

shows that it is willing to listen residents’ views, and where possible, provide alternative plans.

Council officers met with around 100 residents during a public exhibition of the plans. This event, along with other correspondence and meetings, highlighted concerns about the original access road.

Councillor John Cunningham, executive Member for operational Services, said: “From the outset we were willing to listen to local residents’ and ward members’ views so that we could form a better understanding of local issues.

“now by working together, we have made changes to the plans which, when more detailed versions are released, local people will again have a chance to view and make comments on.”

earlier this year, the Council’s Cabinet chose Hollybush Heights as its preferred site. But no final decision on whether the site will be developed will be made until the local authority’s planning committee scrutinises the plans early next year.

The plan has been drawn up because there is only three years capacity left in the Council’s current cemetery, Panteg in new inn. if the proposal, which would have 50 years burial capacity, is approved, it could be open in 2010.

Green burials and more conventional ceremonies would be offered at the Council-owned site. The cemetery would also include woodland and meadow areas which can be used for leisure activities by the local community.

To view the plans visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/communityandliving

New access road proposed for

cemetery plan

ToRFAen’S Mayor has embraced the healthy eating message and has lost three stone himself.

Councillor Aneurin James, who has reduced his shirt size while in office, shared his slimming success with people attending the second anniversary celebrations of West Pontnewydd luncheon club. The luncheon club is one of Torfaen Council’s Health improvement Team’s success stories.

The enthusiastic support of the local community, the Health improvement Team and Costar, together with a £10,000 Big lottery grant to provide new kitchen facilities, have turned the hall around.

Jack Challenger, Chair of West Pontnewydd Community Association Hall, said volunteers tried to provide

healthy nutritious food at an affordable price.

“£3 for a three-course meal is excellent value for money. At the same time we’re helping people to understand that healthy eating doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good traditional meal.”

“Healthy eating is very important,” said Cllr James, who is managing to avoid constant nibbling at events around the borough and cheerfully admits he will need to buy a smaller suit after his year in office.

Cllr James added “We need to spread this message because ill health caused by unhealthy diets is a drain on our health services. if people take up the challenge and try to eat more healthily they will be surprised how much their general health improves.”

The Mayor promotes the healthy eating message

Mayor and Mayoress of Torfaen with diners at West Pontnewydd luncheon club

THe Mayor of Torfaen hosted a tea party for over 25 ladies who were members of the Women’s land Army during World War i and ii. The event which took place at the Parkway Hotel during october recognised those women who worked on the home front to provide food for the nation during the wars. The ladies wore badges of recognition which had been given to them by the Department of the environment, Farming and Rural Affairs.

Cllr lewis Jones, older persons Champion for Torfaen said “This is a wonderful way to recognise the efforts of these incredible women during the war. i am really happy to see so many of them here today receiving their awards.”

As part of the celebrations pupils from Garnteg school sang traditional World War ii songs and the historical society put on an exhibition of memorabilia.

torfaen salutes Land army veteransA new Welsh language

Mother and Toddlers group called Ti a Fi (you and me) has opened at the integrated Children’s Centre in Cwmbran. The group introduces toddlers to the Welsh language through colours, numbers, stories and songs. For information call Stephanie Beesley on07815422151.

Ti a Fi

Welsh Medium EducationWelSH medium education (teaching all lessons in the Welsh language) has increased in recent years with more and more families from all kinds of different backgrounds wanting their children to grow up bilingually. The majority of children in the Welsh medium schools in Torfaen come from non-Welsh speaking backgrounds, but learn the language just as effectively as first language Welsh speakers.

A Welsh language homework support line is on hand to help non-Welsh speaking parents and children with homework and help if children or parents are experiencing difficulties in understanding a particular word, phrase or question. The homework support line is open 3pm-9pm Sunday-Friday. Call 0871 230 0029 or email post@gwaithcartref.com or post@homeworkinwelsh.com

FolloWinG the launch of a new online reporting service on the Torfaen Council website ‘i want to...” in July, the service has now been expanded.

The service allows you to report a faulty streetlight, let us know if someone has been illegally fly tipping, report a pot hole, request a new bin / black box or let us know about a missed bin / box collection. now this service offers extra features to help you keep up to date with Council tax payments, refunds, copies of bills or changes of address. You can also apply for a permit for a van. Since July hundreds of residents

have submitted complaints and requests in this way. The service is simple to use. if, for example, you want to report a missed bin, all you have to do is go to www.torfaen.gov.uk and click on ‘i want to…report a missed bin’, provide a few details and click submit.

We will also send you an instant email or text message with a unique reference number if you request it so you can check the progress of your enquiry.

Matthew Ryder from old Cwmbran who has used this service said “i noticed one evening that one of my street lights was out. i had heard about the new council

service and decided to give it a try as the offices were closed. i found the process straightforward and got a receipt sent to my mobile straight away. i would not hesitate to use this service for other problems”

The services are available over the internet 24 hours a day, the forms speed up the process in which your enquiry is dealt with. Your information is passed straight into our system. if you do not have internet access at home, you can log onto the internet for free in all libraries to anyone with a library card.

Why not give it a try?

“I want to…” new services go online

Matthew Ryder reports a faulty streetlight

Torfaen’s Land Girls

Rio, aged 16 months taking his first steps to learning Welsh

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

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Address: ......................................................................................................................................................................................

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What is the name of the Bowlplex mascot? ......................................................

Please tick one of the following:n Birthday Party for 12 Childrenn Group Party Package for 12 Adults

Send to The Bowlplex Competition, Torfaen Council FReePOST SWC 3348 Pontypool NP4 6ZZ by 28 November 2008.Both prizes are valid at Leisure @ Cwmbran for 12 months

christmas events christmas events

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Just cut out this coupon and bring it in!

Buy one get one Free on child entry to Zoopadoopa

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Valid until 31/12/08

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Standard Terms and Conditions apply - see myvue.com

BlAeNAvoN

The blessing of the crib will take place on 1 December at Bethlehem Court, Bleanavon at 7pm. For further details call 01495 790 643.

The Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 november.

each day from 11 until 3. At the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.

There will be a variety of stalls selling crafts,

jewellery, cheese and preserves for Christmas. For further details call 01495 742 333

PoNTYPool

Christmas CavalcadeThis year’s Pontypool Christmas cavalcade is Saturday 29 november and promises a fun packed day for all the family. A magnificent

variety of street entertainers will perform for the crowds throughout George Street and Crane Street including Franco the clown, Comedy magician - Carl John, Mr Moon, a traditional organ grinder and a Punch

and Judy show.

The eureka Jazz band and Pontypool Brass band will perform for the crowds and Batatan

will provide live samba and reggae music.

10amChildren have the chance to visit Santa in his

grotto at the indoor market.

12.30pm You have the chance to meet Postman Pat

and Angelina Ballerina, so don’t forget your cameras!

3.30pmA dancing display at the link by Alison lee

Academy school of Dance

4.30pmThe Parade will start from outside Pontypool

Community Council offices/ St David’s Foundation. Father Christmas will lead the

parade in his horse and carriage and sat beside him will be Holly Jones, aged 7, who won last

years Christmas colouring competition.

5.10pmThe Christmas lights will be switched on by

our special guests, Postman Pat and Angelina Ballerina with help from Community Cllr Rob

Benjamin and the Mayor of Torfaen, Councillor Aneurin James.

CWMBRAN

Greenmeadow community Farm hosts the Christmas Fayre on Sunday 30 november.

A day of festive fun with mince pies, mulled wine, assorted stalls and a parade for Santa’s

arrival at his grotto at midday. The grotto will be at the farm until 23 December. (Please ring

to make sure Santa will be home when you visit!)

on Wednesday 17 December, pop along to the farm to watch the evening nativity play and

take part carol singing. Tickets may be booked in advance.

For further details on Christmas activities at the Farm, please call 01633 647662, email

greenmeadowcommunityfarm@torfaen.gov.uk or visit the website at

www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk

PoNTHIR

Sunday 23 november. The friends of Ponthir School would like to invite you to

a Christmas fair at Ponthir village Hall from 2pm - 4.30pm

If you want to be involved in next year’s parade and ride alongside Father Christmas, you can enter this year’s colouring competition where the winner could also win £20 gift voucher. The competition is open to children aged under 11 and there is also two runner up prizes of £10 each.

All you have to do is colour in the picture opposite and either post your entries in the big red box in the town centre on Cavalacade Day or post them to: Mrs Ann James, projects Officer, Pontypool community Council, 35a Commercial Street, Pontypool. All entries to be received no later than Monday, 22 January 2009.

Santa Appeallast year, thanks to the generosity of local communities, the Santa Appeal was able to distribute over one thousand gifts to children all acroos Torfaen aged from just months old to 21-year old care leavers. Those wishing to spread a little joy this Christmas are asked to telephone 01633 647 537 to donate gifts to 16 – 21 year olds or 01633 648 529 to donate gifts to children from babies – 15 years. 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 present. The Santa Appeal runs from november 10 to December 10th. Gifts can be dropped off at Gwent House (Cwmbran), County Hall, Pontypool Civic Centre or the Principality Building Society (Pontypool).

You can also make up a shoe box of gifts for ‘operation Christmas Child’ which are sent to children in Belarus. For your nearest drop off point please visit www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/occ or if you have problems getting your shoe box to a drop off centre you can leave them in reception of Croesyceiliog CeC, the Highway between 1-18 november. For more information please email Helen.watkins@torfaen.gov.uk or call the main helpline on 08100112002.

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