CounCil services will suffer and jobs losses are likely following the low settlement from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). That is the view from the leader of Torfaen Council, Bob Wellington. Councils across Wales have similar views and are frustrated at WAG’s settlement for this year and the next two years. The settlement is the main pot of money paid to each council in Wales every year and has a direct effect on council tax levels.

Torfaen will receive an increase of

just 2% this year.Councillor Wellington said: “it

seems unlikely that we will be able to increase funding in our Corporate Plan priorities of education, vulnerable people, housing, waste management and community safety. it will be more a case of protecting them this year.

“in order to do this we have set ourselves a target to save £1 million in efficiency savings to be achieved in such areas as asset management, energy, procurement, and a support services review.

“WAG have not taken into account factors such as the increased landfill tax. We have been working hard to encourage residents to recycle their waste but there is no consideration of the extra landfill cost.”

The Welsh local Government Association described the provisional settlement as “appalling”.

Councillor Derek Vaughan (neath Port Talbot), WlGA leader, said: “Every council across Wales wants to protect their frontline services and their main concern is to minimise the

impact on the public. The draft budget will not allow us to do that. unless the Assembly Government can find some way to increase the funding to local councils then we are going to see sharp increases in council tax across Wales, possible job losses and cuts to key front-line services such as schools, roads and social care.”

The Welsh Assembly all party Finance Committee concluded: “The Committee has grave concerns that the current local government settlement is inadequate to safeguard core services.”

INSIDE

January 2008 - Ionawr 2008

www.torfaen.gov.uk 01495 762200

Leader’s fears over WAG cash

REsiDEnTs will soon be able to take cardboard to recycling banks across Torfaen. The council is introducing the service in response to a high demand for cardboard recycling from residents.

You will be able to recycle any type of cardboard, including cereal boxes and packaging, at the following locations:n Prince street, Blaenavon n Abersychan car park n llanyrafon golf clubn Cwmbran stadium car park n Fairwater shops n Ponthir Community Centre car parkn Talywain Rugby Club

n Household Waste Recycling Centre, new inn

Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for operational services, said: “The introduction of cardboard recycling banks will be a massive plus for residents. We have been inundated with requests for new facilities so i’m delighted they will soon be in place.”

The new facilities will be in addition to other banks in the area, which are used to recycle items such as paper, cans, glass and textiles. look out for details of the start date on our website, www.torfaen.gov.uk/waste, and in the local press.

A Ponthir based cartoonist drew this funny picture after reading a story in November’s Torfaen Talks about

a knitting club in Talywain appealing for spare wool. Talywain House sheltered housing was inundated with donations and will now use the wool to knit small caps

for premature babies and other garments for Nevill Hall hospital. Brian Perry’s work has appeared in national

newspapers and magazines. Look out for his cartoons in future editions of Torfaen Talks

Meet Dan Can Torfaen’s new recycling hero. Turn to page eight.

Get a grant to insulate your home and cut your heating bills. Find out how on page two.

Make a New Year’s resolution to learn something new. Turn to page three for information on adult learning.

THE popular BBC Coal House series saw hundreds of thousands of viewers get a daily insight into life in Blaenavon in 1927. The reality show involved three families living in cottages at Blaenavon ironworks without any 2007 comforts. After being shown on BBC 1 Wales it was repeated on BBC 2, which gave the town a uK-wide audience.

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/coalhouse to enjoy the best clips from the show. You can visit the actual cottages used in the series at Blaenavon ironworks. The ironworks are closed for winter and reopen at Easter. For more information visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk or call Torfaen’s Tourist information Centre on 01495 792615.

TV spotlight on Blaenavon

Recycle cardboard

Rhodri Phillips gives a cheeky smile while playing with some other stars of the Coal House

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

THE springboard innovation Centre in Cwmbran will experience its first major graduation in the new Year. A business which moved there 19 months ago with three employees, has seen its staff number increase by 500% to 15. Quote Exchange (www.quoteexchange.co.uk), took advantage of the on-site support in the

springboard Centre, and the opportunities to move to a bigger office within the centre as the business grew. now Quote Exchange is moving out and creating 55 more jobs.

The business specialises in design and development of comparison websites for insurance brands, such as lloyds TsB and Kwik

Fit. The company moved into a 215 sq ft office at the springboard in August 2006 and has grown into an 1100 sq ft office with 15 employees.

Quote Exchange is moving to a unit on llantarnam Park and looking at a recruitment drive.

The springboard innovation Centre provides incubation space for high-growth knowledge based companies and is a joint venture development between Torfaen County Borough Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Councillor neil lewis, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Quote Exchange is an excellent example of how business incubation works. A lot of their success is down to the springboard’s dynamic culture and flexible

structure which has given it on-site support and advice from our staff, along with extra space to grow. it is great news that they have decided to stay in Torfaen with their move to larger premises.”

sarah Harlow, Human Resources Director, said: “All of the new jobs will especially suit anyone looking for work on a part-time or flexible basis, for example, parents or carers of young children. Full training will be provided so call centre experience is not required.”

interviews will be take place throughout December, with jobs starting in January 2008. Call Philip Brown on 08700 278832 or visit www.quoteexchange.co.uk/careers or

www.insureyourmotor.com/careers

The Springboard Innovation Centre is a stunning building

Business outgrows its first home

Start your own businessif you’ve got a great idea for a business and want to follow in the footsteps of

Quote Exchange contact the Council’s Economic Development team for all the help and advice you will need. Call 01633 648644.

MElin HoMEs has given a big cash boost to two of its residents who are working hard to achieve their career dreams.Thanks to Melin’s Education bursary Jay simons, from Abersychan and Angela McCafferty from Cwmbran are on their way to reaching higher education or vocational qualifications.Jay simons, 35, was a cleaner all her life until she finally got the opportunity to pursue her goal of studying psychology. Thanks to a £1000 grant she has now started a Higher Education Diploma in Psychology and aims to help young people who have problems with drug and alcohol misuse.Angela McCafferty is a 38-year-old single mother of three, and was awarded £800 to help her get qualifications enabling her to work in schools improving the fitness levels of youngsters. Councillor Gwyneira Clarke, Executive Member for Housing and Community safety, presented the cheques.

Councillor Gwyneira Clark, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety (far left), presents the cheques

Career dreams get the go-ahead

ToRFAEn is one of the best places in Wales for saving energy. A report released by the Energy saving Trust (EsT) Wales reveals who wastes the most energy. Torfaen is third from the bottom with 215, 896 household tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

Councillor Marlene Thomas, Executive Member for Resources, said: “Homeowners can help the environment and cut their bills by making sure their home is correctly insulated to stop heat escaping. The great news is you can get grants to help pay for loft and wall insulation from the Energy saving Trust by calling 08000 512012, and in some cases you may be able to get it for free.

“so far over £1 million of these grants have been claimed by Torfaen residents whose actions have reduced carbon emissions from homes in Torfaen by over 6800 tonnes in the last year. i hope more people hear about the help that is available and take advantage. A recent campaign to make sure council staff turn off their computers and office lights resulted in a £14,000 saving on our electricity bill. This has shown businesses how saving energy also means you save money.”

Helen northmore, Head of the Energy saving Trust Wales, said: “We have three Energy saving Trust Advice Centres in Wales who provide independent, impartial advice to millions of households at the local level in communities.”

Win £100 of vouchersis childcare available where you need it and is childcare affordable for your family? if you take part in a survey and give us your views you will be entered in a prize draw where you could win £100 of shopping vouchers.

if you have a child aged under 13 you should receive the childcare survey from school. Parents and carers of younger children should be able to pick up a survey from their pre-school

setting or baby clinic. surveys must be returned using the freepost address by Thursday 31 January.

if you want details of local childcare, call Torfaen Children’s information service on 0800 0196330, email Cis@torfaen.gov.uk or visit the website at www.torfaencis.org.uk. Alternatively, why not drop in to see us at the Cwmbran integrated Children’s Centre, Ton Road, Cwmbran, next to Hollybush primary school?

The service, provides free, quality, accessible and impartial information on the full range of early years and childcare services in Torfaen.

Residents claim £1 million in energy saving grants

THE fear of rogue traders, high pressure sales people, and distraction burglary is being tackled with Torfaen’s first ‘Cold Calling Control Zone’. Torfaen Council’s Trading standards team have teamed up with Gwent Police to declare llanyrafon an area where doorstep callers are not welcome.Cwmbran neighbourhood Policing sergeant Kevin Warren, said: “it is not illegal to cold call, however, by establishing these ‘zones’ through partnership working, it will make clear to rogue traders and bogus callers that they are not welcome in the area and empower local residents to turn away any uninvited callers.”

Councillor Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “Following consultation with

residents and their overwhelming support, the zone will aim to reduce the fear of doorstep

crime and give residents the confidence to say ‘no’ to individuals calling on them without a prearranged appointment.”

Bona fide businesses may prefer to contact residents via a catalogue through their letterbox. This avoids any feelings

of confrontation on the doorstep, and

leaves the decision up to the individual if they

would like more information or want to buy from that

business.Residents

are encouraged to report any uninvited

doorstep callers to Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06. Anyone who feels threatened by a doorstep caller should immediately call 999.

Say ‘No’ to cold callers

The area in Llanyravon is marked out with signs on lamp

posts around the zone

Councillor Caron calls on Llanyrafon resident Mary Reilly to talk about the new zone

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

Have a go daysaturday 16 FebruaryHave a look around Croesyceiliog Community Education Centre and enjoy an exhibition of students’ work. Art, patchwork & quilting, tatting, and other crafts will be on display and for sale. You can watch demonstrations of woodturning, cookery, pottery and more, plus get the chance to have a go yourself for free. Call 01633 647700 or email croesy.commed@torfaen.gov.uk

New Year - New ExperienceTHis year make a new Year’s resolution that will be fun, interesting and easy to keep.

Pop along to your nearest community education centre and explore the varied and exciting range of adult learning courses on offer. if you would like to take up a new interest, try a new skill, or meet new people then take a look at

the courses available near you.You will find a wide variety of courses with

experienced and enthusiastic tutors in centres across the area. Courses are available at all levels from beginners to more experienced learners.

Why not try calligraphy, patchwork and quilting, computer skills, pottery, art, wood

crafts, Welsh, holiday French and spanish, guitar or crochet?

This is just a small sample taken from the full list of courses on offer. For more information or to enrol on a course, call 01633 647700 or 01495 762266; or email croesy.commed@torfaen.gov.uk or the.settlement@torfaen.gov.uk

Family fun daysaturday 1 MarchEnjoy a free family fun day at Pontypool Community Education Centre (The settlement). Have a free go at chocolate egg decorating, a music workshop, lovespoon carving, bead jewellery, card making and more. Enjoy a free Welsh cake with every drink purchased. Call 01495 762266 or email the.settlement@torfaen.gov.uk

Learn something new at the Power Station in Cwmbran

Blaenavon Monday 10am-12pm Welsh for beginnersNew Inn Tuesday 10am-12pm Welsh for beginnersPontypool Thursday 7pm-9pm Welsh for beginnersPower Station, St Dials, Cwmbran Thursday 10am-12pm Welsh for parentsCroesyceiliog Tuesday 7pm-9pm Welsh for non-beginners. For those who started to learn the language but had to give up

Learn Welshif you want to learn Welsh call 01633 647700 or 01495 762266 or email kerry.beaton@torfaen.gov.uk Classes start the week beginning 18 February.

Help under one roofDo you ever need to contact the Council for help or advice about your Council services? our Customer Care Centres can give you all the support you need under one roof. Whether it’s a query with your council tax bill, assistance in claiming housing benefits, a problem with your refuse collection, a disabled car badge application or simply to pay a council bill, they can help.

The same range of services is also available through the Council’s telephone contact centre, Call Torfaen on 01495 762200. You can also visit our website at www.torfaen.gov.uk

The four centres also hold regular surgeries where you can get advice from organisations including the inland Revenue, Pensions service, Citizens Advice, shelter, and MinD.

Call Torfaen - 01495 762200 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Blaenavon Customer Centre Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm

Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Cwmbran Customer Centre Monday, Wednesday, 8.30am to 5.30pm Thursday & Friday

Tuesday 9.30am to 5.30pm

Saturday 8.30am to 1pm

Pontypool Customer Centre Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm

Trevethin Customer Centre Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm

Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Registration serviceTorfaen Register office is on Hanbury Road in Pontypool and offers a wide variety of services including:

n Registration of births & deathsn Civil marriage & civil partnership ceremoniesn Citizenship ceremoniesn Baby naming ceremoniesn Renewal of wedding vowsn Certificates for family history

it is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am - 4pm and no appointment is necessary. A member of staff is also available at the following venues on certain days of the week by appointment only.

Cwmbran Customer Monday & Friday 9.30am - 1pmCentre (by appointment only) 2pm - 4pm

Blaenavon Customer Tuesday 2pm - 3.30pmCentre Thursday 10am - 12pm (by appointment only)

Call 01495 762937 or email registrars@torfaen.gov.uk for more information or to make an appointment.

sHoPPERs in Cwmbran town centre found out more about the work of Torfaen Young People’s Forum during an event to raise its profile.

The Forum gives young people a voice and an opportunity to discuss and influence decisions that affect young people in Torfaen.

shoppers were entertained by stilt walkers handing out balloons, rock bands Restricted and Juliet, a circus skills workshop and performances from Musical Youth. A song writing workshop saw young people write and then perform a song that they

composed to the tune of ‘lean on Me.’The aim of the day was to raise the

profile of the Forum and launch the new logo. The winning design with 69% of the vote was picked by young people.

Julia Rooney, Torfaen Young People’s Forum officer, said: “The success of the day was a credit to all the young people involved and their hard work since the establishment of a marketing sub group early in March. if you would like more information call me on 01495 766473.”

The circus skills workshop was packed with young people

Circus skills in Cwmbran

The stilt walkers impressed shoppers

Newborn babies must be registered within six weeks

MEMBERs of the Gwent Association for the Blind (GAB) Arts Club enjoyed a day trip in Torfaen thanks to the council and the Countryside Council for Wales.

The council’s countryside team contacted GAB and asked if they had any members who would like to visit the countryside but who felt unable to do so as they lacked confidence or support.

GAB offer a range of services to help its members make the most of their remaining sight, from setting up talking equipment to organising social groups. For help or

information call 01495 763650. if you are part of a group that would benefit from a trip to the countryside tailored to your needs call the countryside team on 01633 648278.

Ruth Reid, Senior Countryside Access Officer (second from right) with some of the members from the GAB

Arts Group enjoying Garn Lakes

Free trip for Gwent blind

The Forum’s new logo

Linking Torfaen’s communitiesThe main elements of the Preferred Strategy are:n Ensure a network of integrated communities focusing particularly on the key settlements of Cwmbran and Pontypool to ensure that they are successful and support for the surrounding settlements.n Growth will be focused in locations where major benefits are likely to occur.n Promoting the tourism potential of Blaenavon.n Effective transport links.n Development would be located along key transport routes.n Expanded settlements may potentially include Greenfield sites to cater for local needs.n New housing provision of between 6,600 and 7,000 new homes.

Why you should get involved The LDP will affect everyone in Torfaen so it’s important as many people as possible get involved now. The finalised plan will be used to guide major changes in Torfaen up to 2021. In the rest of this feature you can see how the plan will influence areas such as employment, housing and health. To bring the plan to life and make it easier for everyone to understand we have listed bullet points under each of the different areas to show what the LDP aims to achieve.

Mineralsn The LDP will need to investigate the need to safeguard potential sandstone aggregates, and shallow coal reserves.

Wasten The plan aims to cut landfill and to reduce, reuse and recover waste.n Strategic waste sites will need to be identified and safeguarded.

Health and Educationn Identify land for a relocated Pontypool College.n Identify for a new 500 bed Specialist Critical Care Centre.n Identify land for a new Local General Hospital.

Climate Change and SustainableDevelopmentn The LDP will minimise further climate change and also adapt to those effects of climate change which are already inevitable by:- not building in areas at risk from flooding or land instability. - prioritising the development of urban and brownfield sites.- prioritising well connected and accessible sites. n The LDP will also:- require a minimum 10% reduction in CO2 emissions from all major new developments.- require a financial contribution from all non-carbon neutral developments to improve existing buildings.- require development to be resource efficient.- require development to consider renewable energy options.

Ecology and Biodiversityn Protect and enhance important international, national, regional and local species and habitats.n Identify, protect and link the: -- Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.- Afon Llwyd river.- National Cycle Route.

Landscape and Heritagen Identify new Special Landscape Areas.n Identify and protect important Open Spaces.n Important cultural and historical identity will be preserved.n Strategic heritage assets will be acknowledged and promoted. Strategic assets are:- Blaenavon World Heritage Site/Historic Landscape.- Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.- Pontypool Park & Garden.- Five existing Conservation Areas.

Transport n Road bottlenecks and solutions will be addressed.n Safeguard land for Pontypool Park & Ride train station.n Emphasis on public transport, cycling and walking schemes.n Measures to reduce the need to travel and the reliance on cars.

Retailn Define the role and function of each town centre:-- Blaenavon - Consolidate district shopping centre role- Pontypool - Consolidate district shopping centre role- Cwmbran - Expand sub-regional shopping centre rolen Need to protect and enhance local shopping centres.

Employmentn The plan will identify 60 hectares of land for employment purposes.n Existing key employment areas will be identified and retained. n A key requirement is to ensure a choice and range of sites allowing opportunities throughout Torfaen.n Redevelopment at both Pontypool and Cwmbran town centres will provide opportunities for new jobs.

Housingn The plan will make provision for 7,000 new homes in Torfaen.n The homes are expected to be spread as follows:- 900 new homes in North Torfaen. - 2,800 new homes in Pontypool. - 3,300 new homes in Cwmbran. n Negotiations will ensure an element of affordable housing in new developments.n The Deposit LDP will look at the need to identify new Gypsy / Traveller sites (both permanent and transit).

Leisure and Recreationn Develop a new specific recreation and open space standard.n Policies will be developed to protect open space and enable new provision.

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

T he plan which will show the policies and proposals for the future development of land in Torfaen has reached an important stage. The Preferred Strategy of the Torfaen Local Development Plan (LDP) will soon be available for everyone to look at and give their views. The consultation is from 28 January to 10 March. It has been developed with a range of stakeholders and is based on a vision and set of objectives developed from the Torfaen Community Strategy. The LDP Strategy identifies a range of opportunities for investment and regeneration

including provision for the new homes, jobs, community facilities and transport infrastructure that will be needed up to 2021 for Torfaen to become a better place to live, work and visit. The LDP will also identify land that needs to be protected for its conservation and heritage importance.

The Preferred Strategy Proposals Document is available for public consultation in January for six weeks. This is an opportunity for the public, communities and stakeholders to comment on the choice of preferred strategy and influence its development by giving their views and suggested changes. This consultation is one of the most important stages in the preparation and gives everyone with an interest in the future development of Torfaen an opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

The Local Development Plan - Have your say

How to have your say - The consultation starts on 28 January. You can view or obtain the documents and also find out how to get involved by visiting the LDP website at www.torfaen.gov.uk/EnvironmentAndPlanning/Planning/ForwardPlanning/Home.aspx. Copies of the documents are also available for public inspection at the Civic Centre, Pontypool and County Hall, Cwmbran from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm. Copies are also available in all public libraries during their normal opening hours. For more information call the Local Development Plan team on 01633-648805 / 648140.

The council is consulting on the Preferred Strategy, and other documents including the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report and also the Candidate Site Assessment Methodology.

The Preferred Strategy Report is not the full draft plan, but sets out the key issues and the Council’s broad proposals to tackle them. It includes the proposed vision, strategic options, preferred strategy and strategic policies. It shows how key environmental,

economic and social issues and trends affecting Torfaen will be addressed. The strategy shows how the development needs of the area will be met, including the proposed possible locations for new housing and employment.

The Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report identifies the social, economic and environmental implications of the Preferred Strategy options and proposals. The Candidate Site Assessment Methodology identifies the evaluation process which will be used to determine which sites have the potential for further investigation to help the development of the LDP.

Useful information

The Local Development Plan - Have your say

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

Abersychan school came second in Gwent Road safety Music Challenge. Pupils performed their own song which carried a hard hitting message on the dangers of drink driving. Chief inspector John Pavett of Gwent Police presented the band with £150 for their school.

Discover more about the birds, plants, insects and other wildlife that make up the distinctive and varied landscape of Torfaen in a free eight week course. Colin Titcombe, naturalist, author and broadcaster, will join steve Williams, senior ecologist with Torfaen Council, for a series of informal classes covering all aspects of Torfaen’s rich natural heritage. They take place in the lecture Theatre, County Hall, Cwmbran from 7pm - 9pm. it starts on 15 January. To book your place call Rachel spanswick on 01633 648428 or email rachel.spanswick@torfaen.gov.uk

Torfaen Canal Volunteer Group was a runner-up in the Public sector Category of the Tidy Wales Awards 2007. Members of the Volunteer Group received a certificate from Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment, sustainability and Housing. The group meet once a month at various locations along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in and around Cwmbran. Their work focuses on improving the environment along the canal and includes litter picking, removing rubbish from the canal, maintaining hedgerows, weeding and painting. The work of the volunteers and canal warden is part funded through the European Crosscut interreg iiiB Programme which promotes the sustainable development of inland waterways. For more information call Hugh Woodford, the council’s canal warden, on 01633 648309.

News iN brief

ToRFAEn’s taxi firms have given their backing to a council campaign to stamp out unlicensed cars and drivers. it follows the prosecution of a Torfaen man who was caught driving a hire car without a licence.

The man was fined £150, plus £100 costs and £15 towards the government victim surcharge. Torfaen Council investigated him after they received a tip off that he was working without a licence. He was caught driving in Pontypool.

Councillor Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “The posters clearly show people

what they should look for on a taxi when it arrives to pick them up. We issue licences to taxi drivers and they have to display certain badges and stickers on their car depending on what type of service they offer.”

Taxi firms support campaign

PEoPlE with breathing problems have been ‘given a new lease of life’ by a community health programme, says a Pontypool woman.

Meryl Driscoll said a six-week pulmonary rehabilitation course run by Torfaen local Health Board has taught her coping

strategies that have given her the confidence to go shopping and even walk her dog again - something she hadn’t done for five years.

“i never thought i’d be able to take up exercise again as my chest was getting me down,” she said. “i’d stopped doing the things i

loved. Even the weekly food shop was stressful. This course has really given me a new lease of life.”

The course runs three times a week at the Canalside Resource Centre, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. Health professionals provide information to help people deal with their breathing problems.

This is followed by an hour of individually tailored exercise and a relaxation session.

if you think you would benefit from the course, ask your GP, practice nurse, or chest consultant to make a referral, or call Cerys Foley or sarah Bayliss on 01495 332165.

Help for people with breathing problems

The best in WalesA Torfaen teacher has picked up a top award at the sports Council for Wales annual coaching awards ceremony. osian Griffiths, from Abersychan school, was chosen as the secondary school coach of the year. He is the school’s Head of PE and won the award because of a long list of great achievements including:n Running a series of after- school activities including the girls’ rugby team.n leading the school’s u14 team to victory in the national tag rugby competition at the Millennium stadium for the last two years.n Coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh award in the school.n Playing a critical role in the development of the sports

laboratory at the school.n Working with the 5 x 60 officer to develop a varied lunchtime and extra- curricular activity programme.

Councillor John Turner, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “osian’s list of achievements is impressive and shows why he was given the huge accolade of being the best secondary school coach in Wales. The pupils at Abersychan school are inspired by his enthusiasm to get involved in sports activities outside the curriculum.”

if you want to be a coach visit the Coaching Wales website at www.coachingwales.com, call 0845 045 0904 or email coachingwales@scw.org.uk

(L-R) David Cobner, Dean of Cardiff School of Sport at University of Wales Institute, Cardiff presents Osian

Griffiths with his award

Do you use taxis? What do you think of the number of hackney cabs (these are taxis that you can use without pre-booking) in Torfaen? Does Torfaen need more taxis with disabled access? Do you have a view on how drivers are currently vetted before getting a licence? How often should cars be tested?

These issues and many more are included in Torfaen Council’s new taxi policy which should be approved in April.

But before the final draft is approved it’s important that as many taxi drivers and users as possible give their views on it. Copies of the draft policy are available on the website at www.torfaen.gov.uk . Click on ‘public consultations’ on the home page. You can also get a copy by phoning 01633 648418.

Comments can be made by writing to Torfaen licensing, Po Box 93, Cwmbran , nP44 7WZ, email licensing@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01633 648418. The deadline for comments is Monday 4 February.

Give us your views

FouR Torfaen social service users played a key part in producing a health and safety film for people with learning disabilities. The DVD has been described as ‘unique, not just for Wales but for the whole uK’ by the Health and safety Executive.

Bring a smile to Health and safety Training combines film footage of service users in engaged in day-to-day activities with five short digital films produced by the Health and safety Executive.

The council decided to produce the film because traditional training materials about protective clothing, dangerous chemicals and avoiding slips, trips and falls were not ideal for people with learning disabilities.

The film begins with a montage of near-misses and accidents that are waiting to happen, before moving on to its key health and safety messages.

Four service users provide the voice-overs, confidently pointing out any dangerous practices on screen and explaining the preventative steps other service users should take to keep themselves safe.

Councillor Rose seabourne, Executive Member for Health, social Care and Well-being, said: “i’d like to congratulate everyone involved for an excellent film which will not only reinforce safety messages to all those who helped produce it, but will help to spread the message to future service users.”

THREE Torfaen Trading standards officers are among the first in Wales to be able to issue on the spot fines to anyone who sells alcohol to under 18s.

Trading standards use under 18s to send into shops to attempt to buy alcohol.

The current law means that a police officer has to be present to issue a fine if the under 18 is successful. The person on the till who actually sells the

alcohol can instantly be fined £80.The officers attended a training

course held by Gwent Police where they were given a certificate and ‘powers card’ which they have to carry to issue a penalty notice.

once a penalty notice has been issued to someone who has sold alcohol to a child, they have 21 days in which to pay £80 or they can take the case to court.

Service users smile in health and safety film

Don’t sell alcohol to under 18s

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 18 January - Blaenavon Workmen’s HallFriday 15 February - Forgeside Community CentreFriday 21 March - Garn-yr-Erw Welfare 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

ToRFAEn Council’s decision to stop doing wasp and flea calls as part of its pest control service is beginning to pay off. it means that more time can be spent on tackling the rat problem. Pest Control officers are now baiting more sewers in areas where there are lots of complaints about rats.

The council stopped its treatment service for wasps, flies and other pests to concentrate on problems that could have a significant impact on public health. Torfaen’s Pest Control team still offer a free service to householders for the treatment of rats, mice, cockroaches and bedbugs.

For other pests residents have to contact a private pest control company or treat the problem themselves.

Visit the council’s website www.torfaen.gov.uk for information to deal with these pests or call 01633 648494 / 648489 to request a leaflet.

Tackling ratsA Blaenavon woman is aiming to do the first ‘ultimate’ walk from land’s End to John o’Groats by avoiding as many main roads as possible. Carlie Beavan and her boyfriend Edward Matts, are planning a unique 1000 mile route through countryside along the length of the uK.

The couple are starting the walk in July and hope to raise £3000 in total for the Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Alzheimer’s society.

Carlie said: “Ed and i have lots of experience with walking. i am from Blaenavon and have always made the most of the surrounding hills. Ed is

an officer in the TA and so he is used to walking, orienteering and surviving the outdoors. We hope this will be the first time anyone has walked the length of the uK not following the main roads. our target of raising £3500 is ambitious so we

need as many people as possible to sponsor us.”

You can sponsor them through their two official websites, one for each charity.Marie Curie Cancer Carewww.justgiving.com/lejog_mcccAlzheimer’s Societywww.justgiving.com/lejog_as07816 401046

Sponsored walk

Carlie Beavan and Edward Matts on a walk through

Europe

EiGHT young people from Torfaen Council’s Youth service Duke of Edinburgh open Award Centre recently travelled to Germany to complete their silver award expedition. The 48km walk took place over three days with two overnight camps.

The expedition was based around Bretten, the twin town of Pontypool, and Bruchsal, the twin town of Cwmbran. it was supported financially by Torfaen

Council, Pontypool Community Council, Cwmbran Friends of Bruchsal society, Pontypool Twinning Association, and various fundraising events.

new members aged 14 or over who want to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme should go along to llantarnam leisure centre between 6.30pm and 9pm every Friday.

For more information call 01495 758868.

Duke of Edinburgh

The young people sitting outside the Schloss (Palace) in Bruchsal

3 January 9.30am Licensing Hearing (Taxi)

8 January 9.30am Licensing Hearing (Masons Arms)

10 January 10.30am Cabinet (Housing Stock Transfer)

15 January 4pm Planning Committee

16 January 10am Ethics & Standards Committee

2pm Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee

17 January 2pm Planning & Public Protection Overview & Scrutiny Committee

22 January 10.30am Cabinet

2pm Housing & Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee

23 January 2pm Children & Young People Overview & Scrutiny Committee

24 January 2pm Health & Wellbeing Overview & Scrutiny Committee

29 January 10am Audit Committee

2pm Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee

5pm Council

30 January 2pm Operational Services Overview

& Scrutiny Committee

31 January 2pm Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny Committee

5 February 5pm Extraordinary Meeting of the Council

7 February 10.30am Cabinet (Housing Stock Transfer)

19 February 4pm Planning Committee

26 February 10.30am Cabinet

27 February 2pm Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee

28 February 2pm Planning & Public Protection Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Council meetings

Hi, I’m ‘Dan Can’ the Super Recycler.

I’m the new mascot for recycling in Torfaen. Read

below for the latest news about recycling in

your area.

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

Twin Bin rolls out to 8,000 residents

ToRFAEn’s twin bin scheme is due to expand to thousands of homes next month. Torfaen Council will add around 8,000 more residents to the scheme where recycling is collected every week and garden and food waste and non-recyclable rubbish are collected on alternate weeks.

The latest rollout will cover areas including Trevethin, Penygarn, st Cadocs, Wainfelin, Brynwern, new inn, Pontypool and Cwmynyscoy.

After the rollout, almost 32,000 residents will be on the scheme.

The council hit a 38 per cent recycling rate last year with nearly 8,000 less tonnes of waste being sent to landfill.

substantial rises in recycling over the last 12 months have left Torfaen just two per cent short of the Welsh Assembly’s 2009-10 recycling target. And the local authority is in the top 25 per cent of Welsh authorities for its recycling performance.

Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for operational services, said:

“Thanks to residents in Torfaen, the Twin Bin scheme has already proved a big success. We are confident that by adding more residents to the scheme our recycling rates will continue to improve as it is the best way to get more people recycling.”

Flats and housing with communal rubbish collections in the new areas will be the only properties not added to the scheme, but the council will be looking at reassessing the needs of these particular properties over the next few months.

Roger Mills, manager of

Torfaen Cleanstream Recycling which collects the black boxes, said: “We’re looking forward to more residents joining the scheme and doing their bit to recycle more and protect the environment.”

A booklet giving more details will be delivered to residents together with new green bins for kitchen and garden waste, kitchen caddies and black boxes for recycling.

Anyone who has a legitimate reason for thinking they will not be able to adapt to the scheme can phone 01495 766608.

Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational Services, and Adrian Evans, Waste Operations

Co-ordinator, prepare for the rollout

ToRFAEn Council is the first local authority in Wales to trial a greener, more efficient waste collection system for its residents.

The electric bin lift trial was organised as part of the council’s ongoing efforts to improve its efficiency and carbon footprint.

Tests show that if a refuse vehicle uses an Ecoprocess lift, it releases 5.5 tonnes less carbon dioxide per year.

it also consumes seven litres less fuel a day - equivalent to more than £1,400 a year- and improves round collection times.

As an added bonus, the technology produces less noise than a conventional hydraulic lift.

Councillor John Cunningham, Executive

Member for operational services, said: “The trial proved the lift’s ability to meet our key objectives:

fast, efficient and quiet operations, with proven fuel savings together with the minimisation of environmental damage through reduced carbon emissions.

“if the trial continues to show positive results we will look at buying the lifts for our fleet of eight refuse vehicles which will help make Torfaen a greener place for residents.”

improving environmental performance is a key priority for Torfaen Council, and a number of projects are underway to help reduce carbon emissions.

Torfaen refuse collector Andy Giles praised the bin lifts. He said: “The bin lifts are quieter and more efficient. it helps make our job easier, quicker and greener.”

Council first to trial “green” electric technology

Info on the webHave a look at our new web pages, www.torfaen.gov.uk/waste for all your recycling needs. New features include a comprehensive A to Z guide to recycling, an education section, news, school

newsletter, comic strip, leaflets and calendars, information about where your recycling goes and more about Dan Can the Super Recycler. In 2008, look out for videos about waste and recycling and

more educational material on this site.Refuse collector Andy Giles

trialling a bin lift on the streets of Torfaen

Tetra Pak cartonsDon’t forget that you can take your drinks cartons to special recycling bins. Please do not put them in your black recycling box.

Torfaen Council, in partnership with Tetra Pak Ltd and the carton industry body ACE UK, has launched the carton recycling scheme.

Cartons can be recycled at special collections bins at the following places:

n Prince Street car park in Blaenavonn Cwmbran Stadium car parkn Ponthir Nursery car parkn Sainsbury car park in Cwmbrann Llanyrafon Golf Course in Cwmbran

www.torfaen.gov.uk/wastewww.torfaen.gov.uk/wastewww.torfaen.gov.uk/waste

Recycle - If Dan Can You Can