Press Releases - RCT County Borough Council

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• Latest news highlighted:  Pupils celebrate SAFE success - photos

• 11/03/06 - International Women's Day

• 09/01/06 - Regener8 event for young people - photo

• 17/10/05 - Help us meet the challenge – new housing website and freephone number

• 13/10/05 - National Parents Week 2005

• 02/10/05 - Treorchy 'One4All' centre officially opens

• 28/09/05 - Safety First at Road Show event - photos

• 27/09/05 - New Mayor for Rhondda Cynon Taf - photos

• 15/09/05 - Refurbished Animal Shelter opens in Dinas - photos

• 14/09/05 - Weekend of wonderful walks

Pupils celebrate SAFE success   return to top of page

Pupils from seven Rhondda schools recently took part in a special event at Treorchy Comprehensive to celebrate their achievements in completing the eight-week SAFE programme.

SAFE - Substance Awareness for Everyone - is a structured course delivered by teachers and police officers and supported by the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council's 'Get Sorted' team.

It looks at different aspects of substance misuse and community safety, including legal and illegal drugs, peer pressure, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and how to deal with difficult situations.

Photo: Pupils of Treorchy Primary School

The pupils - from Parc Primary, Gelli Primary, Penpych Community Primary School, Pentre Primary, Penyrenglyn Community Primary, Ton Pentre Junior and Treorchy Primary - received certificates from Rhondda Rebels star Missy Lender and performed a special SAFE song for the audience of parents, guests, teachers and head teachers.

Photo right: Pupils of Penyrenglyn Primary School

Guest speakers included Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Leighton Andrews, Assembly Member for the Rhondda, Chief Supt. Jeff Farrar and Steve Lamb, Rhondda Cynon Taf's Head of School Effectiveness.

"The SAFE programme has been designed to support Year 6 pupils with their move from primary to secondary education," says Cllr Cannon. 

"It also serves to build and maintain robust links between secondary schools and their feeder primary schools. 

"It is currently being piloted in 24 local schools in the Treorchy Comprehensive, Tonypandy Community College and Ysgol Gyfun Y Cymer clusters, with a view to it being rolled out across the County Borough in the future."

The project has been designed in partnership by the Get Sorted team, 

the All Wales Core Programme [South Wales Police,] 

ESIS [the Council's Advisory Service] 

and Primary School head teachers. 

For more information on SAFE, please contact Dafydd Baker (Co-ordinator for Substance Misuse Education) on 01443 744100

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Notes for editors:

'Get Sorted' is Rhondda Cynon Taf's substance misuse education team. 

The team is the central point in the County Borough for support and guidance regarding substance misuse education and the management of substance misuse incidents in schools, youth centres and colleges. 'Get Sorted' ensures that all providers of substance misuse education adhere to Rhondda Cynon Taf's agreed strategic aims and deliver a consistent message for young people within good practice guidelines. Visit the web site at www.getsortedwales.co.uk

The 'All Wales Programme' is a Welsh Assembly-funded community safety education programme delivered across Wales by the Police.

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Photo shows [top row, L-R] Project Coordinator Kelly Wines, Leon Bevan, Shaun Ford, Daniel Doggett, Christopher Guy and Cllr Craig Middle and [bottom row, L-R] Kelly Young, Vicky Davies, Ross Salter, Matt Andrews and Keirion Davies.

Regener8 is a pilot project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, that works with young people who are at risk of becoming disengaged - either by offending or not attending school. The Rhondda project covers the wards of Ystrad, Llwynypia, Trealaw, Cwm Clydach, Tonypandy and Penygraig and aims to work with 100 young people over a three-year period. 
 
"These young people have worked hard towards achieving awards and qualifications in a range of activities from OCNs in quad biking and safe driving via the Council's Youth Accreditation team to OCNs in plumbing at Tonypandy Community College," says Cllr Clayton Willis, the Cabinet Member for Children's Services. "There were also presentations made for those who had been awarded an ASDAN award for their active participation in summer schools."

The event also commemorated the launch of a DVD produced by young people in Clydach, with help from Clydach Communities First and Valley and Vale Community Arts, about their experiences growing up in the Rhondda. This DVD was nominated for an award at the recent Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards in Cardiff.
 
"The evening was very successful and enabled the young people to gain recognition for their achievements," says Project Coordinator Kelly Wines. "I would like to thank everyone - the Big Lottery Fund, Fframwaith, the Youth Accreditation team, Tonypandy Community College, Clydach Communities First and Valley and Vale Productions for their contributions to this event."

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Notes for editors:
ASDAN is a pioneering curriculum development organisation and internationally recognised awarding body, which grew out of research work at the University of the West of England in the 1980s. It offers a wide range of curriculum programmes and qualifications for all abilities, mainly in the 11-25 age group. For more information on the ASDAN award scheme, please visit http://www.asdan.org.uk/

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Help us meet the challenge – new housing website and freephone number - 17/10/05   back   return to top of page

A new website and freephone number will give residents even more information about the Council’s housing challenge and give residents the chance to have their say. 

The new website – found at www.rctbetterhome.co.uk - has been set-up to give information on the housing investment review, more details on the welsh housing quality standard and the latest news as the public consultation gathers pace. 

The website also includes artists impressions, latest news from the staff and tenants’ advisors and a feedback form where visitors can request information and ask questions. 

Anyone with any questions or views on the housing review can contact the freephone number – an officer from the housing service will be on hand to help. The freephone number is 0800 028 6355. 

“We know that many of our tenants have access to the internet at home or at work and that this is an increasingly popular way to give and recieve information,” said Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Housing. 

“The review is about the future of our tenants housing so it’s vital that they have as much information as possible and we know their views. Of course, there’s also information on the website that will be of particular interest to our housing staff. 

“Given the importance of this project this another vital way in which we can communicate with local people.” 

“Of course, those without access to the internet can also contact our new freephone number.”

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As part of National Parents Week, which takes place between 19th and 26th October, the Parents and Children Together (PACT) project has organised a number of events across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

"Parents and carers are the most important people in a child's life but they do not always know where they can go for help or advice," says Cllr Mike Forey, Cabinet Member for Schools. "The PACT project aims to coordinate and raise awareness of the parenting support that is available in the County Borough."

On Wednesday 19th October between 12pm and 2pm at Penywaun community centre, a 'Helpful Hints for Childhood Behaviour' session is designed to help parents control difficult behaviour from young children and is open to anyone living in the Penywaun area

On Thursday 20th October at 10am at Ton Pentre Library, the Talkabout Team, part of the Sure Start team who specialise in helping young children's language skills, will be delivering fun and educational sessions that are open to all.

On Tuesday 25th October between 10am and 12pm at Cefn Primary in Glyncoch, a Pumpkin Party for children and parents is open to anyone living in the Glyncoch area with children aged 8 or under, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Wednesday 26th October between 11am and 4pm at Cardinal Newman RC School, a Family Olympics event will provide fun for all the family, with quizzes, 'Giant Jenga' and basketball shootouts. This event is open to all, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about general parent support, Parents Week 2005 or setting up a support group, please contact the PACT Project on 01443 744284 or the Children's Information Service on 0800 180 4151

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Notes for editors

For further information, please contact the Information Officer on 01433 744088.

The Institute of Customer Service is the independent professional body for customer service whose primary purpose is to lead customer service performance and professionalism. Please visit their web site at http://www.instituteofcustomerservice.com/

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Safety first at road show event - 28/09/05  

A further six failed the test and were repaired 'on the spot' by fitting new fuses and plugs. 25 electric blankets had no defects noted and were passed.

As a result of these road shows, 47 referrals were made to the South Wales Fire Brigade. 

These will now be followed up, with full home safety risk assessments being carried out at the residents' homes.

PHOTO: Micheal Rex, test engineer from GEMS South West, testing and showing a dangerous heated blanket.

"Over 75% those who brought their blankets along for testing were over 70 years of age and almost 70% of the blankets tested failed the safety checks," says Cllr John David, Cabinet Member for Social Care.

"Therefore, it's very important that everyone - but in particular older people - can come along to an event like the 'Safe and Sound' road shows and be given free, professional advice."


Visitors were also able to ask advice from representatives from the Energy Efficiency Advice centre, Care and Repair, the Crime Prevention Panels, the Department of Works and Pensions and Age Concern.

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LEFT: Bill and Dilys Williams of Blaenclydach talking to Zoey Livermoor of the Energy Efficiency Advice centre

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New Mayor for Rhondda Cynon Taf - 27/09/05  

It is wonderful to meet so many people from all walks of life.  

I find the community based work that I am doing as Mayor very rewarding."

Cllr Jacqueline Jenkins was formally declared Mayoress.  

This is the first time in Rhondda Cynon Taf that the Mayor and Mayoress, who are husband and wife, are both Councillors.

The Mayor has a variety of responsibilities, which include chairing the full Council meetings, attending civic and community functions.

The Mayor will also be raising money for his three chosen charities which are, Cancer Research at Velindre Hospital, Faceup and the Christian Lewis Cancer Care.

Cllr Joyce Cass will serve as the Council's Deputy Mayor.

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If you have a community event that you would like the Mayor to attend, please write to the Mayor's Office, Municipal Buildings, Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd, CF37 2DP.

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Refurbished Animal Shelter opens in Dinas - 15/09/05  

The service deals with a variety of issues such as stray or barking dogs and stray farm animals.

The team works closely with partner 'friends' such as Rhondda Valleys Animal Welfare, the Canine Animal Rescue Association, Chiltern Dog Rescue and the Dogs Trust to find new homes for abandoned or stray dogs.

Now, a refurbished animal shelter in Dinas will provide 33 purpose built kennels for the dogs that are taken into care. 

Opening hours have been extended to between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 12pm on Saturday.

Photo: Kennel Assistant William Brace with rescued boxer dog

The centre was opened by Cllr John David, Cabinet Member for Environmental Health and Social Care, who said:

"One of the key recommendations made by a 'task team' of elected members and officers in a recent review of the service was the need to upgrade our kennel facilities.

I am pleased to say that this work has now been completed. 

The new shelter in Dinas is an inviting, customer-friendly environment where dogs will be placed until they are re-housed and where potential new owners will feel welcome to visit."

Photo: the official launch with Cllr David

The Animal Control Service aims to ensure that no healthy dogs are put to sleep but instead are returned to their owners, re-homed with new owners or sent to rescue agencies. 

The Council also, in partnership with the Dogs Trust, funds free identity chipping for dogs.

The team play an important role within the community, visiting local schools on a regular basis to talk to pupils about the role of the animal warden and, more importantly, how they and their families can be responsible dog owners, working alongside Residents Associations and taking part in fun and educational community events.

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Photo: Tyler Saunders, Lloyd Earwaker, Rhianna Williams and Ceara Harkin, pupils from Ynyshir Primary School, with Dog Warden Phil Davies. 

Pupils from Ynyshir have painted some bright and cheerful murals for the new centre.

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Weekend of wonderful walks - 14/09/05   back   return to top of page

A weekend of wonderful walks is on offer across Rhondda Cynon Taf from October 8-9.

More than 20 guided walks have been organised, setting off from all parts of the county including Llantrisant, Llanwonno, Aberdare, Treorchy and the Glyncornel Centre, Llwynypia. 

Some walks are educational, such as Footsteps of the Legion, which sets off from Llanwonno on Saturday, October 8 and follows the route of a Roman marching camp. 

Also on Saturday, October 8, is the Wildlife of Llantrisant Common walk, taking in the Old Town and the Common. 

On Sunday, October 9, there’s a chance to Wander the Waterfalls, setting off from Ynys car park, Aberdare, for the Ystradfellte waterfalls and surrounding woodland. 

Also on Sunday, October 9, there’s a chance to find out about the wildlife colonisation of the old tip at Cefnpennar in a walk entitled Old Tip - New Wildlife, which sets off from Cefn Pennar, Aberdare. 

The walks range from two-and-a-half to seven hours in length and range from easy, gentle strolls to strenuous walks. More details on each one are included in the Walking Wales Valleys brochure available from the Council’s three One4all centres; libraries, the Tourist Information Centre in Pontypridd or by calling 01443 424085 

Councillor Graham Thomas, whose portfolio includes Recreation and Tourism, said: ”Rhondda Cynon Taf is a wonderful county for walkers and cyclists. We hope many people will take advantage of this fantastic weekend.” 

To book a place on any walk, or for further details, go to www.walkingwalesvalleys.com or email walk@valleystourism.com or call 01443 790551 

• Terrain in some places is uneven and steep, with several gates and stiles on each route which are unsuitable for wheelchairs, buggies and prams. Remember before setting out to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

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Treorchy Enters A New Era - 01/07/05   back   return to top of page  

Treorchy now has its very own piece of public artwork, based on the design of a local ‘A’ level student, at one of the approaches to the town centre as part of its regeneration strategy. The piece has been commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. This is the first piece of Public Art to be installed in the town. 

Lauren Orrells, a student at Treorchy Comprehensive School, was chosen as the winning artist by a panel of consultants and partner agencies that included urban designers, landscape architects, public artists, the Town Centre Forum, the Chamber of Trade and local Councillors. 

The project brief to design the structure was incorporated into the A level and GCSE curriculum in Treorchy Comprehensive School, where over 90 pupils took part to create their own designs as part of their coursework. 

The wining artwork incorporated many traditional images from the Rhondda Valley, but expressed in a contemporary way. The art takes the form of a steel and metal bench with representative image of the area. 

Welsh public artists, David Mackie and Andrew Rowe, under the guidance of Louise Shenstone from Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Arts, have turned Lauren’s design into reality. 

Photo: Lauren shows off the bench.

“The Treorchy regeneration strategy highlights 3 Gateway areas into the town as priorities,” said Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Economic Development. 

“It was felt that a piece of public art would act as a fantastic welcome to the town. We decided to ask local pupils to develop designs for the piece and were overwhelmed with the standard of the response.” 

The project has been a partnership project between Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Town Centre Forum, Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Arts and Treorchy Comprehensive School. 

This unique project has been overseen by Jacquy Box the new Arts and Town Centre Regeneration Officer for Rhondda Cynon Taf – a new addition to the Town Centres team in Development and Regeneration.  

Jacquy’s role is to work with the eight town centres using Art, in all formats, for regeneration – this includes festivals and events, public art schemes, cultural industries development and participatory arts opportunities that reflect and promote the unique identity of each town centre.  The aim is to make town centres more vibrant and exciting places to be and want to spend time and money,

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