This is your weekly news bulletin

28 August 2015

Weekly News
Civic Centre Pontypool

Last chance to complete the resident's survey!

The survey asks for residents’ views and satisfaction ratings on a wide range of issues and services relevant to Torfaen, such as education, social care and waste management. Torfaen council, in partnership with other organisations, wants to use residents’ feedback to improve the quality of services in the borough. The deadline for completing the survey is Friday 31 August. For more information contact Cath Cleaves on 01495 766475

Complete the survey online 

Elections

Electoral register reminder 

Remember to ensure your details are up to date on the electoral register. If the details on the form are correct, you can confirm by signing and returning your form. Alternatively you can do it online at www.register-online.co.uk using the unique code in your form, or by calling or texting the numbers given on your voting form. To confirm by text, please include the security code in the message. If details need to be changed, you can amend and return your forms, or make the changes online at www.register-online.co.uk  For further information - 01495 762200


Bin Collections Waste and Recycling

August bank holiday waste and recycling collections

Waste and recycling collections in Torfaen: Monday 31 August (Bank holiday) will be collected on Tuesday 1 September, Tuesday 1 September will be collected on Wednesday 2 September, Wednesday 2 September will be collected on Thursday 3 September, Thursday 3 September will be collected on Friday 4 September, Friday 4 September will be collected on Saturday 5 September. The household waste recycling centre in New Inn will remain open as usual. Collections will be starting at 6am during this week so please ensure that that waste and recycling containers are at the kerbside or collection point from 6am


Clock

Jobs Fair in Cwmbran

Bridges Into Work, an ESF funded project, will be hosting a jobs fair at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran on Wednesday 2 September. Job hunters will be able to meet local employers with vacancies. The job fair will run from 10am to 1pm. Those attending must bring their NI number. For more information contact 01633 647743


Bluebells Spring Park

Woodland Road park consultation

A public drop in session for residents to have their say on improving play equipment at Woodland Road park will be held at Woodland Road Social Centre on Tuesday 1 September between 3pm – 5pm. Croesyceiliog and Llanyravon Community Council plan to improve the park and would like residents to help choose the play equipment they would like to see installed.


Folly Tower

The Shell Grotto and Folly Tower open for visitors this monday

Pontypool Park Friends will open the Shell Grotto and the Folly Tower for visitors this bank holiday Monday between 11am - 3pm. The grotto, which dates back to the early 1800s, is adorned with shells and the bones and teeth of animals, creating intricate designs and patterns. The grotto can only be accessed on foot and involves a steep climb over uneven ground. For this reason it may be unsuitable for those with significant mobility issues, wheelchair users and for children in pushchairs. Access to the Tower is through a field which may be muddy and contain livestock. All dogs must be kept on a lead.


Poster

Family fun day at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre

There will be family fun day at the World Heritage Centre in Blaenavon on Sunday 30 August. Activities include the Tell Tale Trail, Victorian classroom, film showings, bouncy castle, face painting, craft activities, and more. For more details please contact the World Heritage Centre on 01495 742333.


Civic Centre

Register interest for nappy collection service

A dedicated nappy collection service will be introduced when smaller wheelie bins are rolled out from September. Anyone with children in nappies can apply for a supply of heavy duty bags which will be collected fortnightly. You can sign up via the council’s website, the Torfaen app, or 01495 762200, and will be contacted with more information in due course. Adults who currently use their black bin to dispose of medical waste and feel they may struggle under the new system should call 01495 762200 to discuss their requirements with the waste team.


Sofa

Cwmbran woman prosecuted for fly tipping

Shannon Williams, 21, formerly of Gordings in Greenmeadow, pleaded guilty to dumping a sofa in woodland adjacent to Marl Court in Thornhill in October 2014. The incident was seen by two witnesses who reported it to Torfaen council’s environmental health team. When first questioned by officers Ms Williams denied the allegation but pleaded guilty to the offence at Cwmbran Magistrates Court on Monday 24 August. She was fined £75 and ordered to pay costs of £150, and a victim surcharge of £25. Fly tipping can be reported to the council confidentially via the website, through the Torfaen app, or by calling 01495 762200.


Ceffyl Du

Ceffyl Du Carriage Driving for Disabled Group 30 Year Anniversary!

The Ceffyl Du Carriage Driving for Disabled group hosted an event on 24 August at Greenmeadow Community Farm, to celebrate 30 years of service. The event began with an overview of the charities history by the group organiser, Holly Williams. Awards were given to members who had dedicated themselves to the charity, including the horses. Carriage driving demonstrations were held with a running commentary. To donate click here For more information, contact Holly Williams on ahollywilliams@btinternet.com


Pauline Reed

Support Worker Retires After 45 Years Service

Pauline Reed, who works as a Support Worker in the Dementia Team at Torfaen council, is retiring at the age of 74. Pauline started work in Home Help on 1 June 1970, at a time when the service moved from the nursing and medical professions to local government and the newly emerging social service departments. Pauline will finish work at the end of August, and plans to do voluntary work. Pauline has been invited to afternoon tea with the Mayor of Torfaen to celebrate her career.


End of Summer Playscheme Awards

End of Summer Playscheme Awards

The End of Summer Playscheme Awards ceremony was held on 21 August at Cwmbran Stadium. The ceremony recognised the contribution Torfaen Play and its participants make to the lives of children in the borough, from learning skills and tackling obesity to creating friendships and involving children with disabilities in an inclusive environment. To find out more about Torfaen Play, contact the Play Service Manager on 01495 742952.


Big Pit Blaenavon

Engagement reward for young people

Participants from the Youth Engagement and Progression, LIFT/CODI and Health Improvement Teams were rewarded for their engagement at a rewards day on Tuesday 18 August. These teams support young people aged 14-19 who are at risk of disengaging with education, employment or training or who are not in employment, education or training. This might include developing skills, building confidence or managing family and home life pressures. For more information visit Torfaen's website or contact 01495 766908


Greenmeadow Community Farm

Greenmeadow Community Farm's Annual Show

The annual Greenmeadow Show takes place on Sunday 13 September. Admission is half price on the day! For more information - 01633 647662