September 2005 - Medi 2005

www.torfaen.gov.uk 01495 762200

Autistic centre opens

INSIDE

Minister for Education, Jane Davidson with Melissa Murphy, at the new Fairwater Autism base

Fraud Teamsaves Torfaen taxpayers£370,000Turn to page three

Objective One SpecialTurn to the centre pages to find outhow Europe is helping Torfaen

A centre for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has opened at Fairwater high school.

Jane Davidson AM, Welsh Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning officially opened the Language & Communication Support Base. It caters for 12 young people aged between 11 and 16 who have been diagnosed at the milder end of the autistic spectrum.

Torfaen Council worked in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and in consultation with the school’s headteacher, governing

body and staff to develop the centre.It gives a range of support to allow successful access to the mainstream curriculum. Classrooms in the main school environment have been refurbished to allow pupils with autism to interact and take part in the full curriculum.

The purpose built facility provides specialist support and acts as a retreat base to provide additional access to social skills, social communication, life and study skills programmes. The base is managed by a teacher specialising in ASD who will work with a team of experienced support staff.

Ms Davidson said: “The aim must be to make this resource a centre of excellence and the ambition shown by the school, local education authority

and the partners will ensure this.”

Cllr John Turner, Executive Member for Education, said: “A great strength of this school is inclusion and inclusion is the philosophy of this resource base. We must ensure children with ASD participate in a whole environment and are well catered for in the mainstream.”

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition, which varies in severity, and characterised by three main features: ■ Impairment of social relationships.■ Impairment of communication skills.■ Impairment of imagination and difficulty thinking in a flexible way.

Pontypool was brought to attention when The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) were granted Freedom of Torfaen, the first Freedom Honour awarded by Torfaen Councilfor 26 years.

Over 100 soldiers from the regiment marched through Pontypool town with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying. The honour of Freemen is awarded to persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the County Borough. The Regiment can now march through the Torfaen on all ceremonial occasions.

The 100 Field Squadron (Militia) are based in Cwmbran and recently deployed 178 soldiers to Basra in Iraq. They provided water and electricity for the army camps. They also helped

reinstigate the civilian water, power and sewerage systems and built a number of bridges. This was the largest deployment of a TA Squadron since World War II.

Over 120 veterans and grandchildren of decorated servicemen and women who served their country marched behind the regiment in an act of remembrance to honour their relatives and comrades.

Freedom of Torfaen

Do you have an unusualpicture of your family pet?

Does your dog perform funny tricks or does your cat make

you laugh?

Send the funniest photo of your pet, together with £1, to the Mayor’s

Parlour, Civic Centre, Pontypool and you could win £20 in gift vouchers,

kindly donated by Pontypool Pet and Aqua Supplies and Pets at Home,

Cwmbran.

All money raised will be shared between the Mayor’s nominated charities. Call 01495 766068.

FUNNY PET COMPETITION

Look out for the new Adult & Community Learning brochure 2005/06. You should have

received a copy through your letterbox in August.

If you haven’t received a copy or want more information on a course call 01495 762266

or 01633 485052.

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

As the holidays come to an end and minds turn to going back to work and school, the council begins its annual canvass for updating the electoral register.

It’s a big operation, which sees nearly 40,000 electoral registration forms hand-delivered to all homes in Torfaen currently on the register. The forms are pre-printed with the details we currently have for that property. If you receive a form and any of your details are incorrect, please correct the details and return it to us in the pre-paid envelope provided as soon as you can. Reminders will be sent to you on a regular basis.

If you haven’t received a form by the end of September because perhaps your property is newly built, then call us on the number given below so we can ensure that you are included on the register.

This year, we’re introducing telephone and internet registration for those whose details have not changed. Instructions will be printed on the form for you to follow. You can do this any time of day or night and it will save you having to sign and return your form.

A final register has to be produced on 1

December 2005 so all forms will need to be returned and the details entered onto the register well before this date. Anyone who doesn’t return their form for two consecutive years will be removed from the register.

It is an offence not to be registered and as the register is used for reference by most credit agencies, mortgage lenders, credit card and mobile phone companies, those not on the register will experience difficulty in obtaining, for example, a mobile phone contract or any form of credit or loan.

There are guidance notes to help you complete the form but if you need any additional help, want to know whether you are currently on the register or have any other election related query, then call 01495 762200 or email us voting@torfaen.gov.uk. The register produced on 1 December 2005 will be updated throughout 2006 and amendments produced on a monthly basis. If you move during the year, you don’t have to wait until the annual canvass to provide us with your new address details. Special forms are available on our website to complete and return - www.torfaen.gov.uk or on www.webster.uk.net.

The electoral canvass Torfaen County Borough

Council’s Try Childcare Project is making a difference for parents who are interested in returning to work and need to find quality accessible childcare.

For a wide variety of reasons many parents choose to stay home and look after their children instead of returning to work and using childcare.

But there often comes a time, usually when children start school that many parents begin thinking about returning to work, or training if they have been out of the workforce for some time. The Try Childcare team is there to

guide you and explain the options available to return to work, help find suitable childcare and even assist with looking for a job. They will also provide information about working in childcare.

It all came together for local single mum, Carla Taylor who has been able to return to work while her child goes to playgroup. Carla found out about the project when one of the Parent Childcare Advisors visited her local Sure Start group in Cwmbran. Carla said: “Angela spoke to all the mums at the Sure Start group.

I really wanted to return to work and find employment doing the job that I am trained for. Angela explained

that she would come along to the Job Centre to see my Lone Parent Advisor, and rang to make an appointment straight away.”

Her advisor did a ‘Better off Calculation’ which showed that she would get more money by returning to work. Carla is now working in a playgroup and studying for her NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Childcare & Education.

The Try Childcare team hold details of all registered Childcare in Torfaen. If you would like to know more the Children’s Information Service on 08000 196 330.

Free electric blanket tests for OAPs in Torfaen

‘Safe and SoundRoad Show’

Family Fright Night at Blaenavon

Dare you enter the haunted house? What will you encounter – perhaps you’ll meet Count Dracula?

A Halloween Family Fright Night will take place on Monday 31 October from 6.00pm to 8.00pm and it promises to be a ‘howler’.

Blaenavon Ironworks will once again be the setting for an evening of ghost stories, pumpkins and fun competitions for all the family. Admission is £1.00 per person.

This year the event will be even bigger and better, with more entertainment for all the family. Scary ghost story-telling by characters from the 18th century will take place in the darkness of the cottages.

Refreshments of ‘blood soup’ and ‘squashed fly’ cakes will be served, alongside various craft tables including ‘Potions’ and ‘Spells’ stalls. Apple bobbing and other games will also be taking place to suit children (and adults) of all ages.

For information call 01495 792615.

Scary StoryCOMPETITION

If you are under 16, you can use your creative writing skills to enter our Halloween competition.

WRITE THE SCARIESTHALLOWEEN STORY ANDYOU COULD WIN A £20WOOLWORTHS GIFT VOUCHER!

To enter, send an original scary story of under 1000 words, together with your name, age, address, telephone number and email to:

Scary Halloween Story Competition, Tourism Section, Department for the Environment, Torfaen County Borough Council, County Hall, Cwmbran,NP44 2WN.

The closing date is Monday 17th October.

Cwmbran regeneration takes off

Cwmbran’s main prominent gateway routes into the town have just been enhanced with seven new welcome signs. They are located at:■ County Hall Roundabout■ Crematorium Roundabout■ Caerleon Road, Llanfrechfa (to follow shortly) ■ Llanfrechfa Way, just off the A4042■ Just off Henllys Way towards Newport■ A4051 Roundabout (near to Owens Corning Insulation Factory)■ Cwmbran Drive, Roundabout near A4042 Link Road

The were designed by Torfaen Council as part of Cwmbran’s branding strategy. Cwmbran Regeneration Operational Group have paid for them from their regeneration budget, which is jointly funded by the County Borough Council and the town’s Community Councils.

The signs create an improved image and iden-tity for the town, and give visitors and residents an impression of a high quality environment as soon as they approach the town. The signs reinforce the image of the crow as the symbol of Cwmbran, and the logo itself shows the bird taking flight, to symbolise that the regeneration of Cwmbran is taking off.

Hwb i adfywiadCwmbrân

Cafodd y prif byrth mynediad amlwg i Gwmbrân eu gwella yn ddiweddar gyda saith arwydd croeso newydd. Fe’u lleolir yn:■ Cylchfan Neuadd y Sir■ Cylchfan yr Amlosgfa■ Heol Caerllion, Llanfrechfa (i’w osod yn fuan) ■ Ffordd Llanfrechfa, ychydig oddi ar yr A4042■ Oddi ar Ffordd Henllys i gyfeiriad Casnewydd■ Cylchfan yr A4051 (ger Ffatri Owens Corning Insulation)■ Ffordd Cwmbrân, Cylchfan ger Ffordd Gyswllt yr A4042

Fe’u cynlluniwyd gan Gyngor Torfaen fel rhan o strategaeth brandio Cwmbrân. Talwyd amdanynt gan Grwp Gweithredol Adfywio Cwmbrân o’i gyllideb adfywio, a ariannir ar y cyd gan y Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol a Chynghorau Cymuned y dref.

Bydd yr arwyddion yn creu gwell delwedd a hunaniaeth i’r dref ac yn rhoi i ymwelwyr a thrigolion argraff o amgylchedd o safon uchel wrth iddynt ddynesu at y dref. Mae’r arwyd-dion yn atgyfnerthu delwedd y frân fel symbol Cwmbrân ac mae’r logo ei hun yn dangos yr aderyn ar adain godi fel symbol o adfywiad Cwmbrân yn codi.

Try Childcare Project is making a difference

Coed-Eva school pupils take part in a school election

Pensioners in Torfaen can have their electric blankets tested for free by the Torfaen Trading Standards team. Free replacement blankets and advice leaflets will also be available at two road shows.

Latest figures show 5000 house fires were caused by faulty electric blankets so Torfaen Trading Standards have organized the events to provide professional advice to older residents and make the public aware of the dangers of old or damaged electric blankets and the need to have them regularly checked.

Any blankets found to be unsafe can be surrendered to the Trading Standards team who will cut off the electric cable and take the blanket to the local dog pound for use as bedding.

A qualified engineer will be on hand to examine the blankets submitted for testing. The engineer will be at St James Hall, Hanbury Road, Pontypool on Thursday 6 October between 9.30am and 4pm and at Cwmbran Library on Friday 7 October between 9.30 am and 3.30pm.

To book an appointment call01633 648384.

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

The Power Station in St. Dials, Cwmbran is taking shape both above and below ground.

The topping out ceremony has taken place with the last piece of the building laid by Torfaen Council Leader Bob Wellington.The official opening of the new community empowerment and learning centre will take place in the new year and will be heated by ten geothermal bore holes drilled down 100 metres to give it an environmentally friendly heating system.

Councillor Wellington said: “The ‘eco-friendly’ building is one of only a handful in Wales. It is going to be a fantastic community facility for the people of south west Cwmbran.”

Material drawn up out of the earth will be stored and put on display in the

building, showing the geological history of the Cwmbran valley for millions of years.

The three-storey building gets its name from the fact that it is a building to ‘give power to the community’ and its innovative use of thermal and solar power.

It will offer the community lifelong learning and continuing education with a wide range of adult education classes. It will be a base for community consultation events and meeting rooms to make sure local people are involved in the issues that affect them.

A computer suite will give access to the Internet plus services, including fax, photocopying, design and laminating. It will also be used by other agencies and open in the evenings and weekends for functions such as conferences. It will also include a crèche.

It’s being funded by £1 million from the Assembly’s Local Regeneration Fund and £800,000 from The ‘RISE’ Five Counties Learning Network.

The topping out ceremony at the Power Station

Subjects like pottery, cookery, craft and keep fit have always been the mainstay of traditional evening courses.

Now, people with learning and physical disabilities are being given the opportunity to study these and other interests at day-time classes in Torfaen – and gain a qualification from the Open College Network at the same time.

The Torfaen Adult and Community Education 2005 programme for people with learning and physical disabilities – a joint initiative from education and social services - was launched several years ago and is growing increasingly popular with its students.

Ten tutors teach a wide range of topics, ranging from survival cookery and drama to gardening, Welsh and old-time craft. Classes are held in the community so that students learn alongside people with no disabilities.

Call 01495 01495 762266 to find out more more.

As we age, the winter months can often affect our well-being and health.

The Welsh Assembly Government works with local authorities each year to raise awareness of keeping well especially for people aged 65 and above. The promotion of flu vaccines is a high priority; if you haven’t already done so, contact your GP practice now to book your flu vaccine appointment.

Also important is eating well, keeping warm, safety, keeping your home in good repair, income and maintaining mobility.

Older people who are unable to leave their homes should receive an information pack and some advice from their home care service, their community nurse or sheltered housing officer on these issues. For the more active over 65’s or for family, friends and neighbours of anyone in this age bracket, a number of Roadshow events will be held where information and campaign newsletters will be readily available and a number of professionals on hand to discuss individual situations and circumstances.

All people of retirement age and above who receive an information pack or Keep Well This Winter newsletter will be eligible to enter a free prize draw.

Look out for our posters and don’t miss the opportunity to drop into to a Roadshow near you and make sure you, your family and friends keep well this winter.

Friday 30th September at Baker Street Sheltered complex, BlaenavonThursday 6th October at the Credit Union shop, Commercial Street, PontypoolFriday 14th October at the Congress Theatre, Cwmbran

All Roadshows are organised on a drop in basis anytime between 10am and 2pm so please call in and see us – Pensions Serv-ice, Care and Repair, Fire Service, Home Energy Efficiency Service, Age Concern, Healthy Eating (with samples), Community nurses to advise on generic health and specialist nurses who can advise on managing more chronic diseases, home safety ‘bobby scheme’, gentle exercise and movement advisors and others.

Keep well this winterTorfaen Council is warning benefit cheats that they will be caught and prosecuted.

The Council’s fraud team has notched up a double success with two successful prosecutions in one week. It’s the latest achievement for the team who in the past year have saved Torfaen Taxpayers’ £370,000.

One of their investigations led to the jailing of a Cwmbran woman for a year for falsely claiming over £40,000 in housing and council tax benefit.

Between December 1998 and May 2004 she received Housing, Council Tax benefit and other Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) benefits as a lone parent. Suspicion arose via a National Fraud Data Matching Exercise.

Another investigation saw a Cwmbran Housing and Council Tax Benefitclaimant sentenced to 80 hours Community Service.

She wrongly received various benefits as a lone parent. She had received over £2,300 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit and a further £4,400 in other DWP benefits.

Councillor Marlene Thomas, Executive Member for Resources, said: “Our Fraud Compliance Team do a fantastic job protecting taxpayers’ money. Their investigations are often complex and need commitment along with expertise in current legislation. These sentences show how seriously the courts are dealing with this type of offence.”

Families, schools and community leaders in Torfaen are being given new professional support in dealing with children and young people whose behaviour may be giving rise to concern.

The SMARTT Project (Schools Multi Agency Resource Team, Torfaen) is a partnership between one of Wales’ leading children’s charities, NCH Cymru, and Torfaen County Borough Council.

The first schools to benefit from the new service are Fairwater Infant and Junior Schools, and Woodlands Infant and Junior Schools in Cwmbran; and Penygarn Infant and Junior Schools.

Funded by a £130,000 grant from Cymorth, a Welsh Assembly Government fund for improving the prospects and life chances of children and young people in Wales.

NCH Cymru works with over 13,000 children, young people, carers and parents in Wales. For more information call Sian Herrera on 01495 764 680.

Torfaen Tenant Mrs Christine Williams from Sebastopol celebrated her 100th birthday on the 30 June.

Mrs Williams left London with her brother in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II and has lived in the same house ever since.

She received a birthday message from the Queen and is seen receiving a bouquet of flowers from Control Room Operator, Gary Cooper. She has been a Lifeline customer since 2002.

To find out more about the Lifeline service and how it could help you or a member of your family call Simon McCracken on 01495 762200.

SMARTT project startsDathlodd un o denantiaid Torfaen, Mrs Christine Williams o Sebastopol, ei phen-blwydd yn 100 ar 30 Mehefin.

Gadawodd Mrs Williams Lundain gyda’i brawd ym 1939 ar ddechrau’r Ail Ryfel Byd ac mae wedi byw yn yr un ty byth ers hynny.

Derbyniodd neges pen-blwydd gan y Frenhines ac fe’i gwelir yma’n derbyn tusw o flodau gan y Rheolwr Ystafell Reoli, Gary Cooper. Mae wedi bod yn gwsmer Lifeline ers 2002.

I gael gwybod mwy am y gwasanaeth Lifeline a sut y gallai eich helpu chi neu aelod o’ch teulu, ffoniwch Simon McCracken ar 01495 762200.

Gary Cooper presents her with her birthday bouquet Gary Cooper yn cyflwyno tusw o flodau iddi ar ei phen-blwydd

A message from Her Majesty Neges gan Ei Mawrhydi

Fraud team success

Power to Cwmbran Studying for fun - and a qualification

Torfaen Jazz Society is now holding a new weekly session for musicians who want the opportunity to play and learn in a big jazz band.

Their regular Workshop Band session has become so popular that they are starting an earlier session on their regular Wednesday night in Sebastopol Social Club.

They have also formed a ‘feeder band’, linked to the original band but targeted at younger, perhaps less proficient players, particularly those for whom the 7.30pm till 9.30pm slot is too late, especially on a school night.

It starts on Wednesday 14 September. To find out more go along to Sebastopol Social Club on Wednesday at 6pm or check out the website www.letsplayjazz.co.uk. Each session costs £2.

Let’s Play Jazz

PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP YOU WELL THIS WINTER

Welsh author Owen Sheers is appearing in Cwmbran library on Thursday 27 October. He was born at Abergavenny and has received high acclaim and won awards for his first novel ‘The Dust Diaries’. He is also a poet and has had a number of poetry anthologies published. For tickets call 01633 483240.

An evening with Owen Sheers

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

What has Europe ever done for us?

If someone asks you “what has Europe ever done for us?” what do you think? Often when people think of the European Union they imagine a big, confusing bureaucracy and it’s hard to think of an actual example of how being part of it benefits us locally.

Thanks to Europe and the efforts of the Local Objective One Partnership, Torfaen has been given £25 million to develop a diverse range of projects. These go from providing support for people with disabilities to building premises and funding businesses start-ups. European cash has helped Torfaen develop and improve its industrial heritage, the environment and regeneration. Take a look at some of the exciting projects that have been funded from European Objective One money here in Torfaen.

For more information on Objective One or European funding call 01633 648288.

Webster.uk.net is Torfaen Council’s £1.6 million community portal project which has become THE place to find out what’s happening in the area.

The project brings together small businesses, community groups, residents, the voluntary sector and public service organisations in one place at www.webster.uk.net

Residents can pay for Council services, browse the library catalogue and reserve a book, place a housing repair request or report a minor crime on-line. They can check the local weather, find a job, and read local news, among many other services.

Webster is a great community resource and the first

port of call for information, services and communication for the people of Torfaen.

It targets and develops communities, both geographically and through common interest, and provides a place where they can easily create their own web presence, network and communicate quickly.

Webster is helping social inclusion, focusing resources into the most deprived communities. It’s accessible from any internet ready PC, through public facilities such as local libraries and through 30 Webster public access kiosks throughout Torfaen (in Customer Care Centres, leisure centres, etc). The project has also loaned 150 PCs, printers and broadband connections to selected community groups and businesses in the

area. Through these and the kiosks it means anyone can access the portal. The portal provides a platform for e-Democracy, consultation and debate and has had a positive impact on democratic engagement by demonstrating that through on-line facilities individuals can really make a difference. The portal is being used extensively for consultation and participation in the development of the Council’s Community Strategy, and is supporting initiatives such as the Community Safety Partnership.

To find out more about the wide range of groups and services on Webster visit the site at www.webster.uk.net or call 01495 766300.

- Torfaen’s Community Portal

The £1.7 million Innovation Centre at Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran will provide start-up space and offer business support to new and emerging companies.

The 2340 square metre Centre is a joint venture between Torfaen Council and the Welsh Development Agency backed with Objective One money.

Councillor Bob Wellington, Leader of Torfaen Council said: “The Innovation Centre will be the focus for entrepreneurial activity in Torfaen. We want to create a facility that will promote a positive image for entrepreneurship and so stimulateinnovative activity.”

The Centre will offer hot desking areas, office suites from 20 to 52 sq m, broadband links, expert in-house business advice, Board and meeting rooms and reception services.

Ed Bampton, at the WDA, added: “The project is a perfect fit with our emerging business incubation strategy for Wales. The Centre will complement our recently constructed high specification office units also

at Llantarnam, and will extend the range of modern property available in Torfaen, to meet the needs of companies in the new technology sectors.”

The Innovation Centre will open laterthis year.

VICTORIA HOUSE, BLAENAVONVictoria House on Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate is the Council’s latest commercial development in Blaenavon.

The two storey building, constructed with the aid of Objective One and National Assembly financial support, has 14 high specification office and studio style units ranging from

49 sq m to 110 sq m, with shared kitchen facilities. The building has been designed to reflect the industrial heritage of Blaenavon.

The Victoria House development along with the Council’s Blaenavon Business Centre and Heritage Court industrial units schemes mean that Blaenavon is well placed to meet the challenge ‘to provide a strong better balanced economy’ set out in the Assembly’s framework for the Valleys ‘Heads we Win’.

For more information on Victoria House or the Innovation Centre call the Council’s Business Development Team on 01633 648075 or 01633 648836.

Innovation Centre, Cwmbran

The Innovation Centre at Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran

Blaenavon Marketing The Blaenavon Project team secured £255,900 Objective One funding for a three year marketing and events initiative. It will market and promote Blaenavon, encouraging visitors into the town and surrounding area to encourage its economic revival and regeneration of the area.

Blaenavon is a cultural landscape recognised by its social history. The events will help raise awareness and maintain its historical environmental importance and its significance as representing South East Wales’ valuable contribution to the Industrial Revolution.

Events will be held every three months and hopefully become notable annual events that visitors from around the Country will attend. The project has already helped to secure popular events such as the Book Festival and World Heritage Day.

This project links directly to another marketing programme called ‘The European Route of Industrial Heritage.’ This project markets industrial heritage across north west Europe, with Blaenavon being one of the key anchor points of this European network of industrial heritage sites. Blaenavon is also an active partner in the HERIAN Initiative whose key aim is to promote and market the heritage value of south Wales to the World.

A Webster kiosk

www.webster.uk.net If you need us, call 01495 762200 Page 5

Torfaen Council has secured European funding to create two Funds for local organisations (Public, Private and Voluntary) to help finance social, economic or environmental projects that will support the regeneration of key areas.

These Key Funds have been developed to encourage communities in Torfaen to use their creative energy to bring forward locally-based projects that will support both social and economic regeneration. The funds will get local people involved in improving their areas and their own prospects. The project will also help give skills to local groups and businesses in both project development and project management.

The Rural Key Fund This operates in Abersychan, Blaenavon, Cwmynyscoy, Two-locks, and Wainfelin. Its aim is to encourage economic growth within these rural wards. Types of activities include; support for business (except retail), support for local festivals and cultural events, support for feasibility studies, the promotion of local products and services, projects that focus on environmental improvements.

So far £182,000 of projects have been approved to support the regeneration of these areas including:■ Blaenavon Book Town festival aimed at encouraging tourists and increasing visitor spend so to improve the local economy■ Dragon Bands - help to set up a base in Abersychan which develops and promotes local Rock Bands■ G.O.S. Engineering - consolidating & relocating their operation to one premises in Blaenavon (two jobs created) ■ Water Treatment Products - Expansion of their production facilities at Blaenavon (two jobs created)

The Community Key Fund This operates in Torfaen’s three Communities First areas, Thornhill, Trevethin, and St Cadocs/Penygarn.

Its aim is to combat social exclusion and promote and encourage inclusion and participation. The Fund provides an opportunity for local voluntary organisations to access money to finance local, community-based activities that seek to increase people’s skills

and employability and the general quality of life of people living in Communities First Wards.

Community Key Fund Projects must be approved by the relevant Communities First Partnership Board before they can be assessed by the Project Steering Group. Help is available

from Torfaen Voluntary Alliance (TVA) which manages the Communities First programme. Call TVA on 01495 756646.

The Community Key Fund will support a ‘Laddered Approach’ to local development. The idea is that this will allow small and in many cases newly formed community groups to start with a small scale project and then grow this into a larger scale development.

To date £79,058 of Community projects have been approved including:■ A Youth Information Centre at Wye Court in Thornhill, ■ An Adult Learning Centre with multi-use games area at Woodlands Field in St Cadocs & Pengarn ■ A project which will enable The Grassroots Theatre Development Company to deliver a series of workshops through song, dance, story telling and Q & A at Trevethin School.

If you have any queries regarding either of the Key Funds please contact Rob Wellington on 01633/648257 Or email rob.wellington@torfaen.gov.uk

Torfaen’s Rural and Community Key Funds

Dragon Bands from Abersychan were helpedby the Rural Key Fund

RISE is a new inclusive approach to community learning, encouraging learners to have their say in what they learn, how they learn and when they learn.

This innovative initiative is supported by a wide range of adult education providers across Torfaen including Torfaen Adult and Community Learning, Coleg Gwent, The WEA, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance and a host of other voluntary and community organisations. You will find RISE activities in your local libraries, workplaces, community centres or even your local pub.

Jane Davidson, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, launched The Settlement at Pontypool as the first ever RISE centre last October.

RISE encompasses the five counties of Gwent creating a unique Learning Network that aims to provide the best adult education learning opportunities in Wales. Local Learning Centres will offer a wide range of activities where you can learn for your own leisure, gain new qualifications at every level or help you with your skills for work.

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) sees developing the potential of people, their skills and learning, as the way forward for Wales to play its proper part in the 21st century.

WAG has funded the development of RISE to ensure this happens in Greater Gwent and has invested £1.25 million in Torfaen. This will be invested in creating new community learning centres such as The PowerStation in St Dials, developing ICT learning suites in community

venues throughout Torfaen, employing learning development workers to enable learners to play their full part in the Learning Network.

For further information about Rise contact Tracy the Learning Development officer for Torfaen on 01495 774827 or 07917 235061.

Torfaen County Borough Council has received £1.2.million from Welsh Assembly Government to finance the project. Further funding of £1,167,828 has also been secured for the Torfaen area through the European Social Fund and the European Development Fund.

RISE- a new way to learn

Torfaen’s first RISE centre at the Settlement, Trosnant Street, Pontypool

The Informal Recreation project aims to improve and develop Informal Recreation opportunities in Torfaen, such as walking, cycling, fishing, horse-riding and mountain biking.

It will also establish new recreational opportunities such as caving, para-gliding or abseiling, depending on the demand for them.

Leaflets and information packs are being developed to highlight everything that’s available. A website will be available soon and be a site where people can find out about the services that the Countryside Section provides, as well as download information on walks and events in the area.

The project produces an annual events programme containing over 50 events, including guided walks, insect hunts and the Garn Lakes Country Crafts & Recreation Fayre.

A Forum group has been established which is made up of businesses, voluntary organisations and individuals who all share a common interest in

the development of informal recreation in Torfaen.

A grant programme has been set up to assist businesses in the field of informal recreation to develop and market their businesses.

As part of the project, the Garnsychan Partnership has been developing links with the community. They have helped Ebenezer Church to get funds

to clear the overgrown graveyard, and will help in developing a history trail through the grounds. A full programme of healthy walks has also been established, and leaflets detailing these will be produced soon.

It is a three year Objective One project, which is now in its second year. Match funding for the project has come from Wales Tourist Board, Welsh Development Agency, Countryside Council for Wales, ENFYS, Local Regeneration Fund, and Torfaen Council.

Informal Recreation

Informal recreation in Torfaen

Organisers of the ‘Torfaen Takes a Stroll’ project are encouraging people to take part in a leisurely weekly walk in Blaenavon, Garndiffaith, Trevethin, Penygarn & St. Cadocs, and Thornhill in Cwmbran. A group led by a volunteer walk leader already sets off from Garndiffaith Millennium Centre every Wednesday at 11.45am. It’s a one and a half mile route which takes about 30-45 minutes. Walkers are encouraged to stroll at their own pace. Other walks are:Blaenavon Walk - Leaving Blaenavon Leisure Centre every Tuesday at 2pmTrevethin, Penygarn and St Cadoc’s Walk – Leaving TRAC 2, Trevethin shops every Thursday at 10.30am. Call Lynne Mattravers, Health Walk Co-ordinator, on 01633 627128 or 07980 214499.

Are you a resident of Torfaen? Do you have difficulty putting your bins out? Are you worried you may miss the weekly collection as a result? Well you needn’t worry, because Torfaen Council is here to help. For more information about our assisted collection service call 01495 762200.

MS Society - The Cwmbran and District Branch are starting a new weekly Drop-In facility from Monday 1 August at St Mary Panteg Church Hall, The Highway, New Inn, from 11am – 1pm. Details from Sally Bailey 01633 875273.

The SE Wales Film Commission is always on the lookout for locations to be used in films, television programs, TV advertisements, and music videos. They helped find locations in Cardiff and Blaenau Gwent for Doctor Who. Their photo register keeps track of potentially useable locations and buildings. Torfaen Council’s Tourism team co-ordinates local enquiries from the Film Commission so if you know of any building that may be of interest let us know and, who knows, your house could become famous and you could earn some money. Call Barbara Pepper on 01633 648306.

Add these dates to your diary to keep you busy over the next three months. These are the events taking place in Cwmbran’s Congress Theatre. Call 01633 868239 to book tickets

6TH - 10TH SEPTEMBER:The Company present “FAME”Tickets £7 (£5.50 cons) 7.15pm 24TH SEPTEMBER:“Sinatra” with James Chadwick Tickets £12. 7:30pm 30TH SEPTEMBER:“Forever in Blue Jeans”Tickets £12 (£11cons) Starts at 7.30pm 18TH - 22ND OCTOBER:Cwmbran Woodland Players present “Peter Pan” Tickets £6

(£5.50 cons / £5 all Tuesday Tickets)Starts at 7pm, Sat Matinee 2pm28TH OCTOBER:MAX BOYCETickets £17.50. 7.30pm 9TH NOVEMBER:Kerrie Dupree - Details to be confirmed

The Newport and Valleys Branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) has awarded a prestigious Rural Wales Award to Torfaen Council. It was for the Council’s work to make environmental improvements to Garn Lakes site for both people and wildlife.

Social Services provide an emergency service outside of normal office hours. This service deals only with emergency situations that cannot wait until the next working day. Please only call the emergency service if:■ a child or young person is in urgent need of protection from harm.■ a parent, foster care or child needs emergency help, advice or support.■ a carer or a vulnerable adult (those with mental health problems, physical or learning disabilities or older people) is in urgent need.

If you need to contact Social Services during office hours or the situation can wait until the next working day, please contact Torfaen Customer Care on 01495 762200.Social Services Emergency Out of Hours Services can be contacted by:Telephone: 0800 328 4432Minicom: 0800 587 9963

A great example of partnership working in action occurred recently when a ‘litter pick’ was organised in Trevethin. Local councillors, housing area office staff, staff from Trevethin Community First Project and members of Trevethin and Penygarn Youth Forum, all took part in the clean-up. They met at Trevethin shops and were kitted out in fluorescent jackets, gloves and litter grabbers supplied by the Council’s Environment Department.

Teams from Social Services, Youth Access, Cwmbran Centre for Young People, Abersychan SEN, Communities Against Drugs and Youth Access 16+ took part in a Multi-Agency Golf Day at Talywain Golf Club. All teams included provide education and support to young people in Torfaen and offer opportunities to participate in learning, leading to qualifications and employment. The day received tremendous support from Matthew Coultard, owner of Talywain Golf Club and from Pontypool Golf Club professional Neil Matthews.

Get your trainers on for charity and take part in the Tour of Torfaen. This half marathon is from Blaenavon to Cwmbran on Sunday 23 October. All the money raised goes to the Mic Morris Memorial Fund which helps Torfaen young sports-men and women. Call 01633 628936 for an entry form.

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

Torfaen TrainingTorfaen Training is the vocational training arm of Torfaen Council.

It provides a variety of qualifications in a wide range of vocational routes. From a work experience programme through to Advanced Modern Apprenticeships, Torfaen Training is providing young people vital skills to enable them to continue their education and gain valuable qualifications and experience in a field of their choice.

Here are the vocational routes available this year:■ Administration ■ Customer Service■ Information Technology ■ Construction■ Management ■ Team Leader■ Distribution and Warehousing v Catering +Hospitality ■ Direct Care■ Performing Manufacturing Operations■ Performing Engineering Operations

Call 01633 875929 to find out more.

Welsh Apprentice ofthe Year 2005

Torfaen Training trainee Agim Malaj has been awarded the Federation of Master Builders Welsh Apprentice of the Year.

He will now go forward to the British final in September when the National Apprentice of the Year will be selected.

Agim, aged 20, fled his native Kosovo during the civil war and arrived in South Wales with his younger brother and unable to speak English. Agim joined Torfaen Training in July 2001 determined to find a trade and to study. He chose Carpentry after completing work experience, and has not looked back since.

Since arriving in Britain he has shown exceptional learning skills and now reads and speaks English to a high standard after receiving basic skills training at Torfaen Training and attending language courses at Gwent tertiary College.

He has now achieved CITB/City & Guilds, Modern Apprenticeship NVQ level 3 Benchwork and CITB/City & Guilds Advanced Construction Award. He is currently working on the NVQ Wood machining qualification to help with his practical skills in the modern production environment. He has also attended training courses in Scaffolding and Manual Handling.

Walter Rogers, Agim’s Training Officer at Torfaen Training said: “Agim is a determined trainee who is willing to work hard to achieve his goals. His practical skills are second to none and I have no doubt he will pass on his skills and knowledge to others in the future. In 20 years of training carpentry and joinery students I cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more.”

Prentis y Flwyddyn Cymru 2005

Mae Agim Malaj, 20 oed, sydd hyfforddai gyda Torfaen Training, newydd gael ei ddyfarnu yn Brentis y Flwyddyn 2005 gan Ffederasiwn y Meistr Adeiladwyr.

Bydd yn awr yn mynd ymlaen i bencampwriaeth Prydain ym mis Medi pan ddewisir Prentis y Flwyddyn Prydain.

Dihangodd Agim o Kosovo, ei famwlad, yn ystod y rhyfel cartref chwerw a chyrhaeddodd Dde Cymru gyda’i frawd iau yn ei ofal a fawr dim crap ar y Saesneg. Ymunodd Agim â Torfaen Training ym

mis Gorffennaf 2001 yn benderfynol o feithrin crefft ac i astudio. Dewisodd Agim Waith Saer ar ôl cwblhau profiad gwaith ac nid yw wedi edrych yn ôl ers hynny.

Ers cyrraedd Prydain mae wedi dangos sgiliau dysgu eithriadol ac y mae erbyn hyn yn darllen a siarad Saesneg i safon uchel ar ôl derbyn hyfforddiant sgiliau sylfaenol yn Torfaen Training a mynychu cyrsiau iaith yng Ngholeg Trydyddol Gwent.

Mae nawr wedi cyflawni CITB/City & Guilds, Prentisiaeth Fodern NVQ lefel 3 mewn Gwaith Mainc a Dyfarniad Adeiladu Uwch CITB/City & Guilds. Mae ar hyn o bryd yn gweithio ar gymhwyster NVQ Gweithio Pren â Pheiriant er mwyn cynorthwyo gyda’i sgiliau ymarferol yn yr amgylchedd cynhyrchu modern. Mae hefyd wedi mynychu cyrsiau hyfforddi mewn Sgaffaldio a Thrafod â’r Dwylo.

Dywedodd Walter Rogers, Swyddog Hyfforddi Agim yn Torfaen Training, ‘Mae Agim yn hyfforddai penderfynol sy’n barod i weithio’n galed i gyflawni ei nodau. Mae ei sgiliau ymarferol heb eu hail ac rwy’n hollol siwr y bydd yn trosglwyddo ei sgiliau a’i wybodaeth i eraill yn y dyfodol. Mewn 20 mlynedd o hyfforddi gwaith coed a gwaith saer ni allaf feddwl am unrhyw un sydd wedi haeddu’r wobr hon yn fwy. Fe fydd yn grefftwr da iawn.”

Green your homeand save £££

A fun packed event where you can find out how to make your home more environmentally friendly is taking place on Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October in Cwmbran.

It will show you how to save energy which will then save you money. The idea behind the ‘Greening Your Home’ exhibition is to raise awareness about how to reduce consumption of energy and water and reduce the amount of waste your home produces.

The exhibition will feature practical demonstrations of some of the technology available to ‘Green Your Home’. This will include solar panels, greywater recycling, and information on sources of grants and practical help. The event is open to members of the public and schools will be invited to take part in a solar powered car racing competition.

It’s open on Friday from 11am to 7pm and on Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Entry is free

The Benefits section works hard to ensure the people of Torfaen receive their rightful benefit entitlement.

Information about the available benefits was sent to all Council Tax payers in March. The DWP has also helped the Council to target pensioners who are not in receipt of Council Tax Benefit. This year 75 potential claimants were identified.

Twenty two of them have since received additional annual entitlement of over £13,000 in Council Tax Benefit.

If you know or suspect someone of committing benefit fraud the call Torfaen’s Fraud Investigation Unit on 01633 766324 or the DWP’s hotline, 01633 241615. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Giving money to those who are entitled to it

A Torfaen initiative has been successful in reaching the final of the first ever Welsh Social Care Accolades.

The Prince’s Trust Leaving Care Mentoring Scheme was chosen as a finalist in the Open Category from a large number of entries. The scheme is run in partnership with the Council.

Torfaen representatives attended a gala lunch and awards ceremony at Cardiff City Hall at the end of July.

The scheme began in 2002 and has recruited and trained over 60 volunteers to work with young people aged 16-21 leaving the statutory care system, and 14-16 years olds from Youth Access who require extra support in mainstream or

alternative curriculum education.The Welsh Social Care Accolades were launched to promote best practice in learning and development in social care and are intended to help lift morale, disseminate innovative-ways of working, encourage partnership and boost recruitment and retention.

Sadly, Torfaen did not scoop the top prize, but the Council is delighted to gain such high level professional recognition for its volunteer mentors.

Social Care Accolades 2005

Hard at work

www.torfaen.gov.uk If you need us, call 01495 762200 Page 7www.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

AbersychanCouncillor Gwyneira Clark ..... 01495 773737Gwyneira.Clark@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Ken Clark ................. 01495 773073Ken.Clark@torfaen.gov.ukTo arrange appointment or home visitCouncillor Raymond Williams 01495 774723

BlaenavonCouncillor Tom Huish ................ 01495 791822Councillor Stuart Evans ............ 01495 792335shevans@talktalk.netThird Friday of every month* alternating between 3 venuesBlaenavon Workman’s Hall July 2004Garn-yr-Erw Welfare HallAugust 2004 Forgeside Community Hall September 20047pm – 8.30pmand alternating each month* thereafterCouncillor Neil Lewis ................ 01495 790751Neil.Lewis@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Friday of every month*Blaenavon Workman’s Hall 6pm – 7pm

BrynwernCouncillor Leonard Constance 01495 755669

Coed EvaCouncillor Agnes MacGill ......... 01633 862755a.macgill@ntlworld.comFirst Saturday of every month*Hollybush & Coed Eva Community Hall10am – 12 noon

Croesyceiliog NorthCouncillor Richard Clark .......... 01633 480083richardg.clark@btinternet.comCouncillor Sarah Richards ........ 01633 485495Sarah.Richards@torfaen.gov.uk

Croesyceiliog SouthCouncillor Marlene Thomas .... 01633 485067marlene.thomas@torfaen.gov.uk

CwmynyscoyCouncillor Neil Waite ................ 01495 759468Neil.Waite@torfaen.gov.ukTo arrange appointment or home visit

FairwaterCouncillor Bill King ..................... 01633 872753Bill.King@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Phil Seabourne ........ 01633 863744pjseabourne@hotmail.comFirst Saturday of every month*SWAP Office, Fairwater Shopping Precinct10.30am – 12 noon

GreenmeadowCouncillor Rose Seabourne ..... 01633 863744Rose.Seabourne@torfaen.gov.ukCouncillor Bob Wellington ....... 01633 868402Bob.wellington@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of every month*Greenmeadow & St Dials Community Hall, Pandy, Greenmeadow9.30am – 11am followed by Surgery atThornhill Community Centre11.00am – 12 noon

LlantarnamCouncillor Mike Gough ............. 01633 485543Councillor Barbara Ryan ........... 01633 876001Barbara.Ryan@torfaen.gov.ukTo arrange appointment or home visit

Llanyrafon NorthCouncillor Glyn Caron .............. 01633 871047glyn.caron@torfaen.gov.ukLast Saturday of every month*(Except Aug & Dec)Llanyrafon Social Centre2.00pm – 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*

PantegCouncillor Gwilliam Evans ....... 01495 764244Second Saturday of every month* alternatingbetween 2 venuesSebastopol Labour Hall July 2004Griffithstown Labour Hall August 2004and alternating each month* thereafter11am – 12 noonCouncillor Kathleen Williams .. 01495 753778KBWpanteg@aol.comCouncillor Brenda Edwards ..... 01495 769743

PontnewyddCouncillors Gwyn Coles .......... 01633 863391gwyn@coles9175.fsnet.co.ukBrian Mawby ................................. 01633 484948mawbybrian@aol.comNye James ...................................... 01633 864736Aneurin.James@torfaen.gov.ukFirst Saturday of the month*Mount Pleasant Hall 10.30am – 12 noon

PontnewynyddCouncillor Joyce Gregory ........ 01495 758709

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 770364Councillor Julianna Biggs ........... 01633 864902juliannabiggs@aol.comFirst Saturday of every month*Melbourne Court Sheltered Housing Complex 9am – 11am

St Cadocs/PenygarnCouncillor Michael Davies ........ 01495 756134michael.davies2@virgin.net

SnatchwoodCouncillor Ivor Davies ............. 01495 755706ivor64@btinternet.com

TrevethinCouncillor Lewis Jones .............. 01495 756950Lewis.Jones@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 – 12 noonCouncillor Ronald Burnett ....... 01633 874157

Upper CwmbranCouncillors Bob Jones ............... 01633 838658Mary 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 Centre10am – 12 noon

WainfelinCouncillor Yvonne Warren ...... 01495 752180yvonnewarren@tiscali.co.ukFirst Saturday of every month*St John’s Church 10.30am – 12pm

New Inn Family Learning Centre offers crèche facilities to students so they can attend classes with their children during the daytime.

The facility is open to any student attending a daytime class and is available for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cost is £1 per session per child.

The building is all on one level and has facilities for people who have a

disability. A full programme of courses is offered: I.T, pottery, flower arranging, patchwork & quilting, and languages i.e. Welsh, Spanish & French.

A brochure was delivered to all Torfaen Residents during August. If you haven’t received one and want to find out what is happening in New Inn call Julia on 01495 763503.

This is a small friendly centre and open from 9am to 3pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm during term time.

Learning in New Inn

The second Torfaen Tenant Participation Conference took place at Greenmeadow Golf Club in the Summer.

The conference, designed by Tenant Compact Members Inga Shiel from Cwmbran and Madeline Twynn from Pontypool was a chance for tenants to have their say and make an impact on the housing services provided by Torfaen Council. A full programme for the day included morning and afternoon keynote speeches plus break out discussions and workshops on key topics. Shuttle buses were organised to ensure all tenants from all over Torfaen were able to participate.

Over 100 tenants attended the conference together with local Councillors, council officers plus representatives from the Police, Shelter, Energy Awareness, TPAS Cymru and the Careers Service.

Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, Cllr Gwyneira Clark, said: “A special thanks needs to go to Inga and Madeline who have worked tirelessly to ensure this confer-ence has reflected the issues important to our tenants.

Their continued efforts to represent Council tenants in Torfaen has resulted

in a full programme where tenants have been able to have their say and this will hopefully lead to further participation.”

Martin Asquith talked about the Council’s Options Appraisal exercise and how the Council can raise the money it needs to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

In the afternoon the role of Tenant Participation within local government was examined by Keith Edwards, Director of the Chartered Institute of Housing. Participation allows tenants to have a representative voice within the Council and increasing participation was a major theme of the day.

An evening session was held for those Tenants unable to attend in the daytime.

There were several workshops for Tenants to participate in. Key topics included:Options AppraisalEvaluation of Tenant ParticipationElderly Services/SMART TechnologyStreet SceneAsset ManagementSupporting People/TeSS

The crèche is packed with fun toys

Tenants give their views

Quick Reminder Reusing things stopsthem being dumped inlandfill sites which arefilling up fast

Don’t forget there have been two big changes to Torfaen’s waste collection service in the last couple of months.

In case you missed the stories in previous Torfaen Talks here is a quick reminder.

1. Charges have been introduced for the collection of Bulky Household Items. It’s to encourage residents to recycle or re-use their old furniture through the Circulate Furniture Recycling Scheme.

The Council used to collect items free of charge from members of the public but the service suffered with long waiting times of up to eight weeks and was open to abuse by unscrupulous traders posing as householders.

The Charges:£10 per collection for 3 items (a three-piece suite/ table and four chairs is one item). £2.50 per extra item, up to a total of 8 items. Call 01495 762200 to arrange a collection. Or if your furniture can be reused call Circulate on 01495

793187 and they will collect it for free. They sell furniture at low cost, with a further discount for anyone on benefit.

2. Any resident who wants to bring waste in a van or a trailer into the Civic Amenity Site in New Inn must now apply for a free permit before they arrive. It applies to any vehicle designed to carry goods, including hired vehicles and all sizes of trailer.

The Permits will stop the illegal use of the site for the disposal of trade waste. The site can accept any commercial or industrial waste at a charge of £57/tonne. Permits are issued free by calling 01495 762200.

They are only available to residents of Torfaen. The site attendant will check your permit when you arrive at the site, as well as your proof of address and ensure the waste is from your home. The scheme does not apply to private cars, including estate cars, four wheeled drive vehicles, people carriers and camper vans.

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

There are four Customer Care Centres in Torfaen where you can get any Council query answered in person.

The centres can all offer a quick and easy help-desk area where friendly staff can help you find information on a variety of issues such as council tax; benefits; housing repairs; grants; elections; payments and social services to name a few.

Interview rooms ensure that your query can be dealt with in private and cash desks mean that you can pay your Rent or Council Tax easily. Regular displays are also put up in the centres, giving information about a range of local groups and services.

If you can’t get to a Centre or prefer to speak to someone on the phone, you can also telephone Call Torfaen on 01495 762200 to speak to a Customer Services Officer. Call Torfaen aims to answer queries in one easy telephone call and is open longer hours than the face-to-face offices, giving greater access to a range of Council services. The Call Torfaen service is open Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm (closed Wednesday 3-3.30pm for staff training)

Cllr. Bob Wellington, Leader of Torfaen Council, said: “The combination of the four Customer Care centres and the Call Torfaen service mean it is now very easy for residents to find the answer to any question or problem quickly

and conveniently - making the Council services even more accessible”.

The Customer Care Centre addresses and opening hours are as follows:

Cwmbran Customer Care Centre 1-2 General Rees Square, Cwmbran.Monday-Friday 8.30am–5.30pm. (Cash desk closes at 5.15pm and on Tuesdays office opens at 9.30 am due to staff training).

Saturday 8.30am–1pm. (Cash desk closes at 12.30pm). Pontypool Customer Care CentreGround Floor, Civic Centre, Pontypool. Monday–Friday 8.30am–5.30pm. (Cash desk closes at 5.15pm and on Tuesdays office closed from 3pm–3.30pm for staff training)

Trevethin One Stop Shop Church Avenue, TrevethinMonday–Thursday 8.30am–5pm. Friday 8.30am-4.30pm (Cash desk closes at 4.45pm, Friday closes 4.15pm).

Blaenavon Customer Care Centre7-12 Lion Court, Lion Street, Blaenavon Monday–Thursday 8.30am–5pm. Friday 8.30am-4.30pm (Cash desk closes at 4.45pm, Friday closes 4.15pm).

PONTYPOOL

WHO? WHEN? WHAT?

Homelessness Surgery Monday 2pm–4pm Advice on homelessness Wednesday 2pm–4pm

Age Concern Second Thursday in the month Help and advice for elderly peopleMarion White Call 01495 762151 9.30am-3pm

The Pension Service Friday 10am–12pm Advice on benefits for elderly peopleJanice Price Call 01633 488568

Shelter Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm Independent advice on Krista Robinson Call 02920 556120 Thursday 1.30pm-4pm homelessness issues

Citizens Advice Bureau Thursday 9am–12.30pm Money management service working Mike Pilcher Call 01495 759814 in conjunction with Rent Recovery and Homelessness sections

Nash Wednesday and Friday Help with bonds for private renting Right Move Bond Scheme 9am-12.30pm

CWMBRAN

WHO WHEN WHAT

Homelessness Surgery Tuesday 10am–12pm Advice on homelessness Wednesday 10am-12.30pm (emergency only) Thursday 2pm–4pm

Age Concern Second Thursday in the month Help and advice for elderly people Marion White Call 01495 762151 9.30 am- 3pm

The Pension Service Monday 9am–4.30pm Advice on benefits for pensionersJanice Price Thursday 9am–12pm (No appointment necessary)Call 01633 488568 Thursday 2pm–4pm (Appointments only)

Shelter Tuesday 1.30pm–4.30pm Independent advice on homelessness Krista Robinson Call 02920 556120 issue

Citizens Advice Bureau Friday 9am-12pm Money management service workingMike Pilcher Call 01495 759814 in conjunction with Rent Recovery and Homelessness sections

Police Drop - In Surgery Wednesday 8.30am-12pm Advice on noisy neighbours, parking, etc.

Torfaen Bond Scheme Monday 9am-1pmDesmond Wall Friday 2pm-5pm

Mind Wednesday 1pm-5.30pm Help for people with or living with sufferers of mental health illnesses

Also in Blaenavon, there’s a housing benefit surgery once every two weeks and in both Blaenavon and Trevethin,a pension surgery operates by appointments only. Call 01495 762200 for more details.

Pontypool and Cwmbran Customer Care Centres are used by other agencies who host regular surgeries where you can get free, impartial advice from experts:

6 September 2pm Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee 4pm Planning Committee7 September 10am Audit Committee 2pm Environment, Economic Development & Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny (O&S) Committee8 September 2pm Education & Young People O&S Committee13 September 10.30am Cabinet 2pm Housing O&S Committee14 September 2pm Resources O&S Committee15 September 2pm Social Services & Health O&S Committee16 September 9.30am Gwent Joint Records Committee20 September 10.30am Licensing Committee

11am Greater Gwent Central Supplies Joint Committee 5pm Council21 September 2pm Operational Services O&S Committee 22 September 2pm Leisure and Young People O&S Committee 11 October 10.30am Cabinet 4pm Planning Committee12 October 10am Ethics and Standards Committee 2pm Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee13 October 2pm Environment, Economic Development & Regeneration O&S Committee

18 October 10am Cabinet (Equalities) Sub Committee 5pm Council19 October 2pm Housing & Community Safety O&S Committee20 October 2pm Education & Young People O&S Committee26 October 2pm Resources O&S Committee27 October 11am Monitor Board 2pm Social Services & Health O&S Committee

Licensing Hearings are scheduled to take place every Monday and Thursday if required. Council Policy Seminars are scheduled to take place every Monday at 2pm.

Visit or call for help and advice on Council services

COUNCIL MEETINGSHere’s a list of all the public Council meetings taking place in the Civic Centre, Pontypool, during September and October. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Call Democratic Services on 01495 766081 for more information or visit www.torfaen.gov.uk

Can you speak a foreignlanguage?

Torfaen’s adult education team is looking for part time evening tutors to pass on their skills to

other adults.

We need Italian speakers urgently for September to teach two hours per week for 30 weeks. Adult Education is always on the lookout for tutors who can speak any language. To find out more call Linda

Dean on 01495 762266.

Call Torfaen – Pontypool 01495 762200(All General Enquiries)

Call Torfaen – Cwmbran 01633 762200(All General Enquiries)

Community Safety 01633 648993

Leisure (General) 01633 648931

LEISURE CENTRES:Fairwater 01633 872811Blaenavon 01495 790646Cwmbran Stadium 01633 627102

LIBRARIES:Abersychan 01495 772261Blaenavon 01495 790367Cwmbran 01633 483240Pontypool 01495 762820

Registry Office 01495 762937

Legal Services 01495 766374

Street Lighting 01633 648432

Planning 01633 648004

Consumer Advice 01633 648464

Environmental Health 01633 648482

Waste Services 01495 766805

Drainage 01495 766658

Hedges 01495 766656

Housing Grants 01633 648484

School Transport & Admissions 01633 648166

Educational Welfare 01633 648647

Torfaen Training 01633 875929

Benefits Advice 01495 766308

Rent Recovery Advice 01495 766443

Housing Repairs Line 01495 766766

Sheltered Housing 01495 766942

HOUSING OFFICES:South District 01633 866887North District 01495 774330

Child Protection Team 01633 648571

Domestic Abuse Team 01633 648296

Home Care Team 01633 648500

Youth Offending Team 01495 768310

USEFUL NUMBERSHere is a quick list of some useful Council services. Why not cut it out and keep in on your fridge?

SECTION TEL NO SECTION TEL NO SECTION TEL NO