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Council tax increasesCouncil tax in Torfaen has increased by 2.35 per cent.

This increase will result in a Band D home paying £975.21 in 2012/13, an increase of £22.39 or less than 50p per week. The council must then add a precept for Gwent Police and Torfaen's community councils to this total to provide a final demand.

Once again, this has proved an immensely challenging budget, especially given the cumulative effect of the continuing reduction in public sector funding. The council’s seven key priorities provide its five year focus and recognise the challenges facing residents as a consequence of the severe cutbacks in public service spending,

cuts in welfare benefits and escalating unemployment.

The council tax rise is a lower increase than last year and Torfaen council has increased money for schools, frontline social care and waste – all funded without significant cuts to other services or compulsory redundancies, which has been supported by trade unions.

Torfaen council receives £2million less than it did in 2010/11 from the Welsh Government, yet the cost of delivering and demand for services in many areas increases. The 2.35 per cent increase will raise almost £700,000 in additional money for Torfaen council to put towards services.

In total, council tax will amount to £30.186 million, which represents about 12 per cent of the council’s gross budget.

Help and advice is available for any residents who may be having trouble paying their council tax. Visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/housing/counciltax or call 01495 762200 for more information.

Turn to the back page for a complete breakdown of council tax in Torfaen.

PRIORITISING COUNCIL SERVICESHere are the seven priorities the council will focus on for the next five years:

• Supporting families and children living in poverty to get through the recession

• Preventing Torfaen residents becoming homeless

• Safeguarding children, especially those with additional (special) educational needs and supporting positive attitudes towards education

• Protecting the most vulnerable adults and supporting those with disabilities and other long term conditions

• Targeting support to deprived communities and families suffering from crime and anti-social behaviour

• Using resources wisely, to include maintaining the highway infrastructure and reducing energy, consumption and waste

• Supporting initiatives which generate employment and training for work opportunities

COUNCIL TAX 2012/13Less than50p per weekincrease forband Dhomes**excluding precepts

April 2012 - Ebrill 2012

Llanyrafon Manor is to open in Maysee page 3

Pupils receive the keys to Blaenavon schoolsee page 5

Line the streets to see the Olympic Flamesee pages 6 & 7

Mic Morris grants help sports stars triumphsee page 8

My Favourite PlaceMy favourite place in Torfaen is Folly Tower.

It stands octagonal on top of a mountain almost reaching the sky. On a clear day, one can see several counties. It is as if he is standing guard from demolition, which happened to him in 1940. The War Office ordered that as a security measure, under the Emergency Power Defence Act 1919, the Folly be demolished. This was in the belief that its presence would be a landmark for the Luftwaffe seeking to raid the nearby ROF at Glascoed. In 1948, an attempt was made to resurrect it, but at the time post-war housing took priority.

In May 1991, Torfaen council donated 175 tonnes of chased stone from the recently demolished Cwmffrwdoer Primary School.

The school was where my mother and four uncles attended.

So why am I drawn to Folly Tower? Is it because the stones have the same power as the blue stones in Stonehenge? Or is it a placebo? Whatever it is, I always feel a positive psychological effect when looking at it or touching it.

Patricia Langley

Left: Patricia holds a picture of the Folly drawn by her uncle

Alfred Baker in 1935

Page 2 Recycle Torfaen Talks – pop it in your black recycling box

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal celebrated the 200th anniversary of its opening and the joining of the Monmouthshire and Brecknock & Abergavenny Canals.

A special event was held on Friday 10 February, when a 200kg bell was rung 12 times to recreate the canal’s opening ceremony 200 years ago.

The celebration at Pontymoile Basin included performances by pupils from West Monmouth School, Pontymoile Primary School, Accord Singers and St Cadocs Millennium Chimes.

The initial bell strike at 12pm started a peal of church bells from Pontymoile Basin to Brecon in one direction and Newport and Cwmcarn in the other. Church bells also pealed from Hay-on-Wye to Brecon.

Project co-ordinator David Morgan said almost 30 churches took part in the event: “It is fantastic to see such great community engagement and involvement to help mark this historic occasion,” he added.

For more information, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/monandbrec200

New mosaic boost for Glansychan ParkPupils at Abersychan Comprehensive School have been involved in designing and making a community mosaic to be installed in Glansychan Park.

More than 150 pupils submitted designs based on the history of the park, the plants and animals found there and a celebration of the procession of the Olympic torch through Torfaen in May.

Mosaic artist Stephanie Roberts has created a final design inspired by these ideas and the mosaic will form the central feature of the old rose

garden, which is being refurbished.

Once established, this flower-rich meadow will be a magnet for butterflies and other insects, especially bees. This work is being carried out in partnership with the Friends of Glansychan Park, with funding from Welsh Government’s Tidy Towns scheme and the TVA-administered Community Development Fund of the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities and Activities Programme.

For more information on the Friends of Glansychan Park, contact 01495 766754.

Volunteers are neededThe Ancient Cwmbran Society is supporting the Torfaen countryside rangers and is appealing for volunteers.

If you would like to get involved with assisting the rangers, the Sisters at Llantarnam Abbey, and Ancient Cwmbran Society with their work, your help would be welcomed.

Improvement works at Llantarnam Abbey, the Pilgrim Route above Thornhill to Llanderfel Farm and Twmbarlwm are on-going, funded by a Valleys Regional Parks grant to improve access to walking routes and historic sites in Cwmbran.

If you would like to get involved, learn new skills and help improve the countryside, telephone 01633 648035 or alternatively email mark.panniers@torfaen.gov.uk

Housing benefits scheme will be trialled in TorfaenIf you claim housing benefit, you may take part in a one-year project that will see you receive the money and have to pay your landlord directly.

The UK government is making changes beginning next year that will see housing benefit being paid direct to you instead of to your landlord if you move on to Universal Credit. This is part of the Universal Credit plans that will see benefit claimants receive a single payment every month.

Torfaen council, Charter Housing and Bron Afon have been asked by the Department of Work and Pensions to work with a group of tenants in Torfaen this year to try out the system before it starts for everyone across the UK in 2013.

Ian Simpson, Bron Afon’s director of community housing, said: “About 2,000 tenants from Bron Afon and Charter Housing will be involved. This demonstration will take place from June 2012 until June 2013. It will help us test how some of our tenants can manage housing benefit monthly payments.

“We will work together to see how we can best support tenants and claimants through what is a huge change to the UK benefits system, while at the same time making sure our staff and systems are ready for the change next year.”

While the majority of Universal Credit claimants renting will be responsible for making their own rent payments to landlords, vulnerable claimants and pensioners will continue to have their housing costs paid direct to their landlord.

Bell strike marks anniversary

Tell us about your favourite place in Torfaen and you could appear in Torfaen Talks. Write to Communications Team, Level 5, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB. Don’t forget to include contact details.

Page 3Voter registration forms can be downloaded from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

May opening for the ManorMake a mark at electionMake sure you make your mark at the ballot box on Thursday 3 May and have your say on who represents you at Torfaen council.

Local government elections are your opportunity to vote for the people who run your local services. With financial pressure on councils growing, changes to public services are inevitable and these will impact on local residents. Your local councillors will play a role in shaping the future of how services are delivered within Torfaen, so it is important you have a say on who will be elected.

Residents wishing to have a postal vote must apply by 18 April, while proxy vote applications need to be received by 25 April.

The closing date for new applications to register to vote or if you need to change your address is 18 April.

Forms can be obtained by telephoning 01495 762200 or downloading one from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

Plant plans progressingA new project that will change the way Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent councils dispose of food waste has entered its next phase.

The Heads of the Valleys Organics Project aims to identify a suitable company to deal with food and green waste from the three authorities. The ‘invitation to submit detailed solutions’ stage of the procurement process saw three solutions submitted.

The two highest scoring participants, Shanks Waste Management Limited and Viridor Waste Management Limited, have now been invited to submit final tenders.

The councils aim to reach the preferred bidder stage in September, when they will know the sites and technologies to be used. Visit www.hovwasteprogramme.org.uk

IN BRIEFTVA open dayTorfaen Voluntary Alliance (TVA) is holding a members and information day on 13 June at Pontypool Active Living Centre (10am-4pm).TVA supports, promotes and represents voluntary and community groups in Torfaen. Membership is free and it can help you secure funding, offer advice, provide training and help with administration, payroll services and loan equipment. For information on TVA, call 01495 742420, visit torfaenvoluntaryalliance.org.uk or email marie@tvawales.org.uk

Free up empty homesTorfaen council’s Empty Hopes initiative has resulted in a long-term empty property being purchased for renovation. The council has worked with local developer Red Builders, to assist the voluntary sale of the property for a fair value. The property, which has been empty for 11 years, will hopefully be used for affordable housing. For more information on empty properties, call 01495 742629.

Houses to HomesThe Welsh Government’s ‘Houses to Homes’ Recyclable Loans Fund allows councils to offer loans to landlords to renovate empty run-down residential properties and return them to use as homes for sale or rent.Landlords would repay the interest-free loan by a fixed period. Anyone interested in applying for an empty property loan in Torfaen should contact 01495 742629 or email joanne.lewis-jones@torfaen.gov.uk

Art exhibitionAn exhibition of paintings by former council employee Emlyn Williams (1944-2011) will take place at Moriah Baptist Church, Risca on 17-20 April. Admission is free, with any proceeds going to British Heart Foundation and Moriah Baptist Church. For more information on the exhibition, go to moriahrisca.org.uk

Torfaen swimmers to make a Big SplashSwimmers across Torfaen will now be able to make a Big Splash, after their pools became part of the nation’s biggest ever swimming campaign.

Torfaen council has joined forces with British Swimming and the BBC to deliver the Big Splash on 27-29 April and inspire the nation to swim.

Specifically, the pools will be offering a number of exciting Big Splash activities, including snorkeling, SeaDoo tasters, public swimathon and a mile challenge.

Pool users will also be able to benefit from comprehensive web-based support on www.bigsplash.co.uk where they will have access to a range of training programmes and tips, including British Gas Swimfit, which will help whether you’re a beginner or a little

more advanced. They can also track their progress and have a chance to become part of the Big Splash online community.

Double Olympic champion Becky Adlington is supporting the campaign: “Swimming is my life, but just getting in the pool a couple of times a week is a really great way of getting active and staying healthy. I’m right behind anything that encourages people to take the plunge and swim more often.”

For further information about Torfaen’s Big Splash Weekend programme, visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/leisureandculture, pick up a leaflet at your local leisure centre or call 01495 742228.

Trevethin shops worksThe transformation of Trevethin shops into a modern, accessible shopping and business centre has begun.

The first phase of work, which will cost £240,000, will concentrate on the car park behind the shops. It is expected that the second phase will follow later this month, which will include demolishing the former customer care centre and rebuilding it as a purpose-built, community hub with a cafe, opportunities to rent social enterprise space and police office. Bron Afon Community Housing, Communities First and Torfaen council are working in partnership on the £1.6 million project, which has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Fund and Heads of the Valleys Programme.

One of Cwmbran’s most historic buildings will officially reopen as a Rural Heritage Centre in May.

Construction work on Llanyrafon Manor has seen the Grade-II listed building transformed, thanks to £1.6million of funding from the Rural Development Plan, the Welsh Government, CADW, the Department for Economy Transportation, the Cwmbran Operations Group and Torfaen council.

The impressive building, which has been restored according to CADW guidelines, is one of the oldest, non-religious buildings in Torfaen.

Visitors to the centre will be able to learn about the history of the manor, enjoy refreshments in the café and even observe bats that have set up home in the grounds.

Llanyrafon Manor Community Group has been extremely active throughout this project, working closely with the contractors and will take a lead when it comes to showing visitors the impressive history of the manor.

It will also help to plant and maintain the quality of the grounds that it also helped to design.

Page 4 Join Social Enterprise Network Torfaen – email janet.thomas@torfaen.gov.uk

Summit helps local businesses expand and nteworkMore than 100 people attended the third annual Social Enterprise Network Torfaen (SENT) Summit in February.

The event featured a series of presentations from speakers including John Bennett (Welsh Social Enterprise Coalition), Mark Pearson (Grow Enterprise Wales) and Berni Davies and Rebecca Griffiths (Torfaen Mind).

Each of the speakers provided motivational and fascinating insights into their experiences of developing social enterprises.

A ‘Sustainable Funding – Finding the Right Mix’ workshop run by WCVA was also held, while there were plenty of opportunities for attendees to meet exhibitors and network with other local social enterprises.

SENT represents the interests of all organisations operating in the social enterprise sector and plays an essential role in bringing together all key partners who provide services, generate wealth and contribute to a successful and sustainable social enterprise within Torfaen.

Launched two years ago, SENT has 90 members, all of whom can benefit from its annual programme of free training seminars and workshops.

To join the network or for more information, email janet.thomas@torfaen.gov.uk or telephone 01633 648078.

Community Foodie launchedA new project is helping identify, develop and support community food growing in Torfaen.

The Community Foodie scheme, run in partnership by Torfaen, the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend councils, supports people in rural wards to pilot growing local food through developing community gardens. The project offers practical, hands-on support, access to

tools and equipment, on-site training, a community growing work-pack and toolkit, and a social media portal.

Contact 01495 766644 or e-mail foodie@torfaen.gov.uk

Grants to help rural businessesA new project is helping businesses in Torfaen’s rural wards to increase land-based production and the availability, quality and range of local produce.

A Taste of Torfaen develops new ideas and ways of bringing produce to the marketplace and helps develop a sustainable supply chain.

It supports farmers, local producers, rural businesses and social enterprises to generate projects and services from the land under the following themes – food and drink, arts and craft, energy and recycling. Grants up to £3,000 are available to rural businesses to assist their current projects or researching and developing new ones.

Raspberry Catering in Henllys, Claire Scawn Jewellery and Ceramicist in Blaenavon, Pen Tranch Rare Breeds in Wainfelin and The Co-Star Partnership have all recently received grants.

For more information, contact 01495 742412 or email create@torfaen.gov.uk

Two representatives from Torfaen Mind addressed delegates at the SENT summit.

Rebecca Griffiths and Berni Davies spoke about some of the exciting initiatives that are under way as a

result of funding from the Community Economic Development programme.

Torfaen Mind has been able to appoint Rebecca as its new business development manager, to develop sustainable, income-generating activities that will support the continuation of the positive work undertaken by the charity.

This includes the work of Training In Mind (a part of Torfaen Mind), which has specialist trainers dedicated to providing information and practical advice needed to relieve mental distress experienced

by colleagues, pupils, friends, family members or associates. Torfaen Mind challenges stigmas, raises awareness and trains people to identify and minimise the detrimental effects of mental health issues. The training provided helps businesses manage stress in the workplace and ultimately reduce the costs associated with mental health problems at work.

For further information on the training courses contact 01495 768831 or rebecca.griffiths@torfaenmind.co.uk

This project has been supported by the CED Programme delivered in partnership by consortium of Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen councils. The CED Programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

socialenterprisenetworktorfaen

Client: Reach Rural PartnershipCreatives: Girl & Boy: Alexis West & Leanne Witts

Project: Community Foodie branding project

Pupils receive school keysA new £13million school in Blaenavon has been officially handed-over to Torfaen council.

The 450-place Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School will replace the existing schools and accommodate all primary school-aged children from the town. The school, which will also feature a 130-place nursery, will open its doors to pupils on 25 April.

The school, whose name was chosen following a competition for local school pupils, will have a strong community focus. It will be physically linked to community leisure facilities, including a two-court sports hall, dance studio, fitness suite and external multi-use games area.

Kier’s south wales operations director Martyn Osborne said: “Kier has worked through two winters to build Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School, Torfaen’s largest capital school project, and we were delighted to achieve completion five weeks early.

“The position, at the top of Blaenavon valley, is

beautiful and the team is extremely proud of the high quality community leisure facilities and the school building we have built here.

“We have enjoyed close and strong relationships with the local community and our Community Benefits programme, developed with the council, has aimed to help employment in the area.

“We hope all the pupils who come to Blaenavon will be excited and pleased with their new school and that it will make a real difference to their

educational experience.”

Page 5Call 01633 647377 to report suspected truants

Truant hotlineTorfaen council has launched a telephone hotline for people to report suspected truants.

The confidential number will allow local people to alert the council and partners, resulting in action being taken quickly and standards to improve as a result.

Call 01633 647377 to report suspected truants.

Digital pilot is launchedA new project that could revolutionise digital education has been launched in Torfaen.

Abersychan Secondary School is one of the first schools to pilot the learning management system (LMS) and receive laptops for all pupils aged 14-16, as part of the pioneering £14million Digital Learning Project. The project will see:

• Teachers being able to digitally access classroom resources such as lesson plans and learning materials, enabling them to share best practice and innovation

• Parents having secure online access to their children’s education resources, performance, coursework and learning materials

• All 14-16 pupils having access to digital learning anytime, anywhere and ultimately having their own wireless laptops

• A single computer system where ideas and expertise can between teachers.

The target is to have laptops, broadband access and LMS in all 11 Torfaen and Monmouthshire secondary schools before the end of the summer term. The project will raise student attainment levels at key stage 4 and is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and the councils.

For more information, call 01633 647341, email karen.padfield@torfaen.gov.uk or go to http://1416digitallearning.co.uk

Rules on employing childrenParents and businesses are being reminded that all part-time employment of children of school age is subject to council regulation.

Employment is any work done for a trade or occupation carried out for profit or in any commercial enterprise, for example working in a shop. This includes work done in a parent’s business and work for which the child is not paid. However, odd jobs at home or for neighbours, baby-sitting and other work for people are not included.

Within one week of employing a child, an employer must send the council a completed application form setting out the work the child will do.

Unlicensed children may not be recognised as employees for insurance purposes and the employer could also face prosecution.

For more information about child employment, contact 01495 766968.

Standards set to improveTorfaen council is confident there will be improvements in GCSE performance this summer, with further significant improvement in the following years.

Last year the council’s education service was assessed by the Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, Estyn, and was rated unsatisfactory. There were many positives to embrace from the report, however, with Estyn highlighting the work to tackle poor performance in schools and low attainment, in particular in Key Stage 4. It praised the huge improvements in performance across key stages 1 and 2, while Torfaen is the most improved authority for secondary school attendance in the UK. Safeguarding children and young people is also a strength of the council.

In the areas in which Estyn says the council has the capacity to improve, it has already taken actions to meet these challenges. Strong leadership at a senior level in Torfaen to initiate and manage change underpins all of this, which Estyn recognises. The council has already shown that it will not shy away from making difficult decisions and is prepared to use all of its powers to secure better outcomes for children and young people. It will continue to support and challenge secondary schools to raise outcomes for learners and this level of scrutiny is having a positive impact and helping to drive up standards.

Estyn recognises the council has already implemented many new strategies to help tackle the issues; however, these have had too little time to demonstrate measured impact. The council anticipates the impact of the support and challenge provided to secondary schools will be reflected in this summer’s exam results.

Torfaen council has taken possession of the keys to the new £8.5million Crownbridge School at Croesyceiliog.

Kier has built the new school for up to 80 children, within the existing site of Croesyceiliog Comprehensive School.

It will provide an open and flexible teaching environment for three to 19-year-olds with a range of learning and physical abilities, and include ten linked teaching areas, a multi-purpose hall and a hydrotherapy pool.

It will also have a life skills

apartment to promote self-sufficiency

Head teacher Lesley Bush said: “We are really excited about taking ownership of this new state-of-the-art building.

“We are looking forward to being able to plan even more high-quality indoor and outdoor learning activities, which will help the pupils to progress in all areas of their development.

“The new building will enhance pupils’ general well-being, confidence and self esteem.”

The school will open at the beginning of the summer term.

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pefu

ls

Oly

mpi

c Fl

ame

arri

ves

Ther

e w

ill b

e no

on

-str

eet

park

ing

on F

riday

25

May

on

Gilc

hris

t Th

omas

In

dust

rial E

stat

e

Torf

aen’

s To

rch

tim

etab

leT

he e

stim

ated

tim

ings

sho

wn

are

for

the

Flam

e C

onvo

y,

an A

ctiv

atio

n C

onvo

y w

ill b

e tr

avel

ling

arou

nd f

ive

to

seve

n m

inut

es a

head

of

this

tim

e. T

he e

ntir

e co

nvoy

will

ta

ke u

p to

30

min

utes

to

pass

.1.

01pm

– T

orch

arr

ives

at

Big

Pit

: Nat

iona

l Coa

l Mus

eum

2.16

pm –

Tor

ch le

aves

Big

Pit

: Nat

iona

l Coa

l Mus

eum

2.18

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s G

ilchr

ist

Thom

as I

ndus

tria

l Est

ate

2.25

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Es

tate

Roa

d

2.29

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s N

orth

Str

eet

2.33

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s C

hurc

h Ro

ad E

ast

2.35

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Cw

mav

on R

oad

2.40

pm –

Tor

ch d

riven

to

Abe

rsyc

han

2.48

pm –

Tor

ch a

rriv

es a

t A

bers

ycha

n at

Alb

any

Hou

ses

2.51

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s St

atio

n Ro

ad

3.02

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Sn

atch

woo

d Ro

ad

3.10

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s St

Luk

es R

oad

3.14

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s O

sbou

rne

Road

3.19

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Ri

vers

ide

3.26

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Pa

rk R

oad

3.28

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Co

mm

erci

al S

tree

t

3.29

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s H

anbu

ry R

oad

3.31

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s C

lare

nce

Stre

et

3.32

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s C

lare

nce

Road

3.35

pm –

Tor

ch d

riven

from

Roc

khill

Roa

d to

New

port

Conv

oy m

ode

– Th

is is

whe

n th

e O

lym

pic

Flam

e is

dr

iven

thr

ough

less

wel

l po

pula

ted

area

s to

reac

h th

e ne

xt c

omm

unit

y.

The

Oly

mpi

c Fl

ame

will

no

t be

on

disp

lay

Plan

ahe

ad fo

r To

rch

visi

t✔

Pl

an y

our j

ourn

eys

on t

he d

ay t

o av

oid

dela

ys

✔

If y

ou a

re li

ning

the

str

eets

to

wel

com

e th

e Fl

ame,

arr

ive

at y

our v

iew

ing

poin

t ea

rly t

o av

oid

disa

ppoi

ntm

ent

✔

Pick

you

r spo

t an

d st

ay t

here

✔

If y

ou h

ave

child

ren,

che

ck if

the

ir sc

hool

is

affe

cted

by

road

clo

sure

s or

if it

is h

oldi

ng a

n O

lym

pic-

them

ed e

vent

on

the

day

✔

Go

to w

ww

.torf

aen.

gov.

uk,

follo

w @

torf

aenc

ounc

il on

Tw

itte

r or v

isit

w

ww

.face

book

.com

/tor

faen

for t

he la

test

new

s du

ring

the

run-

up t

o th

e Fl

ame

visi

t

✔

Dre

ss s

uita

bly

✔

Don

’t fo

rget

you

r cam

era

Oly

mpi

c To

rch

Rela

yTh

e 70

-day

Oly

mpi

c To

rch

Rela

y w

ill s

tart

at

Land

’s E

nd,

Corn

wal

l on

19 M

ay.

The

Oly

mpi

c Fl

ame

will

tr

avel

an

esti

mat

ed 8

,000

m

iles

arou

nd t

he U

K gi

ving

th

ousa

nds

of c

omm

unit

ies

and

indi

vidu

als

thei

r mom

ent

to s

hine

as

the

Oly

mpi

c Fl

ame

com

es t

o a

plac

e ne

ar

them

.

BLA

ENAV

ON

Cw

mav

on

Forg

esid

e

Gar

n-yr

-Erw

B4248

B4246

A4043

A47

2

Afon Lwyd

A4043

Gar

ndiff

aith

Taly

wai

nABER

SYCH

AN

PO

NTY

PO

OL

FIN

ISH

STA

RT

Torf

aen

resi

dent

s’O

lym

pic

mem

orie

s fr

om W

embl

ey a

nd S

eoul

My

long

-sta

ndin

g m

emor

y of

the

O

lym

pics

goe

s ba

ck t

o th

e 19

48

gam

es a

t W

embl

ey S

tadi

um.

At

the

tim

e I

was

ser

ving

in t

he R

AF

and

my

uncl

e, w

ho li

ved

in M

ill H

ill, L

ondo

n,

offe

red

me

two

tick

ets

for t

he f

inal

day

of

the

ath

leti

cs. M

y fr

iend

, Cor

pora

l Geo

ff

Dyk

es, a

nd I

att

ende

d th

e fi

nal d

ay. M

y m

ain

mem

ory

was

the

con

clus

ion

of t

he

mar

atho

n. T

he w

inne

r, w

hose

nam

e I

forg

et, w

as fo

llow

ed in

to t

he s

tadi

um

by C

wm

bran

Har

rier T

hom

as R

icha

rds.

The

re w

as a

hug

e cr

esce

ndo

of n

oise

, as

the

who

le s

tadi

um s

tood

and

che

ered

as

he c

hase

d, b

ut ju

st fa

iled

to c

atch

the

win

ner.

My

othe

r mem

ory

was

Ken

Jon

es o

f B

laen

avon

win

ning

a b

ronz

e m

edal

in t

he 4

x100

ya

rds

rela

y. T

he U

K te

am c

ame

in fo

urth

pla

ce, b

ut a

sub

sequ

ent

disq

ualif

icat

ion

mov

ed

the

UK

to t

hird

pla

ce a

nd K

en h

ad h

is m

edal

.

I ha

ve a

lway

s be

en g

rate

ful t

o m

y au

nt a

nd u

ncle

for t

he w

onde

rful

Oly

mpi

c m

emor

ies.

Ray

Wat

kins

Torf

aen’

s To

ny W

illia

ms

atte

nded

the

Seo

ul O

lym

pics

in

1988

as

boxi

ng c

oach

.H

e de

scrib

es h

is t

ime

at t

he O

lym

pics

as

“a m

arve

llous

exp

erie

nce”

an

d pr

aise

s th

e ef

fort

s of

the

eig

ht B

ritis

h fi

ghte

rs –

one

of

who

m, R

ichi

e W

oodh

all,

brou

ght

hom

e a

bron

ze m

edal

. The

est

eem

ed a

nd re

spec

ted

coac

h co

ache

d at

Pon

typo

ol a

nd P

ante

g B

oxin

g C

lub

from

197

7 to

200

3,

whe

n he

was

app

oint

ed a

s th

e fi

rst

ever

Wel

sh n

atio

nal c

oach

. Ton

y he

ld

this

pos

itio

n un

til t

he e

nd o

f 20

11 w

hen

he re

tire

d.

Dur

ing

his

tim

e at

the

he

lm o

f am

ateu

r box

ing

in

Wal

es, h

e to

ok b

oxer

s of

all

ages

to

Wor

ld a

nd E

urop

ean

Cha

mpi

onsh

ips

and

trav

elle

d w

ith

Team

Wal

es t

o fi

ve

Com

mon

wea

lth

Gam

es.

Tony

was

als

o B

ritis

h co

ach

at

the

firs

t O

lym

pic

Yout

h G

ames

in

Sin

gapo

re in

201

0.

The

road

s be

low

will

be

tem

pora

rily

clos

ed o

n Fr

iday

25

May

to

acco

mm

odat

e th

e O

lym

pic

Flam

e an

d To

rchb

eare

rs. T

hey

coul

d pr

ovid

e so

me

of t

he b

est

vant

age

poin

ts fr

om w

hich

to

see

the

Flam

e, in

add

itio

n to

any

pe

dest

riani

sed

loca

tion

s al

ong

the

rout

e. T

he t

imes

giv

en a

re e

stim

ated

: Gilc

hris

t Th

omas

Ind

ustr

ial E

stat

e (1

pm-2

.40p

m),

Park

Roa

d (3

pm-3

.50p

m),

Com

mer

cial

St

reet

(3pm

-3.5

0pm

), H

anbu

ry R

oad

(3pm

-3.5

0pm

), C

lare

nce

Road

(3pm

-3.5

0pm

), C

lare

nce

Stre

et (3

pm-3

.50p

m) R

ockh

ill R

oad

(3pm

-3.5

0pm

), A

472

(3pm

-3.5

0pm

).

The

follo

win

g ro

ads

coul

d ex

perie

nce

tem

pora

ry

disr

upti

on fo

r up

to 4

5min

s on

the

aft

erno

on o

f Fr

iday

25

May

: Gar

n Ro

ad, W

est

Vie

w T

erra

ce, K

enna

rd

Cre

scen

t, N

orth

Roa

d, C

hurc

h Ro

ad, P

rince

Str

eet,

Park

G

arde

ns, P

ark

Stre

et, H

igh

Stre

et, I

vor S

tree

t, W

illia

m

Stre

et, T

on M

awr R

oad,

Ton

Maw

r Ave

nue,

Gre

enfi

eld

Plac

e, C

oed

Road

, Cap

el N

ewyd

d A

venu

e, S

hop

Road

, Ll

anov

er R

oad,

Bry

n-G

las,

Low

er S

tone

y Ro

ad, C

wm

avon

Ro

ad, S

tati

on R

oad,

Bro

ad S

tree

t, V

icar

age

Lane

, W

ater

wor

ks L

ane,

Low

er H

arpe

rs R

oad,

Old

Lan

e, H

igh

Road

, Old

Roa

d, U

nion

Str

eet,

Ow

enda

le T

erra

ce, L

ower

Le

igh

Road

, Pen

trep

oid

Road

, Sna

tchw

ood

Road

, St

Luke

s Ro

ad, H

anbu

ry R

oad,

Est

ate

Road

, Geo

rge

Stre

et,

Mer

chan

ts H

ill, H

ospi

tal R

oad,

A40

43, O

sbou

rne

Road

, M

icha

el W

ay, R

iver

side

Afo

n Ll

wyd

Clo

s, P

ark

Road

, Ro

sem

ary

Lane

, Gla

ntor

faen

Roa

d, T

rosn

ant

Stre

et,

Rock

hill

Road

, A40

42, N

ewpo

rt R

oad,

A40

51, T

re-H

erbe

rt

Road

, Edl

ogan

Way

, Tur

npik

e Ro

ad, C

aerle

on R

oad,

Cro

wn

Road

, Lla

nfre

chfa

Way

, New

port

Roa

d, A

4051

link

road

.

Add

itio

nal r

oad

clos

ures

may

nee

d to

be

impl

emen

ted.

M

arsh

alls

and

pol

ice

offi

cers

will

be

posi

tion

ed a

t bu

sy

junc

tion

s al

ong

the

rout

e.

Torf

aen’

s To

rch

tim

etab

leT

he e

stim

ated

tim

ings

sho

wn

are

for

the

Flam

e C

onvo

y,

an A

ctiv

atio

n C

onvo

y w

ill b

e tr

avel

ling

arou

nd f

ive

to

seve

n m

inut

es a

head

of

this

tim

e. T

he e

ntir

e co

nvoy

will

ta

ke u

p to

30

min

utes

to

pass

.1.

01pm

– T

orch

arr

ives

at

Big

Pit

: Nat

iona

l Coa

l Mus

eum

2.16

pm –

Tor

ch le

aves

Big

Pit

: Nat

iona

l Coa

l Mus

eum

2.18

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s G

ilchr

ist

Thom

as I

ndus

tria

l Est

ate

2.25

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Es

tate

Roa

d

2.29

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s N

orth

Str

eet

2.33

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s C

hurc

h Ro

ad E

ast

2.35

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Cw

mav

on R

oad

2.40

pm –

Tor

ch d

riven

to

Abe

rsyc

han

2.48

pm –

Tor

ch a

rriv

es a

t A

bers

ycha

n at

Alb

any

Hou

ses

2.51

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s St

atio

n Ro

ad

3.02

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Sn

atch

woo

d Ro

ad

3.10

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s St

Luk

es R

oad

3.14

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s O

sbou

rne

Road

3.19

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Ri

vers

ide

3.26

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Pa

rk R

oad

3.28

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s Co

mm

erci

al S

tree

t

3.29

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s H

anbu

ry R

oad

3.31

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s C

lare

nce

Stre

et

3.32

pm –

Tor

ch e

nter

s C

lare

nce

Road

3.35

pm –

Tor

ch d

riven

from

Roc

khill

Roa

d to

New

port

Conv

oy m

ode

– Th

is is

whe

n th

e O

lym

pic

Flam

e is

dr

iven

thr

ough

less

wel

l po

pula

ted

area

s to

reac

h th

e ne

xt c

omm

unit

y.

The

Oly

mpi

c Fl

ame

will

no

t be

on

disp

lay

Plan

ahe

ad fo

r To

rch

visi

t✔

Pl

an y

our j

ourn

eys

on t

he d

ay t

o av

oid

dela

ys

✔

If y

ou a

re li

ning

the

str

eets

to

wel

com

e th

e Fl

ame,

arr

ive

at y

our v

iew

ing

poin

t ea

rly t

o av

oid

disa

ppoi

ntm

ent

✔

Pick

you

r spo

t an

d st

ay t

here

✔

If y

ou h

ave

child

ren,

che

ck if

the

ir sc

hool

is

affe

cted

by

road

clo

sure

s or

if it

is h

oldi

ng a

n O

lym

pic-

them

ed e

vent

on

the

day

✔

Go

to w

ww

.torf

aen.

gov.

uk,

follo

w @

torf

aenc

ounc

il on

Tw

itte

r or v

isit

w

ww

.face

book

.com

/tor

faen

for t

he la

test

new

s du

ring

the

run-

up t

o th

e Fl

ame

visi

t

✔

Dre

ss s

uita

bly

✔

Don

’t fo

rget

you

r cam

era

Her

e ar

e tw

o of

Tor

faen

’s in

spir

atio

nal T

orch

bear

ers,

who

will

car

ry

the

Flam

e to

cel

ebra

te t

heir

per

sona

l ach

ieve

men

ts a

nd c

ontr

ibut

ions

to

the

ir lo

cal c

omm

unit

y:

Ann

e Sh

ingl

er w

as d

iagn

osed

wit

h br

east

can

cer

in 2

002,

age

d 32

, and

had

sur

gery

fo

llow

ed b

y fi

ve m

onth

s of

che

mot

hera

py a

nd t

wo

year

s of

hor

mon

e th

erap

y.

Four

yea

rs o

n a

recu

rren

ce o

f th

e pr

imar

y tu

mou

r was

dia

gnos

ed. I

n 20

08, A

nne

was

tol

d sh

e ha

d se

cond

ary

canc

er in

bot

h lu

ngs

and

in

seve

ral l

ymph

nod

es, h

er li

fe e

xpec

tanc

y w

ould

be

seve

rely

sho

rten

ed

and

ther

e w

as n

o cu

re. F

ollo

win

g ni

ne m

onth

s of

che

mot

hera

py a

nd

cont

inue

d ho

rmon

e th

erap

y, re

cent

sca

ns h

ave

show

n th

at A

nne’

s ca

ncer

is n

ot c

urre

ntly

act

ive.

Des

pite

her

dai

ly c

halle

nges

and

man

y si

de e

ffec

ts o

f tr

eatm

ent,

insp

irati

onal

Ann

e is

pas

sion

ate

to ra

ise

awar

enes

s of

sec

onda

ry

brea

st c

ance

r and

cam

paig

ns fo

r mor

e su

ppor

t. Sh

e ha

s m

et w

ith

seni

or p

olit

icia

ns, s

poke

n at

eve

nts

and

even

mod

elle

d at

the

sp

ecta

cula

r Bre

ast

Canc

er C

are

Card

iff

Fash

ion

Show

in 2

010.

Dav

id C

haff

ey is

an

insp

irat

iona

l, 28

-yea

r-ol

d, w

ho c

onst

antl

y ra

ises

mon

ey f

or c

hari

ty.

Des

pite

losi

ng h

is s

ight

whe

n he

was

sev

en a

nd h

avin

g re

cent

ly u

nder

gone

a

hear

t tr

ansp

lant

, he

help

s ch

arit

ies

such

as

Gui

de D

ogs

for t

he B

lind,

V

icti

m S

uppo

rt a

nd S

t Jo

hns

Am

bula

nce.

Aft

er t

he t

rans

plan

t, he

had

to

lear

n ho

w t

o w

alk

agai

n be

caus

e hi

s m

uscl

es b

ecam

e so

wea

k; h

owev

er, h

e co

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Cwmbran bowls star Marion Purcell represents

both Torfaen and Wales.Her success has been aided by

a series of Mic Morris grants, as she explains: “I have been playing

bowls for 11 years and have been applying for Mic Morris grants for the last three years. They have been really helpful to me. I play all over Wales, so they help cover travelling and practicing costs. I would definitely encourage other people to take up the sport of bowls – it is a very competitive sport and it’s very sociable. I would also

encourage other local sportsmen and women to apply for Mic

Morris grants to help them achieve their full potential.”

Cwmbran’s Theo Wharton has just signed his first professional football contract with Cardiff City, having made his first appearance for the Bluebirds as a 70th-minute substitute in the 4-2 FA Cup defeat at West Brom in January.

Seventeen-year-old Theo, who has previously played for Race and Coed Eva, joined Cardiff three years ago and has previously benefited from Mic Morris grants.

Theo said: “The Mic Morris grant was a welcome boost and helped with essentials such as contact lenses, shin pads and travelling expenses. I’m delighted to have signed my first professional contract. I’m going to get my head down and try to push into the first team more and more next season. Hopefully, I can get a good run of games and push on from there.”

Theo’s 13-year-old brother Ellis is the Welsh 200m champion and has also received Mic Morris grants to help cover the costs of running spikes and sports nutrition.

Page 8 Apply for a community chest grant today, call 01633 628936

Mic Morris grants help local sports stars triumphGrants are available to help Torfaen athletes reach their full potential.

The Mic Morris Memorial Sporting Trust was set up by Gwent Police and Torfaen Borough Council in memory of Mic Morris, a policeman and British International middle distance runner from Pontypool,

who died at the age of 25 during a training run in 1983.

The trust was set-up to raise money for Torfaen’s talented sports people and for the past 29 years been able to provide aspiring sports people with funding to assist them with their chosen sport. It is specifically for people involved in a range

of different sports who currently perform, train or compete at a national level and who reside in Torfaen. The next closing date for applications is 28 May.

For more information, call Christine Philpott on 01495 762200.

IN BRIEFOver-50s supportTorfaen residents aged 50 or over can get a free support service in their own home to help them live independently. Bron Afon’s Supported Living Service has been awarded the contract from Torfaen’s Supporting People. The free support service started this month and will be provided to 370 people in the area. The service is designed to provide assistance and advice enabling people to gain or improve their skills and opportunities to make positive changes to their lives. One major aspect of the service is to support people to overcome barriers, which may impact their ability to live independently. The service is available to anyone that lives in Torfaen. You do not have to be a Bron Afon tenant. For more information, call 01633 620480 or email supportedliving@bronafon.org.uk

Diabetes support groupCwmbran Diabetes Voluntary Support Group is holding a series of events. On 11 April, there will be a trip to Swansea market and Cardiff Bay, while on 9 May visitors from Blaenavon Cheddar Company will attend the meeting. The group meets at the RAFA Club on Greenhill Road, Forgehammer, Cwmbran, NP44 3DQ on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. For more information, contact Val Carnegie on 01633 872553.

Open Mic nightsTorfaen Open Mic meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Panteg House, Griffithstown. The community, not-for-profit group allows writers and musicians to perform their work. Artists and photographers can display their work during the evening and explain it to members. Search for Torfaen Open Mic on Facebook or email mrsm.gurney@sky.com for more information.

Qigong group gains grantTorfaen residents can enjoy Qigong sessions at Widdershins Centre, Sebastopol, thanks in part to a Community Chest grant.

Since 1999, almost £490,000 of grants have been awarded in Torfaen, with 48 grants given out last year. The local Qigong sessions have been running for three years and benefitted from a grant to cover instructor fees, facilities hire and equipment.

Organiser Sue Weston said: “Qigong is a powerful type of health exercise, which has been practiced for centuries. It is based on gentle movements, specifically designed to benefit health. It is easy to learn and enjoyable to do. Even a few minutes of practice can have an invigorating and rejuvenating effect.”

Regular participant Jennifer Walby agrees: “I had problems with my back and I thought it might help. It’s been marvellous. Sue is great and really encourages you.”

Another regular at the sessions is Grace Quantock. She has osteoporosis and

has found the Qigong sessions beneficial to her health. She explained: “It has been absolutely fabulous. The sessions have been a lifeline to me and my osteopath is really pleased with my progress.

“I was nervous when I first came, but I have made so many friends. Everyone has been really supportive.”

The Sports Council for Wales and National Lottery-funded Community Chest scheme is designed to support the development of sport and encourage physical activity as a whole. It is open to any group wishing to organise activities aimed at getting more people, more active, more often, regardless of age. Contact 01633 628936 or christine.philpott@torfaen.gov.uk for details.

Summer events in TorfaenPut a marker in your diary, as Torfaen will be the place to be this summer.

Torfaen will host a series of festivals and celebrations across the borough, starting on Saturday 9 June with Cwmbran Big Event.

This is the second year of this celebration of sport and culture, which will ensure your summer celebrations go off with a bang.

The World Heritage Day celebrations in Blaenavon follow three weeks later on Saturday 30 June, with the Garn Lakes Country Fayre taking place on the following day. Pontypool’s carnival procession on Saturday 14 July is guaranteed to be a lively and colourful success, with thousands of people descending on Pontypool Park for another spectacular event.

With so many events taking place in Torfaen, you are guaranteed to have a summer you’ll never forget.

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Race for Life in CwmbranSunday 24 June will see Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life back in Cwmbran.

This will be the event’s 11th year in Cwmbran and it is hoped 1,900 women will participate. Last year, women from across Torfaen travelled to Northfields Recreation Ground to raise £88,684 for life-saving research into cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an amazing women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into 200 types of cancer – helping men, women and children across Wales survive. Race for Life is non-competitive. Women can choose whether to walk, jog or run the 5k route. Most are able to walk 5k in an hour. All women are welcome. To enter, call 0871 641 1111 or go to www.raceforlife.org.uk

Page 9Contact Torfaen Register Office on 01495 742132

Cwmbran choir flies the flag for WalesCwmbran choir New Harmony Singers upheld south Wales’ proud tradition of producing first-class choirs, when it took on seven other choirs at a grand competition in Torquay.

Held on the day Wales played England in the Six Nations and featuring choirs from both countries, the choir picked up the third place prize, adding to a recent competition success in Bournemouth, where it won the operatic and show tunes class.

The choir was formed in 1979, with 16 people, and still has original members under the continuing baton of musical director Pam Guy and

accompanist Heather Langdon. There are now more than 50 members of all ages.

Pam Guy said: “We are a mixed voices choir and we have always aimed to entertain. But we like to think we can compete with the best in our class for quality.”

The choir’s next concert will be with Blaenavon Male Voice Choir on Saturday 12 May at Millennium Hall in Garndiffaith.

For further information, email concerts@newharmonysingers.com, go to www.newharmonysingers.com or call Penny James on 01633 791230.

National survey launchedThe Welsh Government has launched a new National Survey.

The National Survey for Wales is a key source of information on people’s views about a wide range of issues affecting them and their local area. This information can only come from directly asking people living in Wales. The study covers a range of topics, including public services, local area, safety and well-being.

Throughout 2012, the Welsh Government will be writing to 600 local households to say that they have been selected at random to take part in the National Survey for Wales. An interviewer will then visit each household and randomly select one adult in the household to take part in a short interview.

TNS-BMRB and Beaufort Research Ltd are carrying out the survey interviews. All interviewers carry a Market Research Society Interviewer Identity Card and you should not let anyone into your home if they do not show you this card. For more information, email surveys@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

What’s your big idea?If you want to start a business or community project, Melin Homes may be able to help.

It offers grants up to £2,400 to help people living in Torfaen. To qualify, you must be aged 16-25, out of work, or working under 16 hours a week and not on any work programme.

Participation is free and you will earn a qualification in Exploring Enterprise. Successful applicants will work with Melin and the Prince’s Trust for one week to help develop their idea.

Once their project is up and running, they will continue to receive support for the following three months.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to turn your big idea into reality, send a short video pitch on your mobile to stuart.baldwin@melinhomes.co.uk or upload it at www.facebook.com/melinhomes

Residents resurface roadsA series of rear lanes have been resurfaced in Wainfelin.

The lanes had uneven surfaces and potholes, which led to a series of problems, in particular an increased number of parked cars along the main road.

To tackle this, the Wainfelin Ward Residents Association, in partnership with Torfaen council, organised for residents to lay road chippings, which were compacted down to form a new surface.

The residents are very pleased with what they have achieved and for improving their local environment.

This unique project has involved neighbours helping each other and those unable to help physically did so in other ways, such as making tea.

The condition of the lanes has been greatly improved; they are now functional, clean and accessible.

The improvements were funded by the Welsh Government’s Tidy Towns scheme.

Special days made unforgettableTorfaen Register Office has two ceremony rooms available to help make your special day unforgettable.

Located in the listed Old Town Hall part of the Civic Centre, Pontypool, one offers an intimate setting for up to 12 guests, while for larger weddings the second room seats up to 70 guests.

The registrars will help make your day a special and memorable occasion. You may wish to have a simple ceremony, or you may choose to develop your own ceremony. You may add pieces of poetry or prose to the ceremony, or choose to have a short musical interlude.

Whatever your arrangements, whatever your choice, Torfaen Register Office will help ensure your wedding is carried out both in accordance with the law and, just as importantly, your wishes.

Ceremonies at Torfaen Register Office are held Monday to Saturday. However, there are also other venues in Torfaen where your wedding ceremony can be held – Greenmeadow Golf Club, the Parkway Hotel and Garn Millennium Hall.

The Register Office is not just about weddings and civil partnerships, however, it is also the perfect venue for the renewal of vows, naming and commitment ceremonies.

Whatever ceremony you choose, Torfaen registrars will work with you to make your special day one you will cherish and remember

forever.

For more information, contact 01495 742132 or registrars@torfaen.gov.uk

New council complaints procedureTorfaen council has adopted a new complaints procedure.

The Welsh Government’s Model Concerns and Complaints Policy for public service providers is now used by Torfaen council, but any complaints regarding social care will still be addressed via the statutory social care complaints procedure.

If you are contacting the council for the first time – for example, reporting a faulty street light – then the policy doesn’t apply.

If you make a request for a service but are not happy with the response, you will then be able to make your concern known.

The procedure will be a two-stage process, stage one being an informal resolution within 10 working days and stage two a formal internal investigation within 20 working days.

If you remain dissatisfied you have the option of escalating your complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

To make a complaint to Torfaen council, you can:

• call 01495 762200

• fill in a form at www.torfaen.gov.uk

• email corporatecomplaints@torfaen.gov.uk

• fax 01495 766331

• write to Corporate Complaints Officer, Torfaen County Borough Council, Glantorfaen Road, Civic Centre, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 6YB.

Volunteers needed to help Young Dragons roar in their community

Page 10 To report crime call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

42 people arrested after local burglary operationA three-month police operation to reduce numbers of burglaries in Torfaen resulted in 42 arrests.

A dedicated team of 11 police officers and detectives launched Operation Monnow to halt a steady rise in burglary numbers in the borough.

Of the 42 suspects arrested, 27 were charged with burglary and theft offences and either bailed or remanded in custody before appearing in court. The others were bailed pending further enquiries.

The Operation Monnow team investigated burglaries in the area, targeted known offenders and educated residents on how to prevent themselves from becoming victims of burglary.

Crime figures show the arrests, combined with targeted patrols, significantly reduced the numbers of burglaries happening in Torfaen.

Since the burglary team was set up in October, the monthly

amount of burglaries fell by 62 per cent and officers expect the figures to fall further.

The head of neighbourhood policing in Torfaen, Chief Inspector Steve Corcoran, said: “Burglary numbers in Torfaen have been steadily falling year-on-year due to the hard work of our officers and the good relationships they have with local communities.

“However, we identified a spike in burglary numbers towards the end of the summer last year and acted quickly to put this proactive operation together.”

Residents are reminded to keep their homes secure at all times and report anything suspicious, no matter how small, to Gwent Police.

One third of burglaries in Gwent are committed when residents have left doors or windows open or unlocked.

Anyone with information on burglaries should call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Drug raids in PontypoolPolice in Pontypool prosecuted six people for drugs offences after raiding five addresses in the last two weeks of January.

Pontypool Neighbourhood Policing Team executed drugs warrants on five properties in Trevethin, Penygarn and Pontnewynydd after receiving information from members of the local community.

About 20 officers were involved in the five raids, including officers who are specially trained to force entry into properties.

Quantities of cannabis and amphetamines were discovered at all of the addresses. Two men and two women were given £80 fixed penalty fines for possession of a Class B drug and one man received a formal caution.

The other man was arrested for drug cultivation and possession with intent to supply and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Mike Pheasant, of Pontypool neighbourhood policing team, said: “We took swift action after receiving information from the community and we want people to be assured that if they have concerns about a problem, and they tell us, we will deal with it. Drugs ruin lives and cause disharmony in communities. We will take strong action against anyone who uses or deals drugs in this area.”

Anyone with information on drug crime can call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Truancy patrol catches pupils skipping schoolTruancy patrols in Torfaen caught 12 teenagers skipping school recently.

Officers from Pontypool neighbourhood policing team and education welfare officers from Torfaen council joined forces to look for youngsters skipping school.

PC Andrew Cleaton, crime and disorder reduction officer for Pontypool, said: “We caught a number of pupils who should have been in school.

“The truanting pupils were taken back to their schools and letters were sent to their parents reminding them of their responsibilities.”

Research shows that children who attend school regularly are likely to be more successful than those who frequently miss school.

A pupil who misses a day of school each week misses the equivalent of two years in their school life, leading to huge gaps in their knowledge base that become difficult to fill.

Surveys indicate that 70 per cent of children who do not attend school regularly admit to committing at least one criminal offence.

If you have information on truancy or anti-social behaviour, contact Gwent Police on 101.

Could you volunteer to help run local children and young people’s groups in Gwent?

Young Dragons – Dreigiau Ifanc aims to increase opportunities for young people to engage in structured activities that benefit local communities.

The partnership involves collaboration between uniformed youth organisations (Scouts, Girlguiding, St John Ambulance, Military Cadets, Police Cadets, Fire Cadets, Boys and Girls Brigade), council youth

services and the department of education. All these groups offer young people the chance to develop and learn while having fun.

At the same time, they gain transferrable life skills that will ultimately improve their employability.

Sergeant Chris O’Driscoll, partnership sergeant for Monmouthshire local policing unit, said: “We need adult volunteers to help lead the groups, as well as affordable premises to accommodate them.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to build a sustainable structure for young people in Gwent to engage in for the foreseeable future, giving them vital life skills and experiences.”

Full training will be given and, in some cases, you will have the option to undertake an accredited leadership qualification.

If you think you can help, contact christopher.o’driscoll@gwent.pnn.police.uk

For more information on the scheme, visit www.youngdragons.org.uk

Page 11To find out about fostering in Torfaen telephone 01495 766699

NEWS IN BRIEFFoster carers needed for challenging young people

Torfaen council needs full-time foster carers to support young people with particularly challenging behaviour. The Multi-disciplinary Intervention Support Team (MIST) brings together professionals from social services, education and health, and is currently managed by Action for Children. MIST therapeutic carers earn between £17,000-£22,000 and, in addition, generous weekly maintenance grants are paid in respect of the young person placed. Foster carers will have 24-hour support and receive comprehensive training. For more information, call 01495 766699.

Charity events for St David’s FoundationSt David’s Foundation is holding a series of fundraising events.On Sunday 13 May, a five-mile Severn Bridge walk leaves Bulwark in Chepstow. Join qualified Zumba instructors and raise funds during a charity Zumbathon at 10am-12pm on Sunday 20 May at Cwmbran Stadium. A 26-mile bike ride from Blaenavon to Cwmcarn will take place on Sunday 24 June at 10am. This bike ride is mainly off road and designed for all levels of fitness. It is not a race, it can be taken at your own pace. The Three Peaks of Wales event will take place on Saturday 30 June, when walkers will trek Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan in one day. It is designed for moderate to experienced walkers. Meanwhile, a Midnight Stars Walk will take place on Friday 6 July from Cwmbran Stadium at 10pm. For more information, visit www.stdavidsfoundation.co.uk or call 01633 271364.

Illegal alcohol sale prosecutionAbergavenny Magistrates fined Torfaen man Julian Evans for allowing his staff to sell alcohol to a 16-year-old test purchase volunteer. Julian Evans pleaded guilty by post at Abergavenny Magistrates and was fined £230, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £15 after allowing alcohol to be sold to a test purchase volunteer at the Castle Hotel, Blaenavon. Mr Evans had previously been visited on numerous occasions by officers from Torfaen trading standards, licensing and Gwent police who offered help and guidance to comply with the law, but was still found to be selling to under-18s. These investigations were part of an on-going programme by the council and police, aimed at tackling the problem of underage sales in Torfaen. For more information, call 01633 647624.

Torfaen pupils are consumer championsA team of pupils from St Albans RC High School again took the Torfaen Young Consumers of the Year award. In a hotly contested final at County Hall, the winning pupils beat teams from Fairwater High, West Monmouth and Abersychan schools. The team of four pupils – Jack McSweeney, Lewis Pheasant, Elinor Jones and Jordan Parsons – had to show off their knowledge on a range of subjects including consumer law, health and social responsibility, food, safety, environment, legal matters, finance and Europe. They went on to represent Torfaen in both the Greater Gwent Challenge and the Welsh finals of the competition. The competition is organised nationally by the Trading Standards Institute and locally by Torfaen council’s trading standards team.

Free cavity wall insulation is availableLocal residents can benefit from free loft and cavity wall insulation. Torfaen council is working with A&M Insulations Ltd to offer this scheme to private homeowners, subject to survey and technical suitability. You could save up to £310 a year on your heating bills by installing loft and cavity wall insulation and benefit from a warmer home. To find out more about this unique offer, call A&M Insulations on 0800 288 8182. You can find out more about the benefits of home insulation, plus read energy saving tips, at www.torfaenhomes.co.uk

Making a huge difference to Torfaen children’s livesWould you be willing to help a vulnerable young person get through a traumatic time in their life?

If so, Torfaen council needs local people to put themselves forward as potential foster parents.

Christine Keating started fostering last year and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience: “Although there are naturally challenges to be met, I have found the experience highly rewarding,” she said.

“I thought being single would be a problem, but it wasn’t, and I would definitely encourage other people to consider becoming foster parents.”

Christine has already looked after nine children, two of whom are now permanently in her care. She said: “It’s not an easy ride, but if your heart is in it, it can be really good. With the children I have fostered, I have

helped them develop and grow as people. It can be rewarding.”

On-going support and advice is available to carers should they have any issues, while regular training opportunities are always on offer.

“There is always someone on the end of the phone, who can listen to you,” Chris said. “We also have mentors – fellow foster carers with years of experience who we call shout buddies – who we can share experiences with, seek advise from or just let off some steam with. It is a big help.”

There are currently about 140 carers in Torfaen; however, more people are always needed to

come forward.

There are no restrictions; however, all applicants are subject to an advanced police check. Foster carers receive generous financial support for their work.

Christine said: “Anyone who is interested in fostering should definitely give it a crack. It’s

not the easiest job in the world, but the children need someone to look after them. If we could get more carers, we could offer the children more stability. They can be

really loving kids and you can make a

huge difference to their lives.”

For more information on fostering in Torfaen, telephone 01495 766699.

Truancy patrol catches pupils skipping schoolResearch shows that children who attend school

regularly are likely to be more successful than those who frequently miss school.

A pupil who misses a day of school each week misses the equivalent of two years in their school life, leading to huge gaps in their knowledge base that become difficult to fill.

Surveys indicate that 70 per cent of children who do not attend school regularly admit to committing at least one criminal offence.

If you have information on truancy or anti-social behaviour, contact Gwent Police on 101.

Gardening project growsA volunteer befriending scheme run by a local housing organisation has launched a new gardening project.

The Earthworks project has been set up by Bron Afon Community Housing’s Aspire service in partnership with Penygarn and St Cadocs Community First team. It is based at two sites at the Penygarn allotments. Ten Aspire volunteers, Bron Afon staff and local participants aim to grow vegetables, salads and herbs to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Volunteer coordinator Rachel Knight said: “We would like to encourage new members to join the group who are not only interested in growing vegetables but who would like to maybe plant flowers, sit and sketch the beautiful scenery, bird watch, or just come along to sit and have a cup of tea and a chat. We will be inviting people aged 50 and over, who have got involved with Aspire and our befrienders, to come along and enjoy a meal with food produced from the allotments.”

James Rides, volunteer with Aspire, said: “I really love working on the allotments. My wife even comes along on a Sunday morning, which gives us a chance to spend quality time together and keep fit and healthy at the same time.”

For more information, call 01633 620238 or 01633 620340.

Appeals panel needs volunteersTorfaen council needs more volunteers to sit on education admission and exclusion appeal panels.

These panels ensure a fair and independent hearing for people who are not satisfied with the council’s decision to refuse a child a place at a particular school and to hear appeals against school exclusions.

No formal qualifications are needed, but you should be a good listener and communicator and have sensitivity to parents’ concerns. You will need to be impartial, objective, sensitive, decisive and keen to contribute.

Membership is voluntary, with training being provided and the payment of any travel expenses incurred. Appeals are scheduled throughout the year and are held during office hours.

To get involved, call 01495 766294 or email dominique.redman@torfaen.gov.uk

Page 12 Help paying your council tax is available from 01495 772200

COUNCIL TAX 2012/13

ON AVERAGE,WASTE DISPOSAL,COLLECTION ANDRECYCLING COSTS£2.72 PER WEEK,PER DWELLING

how thebudget ismade up

Total to be met from Council Tax

Government Grants

Customer & Client Receipts

Other Funding & Contributions

Revenue Support Grant

National Non-Domestic Rates

Estimated costEstimated cost

of council ser�ices

2012/13

12%

25%

7%

6%

41%

9%

How the budget is made up* I

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es

Council Tax 2012/13Estimated cost of council services

10 monthlypayments

Council taxonly 12% of budget!

PAY BY CASH OR CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS - at any of the Customer Care centres or Call Torfaen: 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday on 01495 766002 or the Automated Telephone Payment Line: 08458 500855. This service is available 24/7.PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT - contact Customer CarePAY BY INTERNET - totally secure, quick and easy to use. Go to www.torfaen.gov.uk and select pay online.PAY BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER - cross and make payable to Torfaen

County Borough Council. Please write your reference number on the back and send to Civic Centre, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 6YB.

The council’s 2012/13

budget reflects its

vision to deliver high quality

services at the best possible value

in what is an extremely difficult

funding environment for the public

sector.

It’s been another challenging

budget for Torfaen with the second

year on year cash reduction in

its Welsh Government funding

meaning it is getting £2 million less

than it was in 2010/11.

Despite this, it has been determined

to not let this affect the funding of

key services. It is increasing money

for schools, frontline social care and

waste – all funded by reductions in

other services. It has also increased

council tax by 2.35 per cent this

year - an average increase of £22.39

per year for band D homes.

Raising tax is not something it

takes lightly, but it is a vital source

of income to ensure it delivers

a balanced budget. This will

add an extra £700,000 to the

council’s budget.

It is the fifth year in row that

it has reduced its level of

increase – down from 2.99 per

cent last year.

Value pledge

COUNCIL TAX 2012/13

Less than50p per weekincrease for

band Dhomes*

*excluding precepts

Expenditure onservices £

Income fromservices £

Netexpenditure £-(less) =

General Fund Services 2011/12 2012/13 2011/12 2012/13 2011/12 2012/13

Education Services 84,178,021 83,281,152 (19,603,302) (18,291,406) 64,574,719 64,989,746

Social Care & Housing 53,587,586 55,787,347 (14,053,717) (15,373,235) 39,533,869 40,414,112

Neighbourhood Services 30,912,259 28,401,514 (12,914,736) (10,026,107) 17,997,523 18,375,407

Planning & Public Protection 3,322,824 3,291,409 (962,498) (916,324) 2,360,326 2,375,085

Public Services Support Unit 4,668,580 4,555,745 (3,756,548) (3,668,316) 912,032 887,429

Technology Led Transformation 3,390,742 3,328,342 (221,400) (159,000) 3,169,342 3,169,342

Resources 43,790,483 42,625,951 (36,960,997) (36,550,029) 6,829,486 6,075,922

Community Services 15,529,150 12,948,546 (13,176,349) (10,637,913) 2,352,801 2,310,633

Deputy Chief Executives 5,365,432 4,711,705 (907,493) (375,255) 4,457,939 4,336,450

Capital Financing & Other Costs 19,636,405 19,036,721 (2,773,065) (2,548,543) 16,863,340 16,488,178

SERVICE TOTAL 264,381,482 257,968,432 (105,330,105) (98,546,128) 159,051,377 159,422,304

Plus precepts from:

Community councils 1,207,393 1,230,127

Gwent Police authority 5,804,457 5,976,908

Torfaen budget requirement 166,063,227 166,629,339

Sources of funding:

National non-domestic rates (21,200,831) (24,440,376)

Revenue support grant (108,446,521) (104,795,278)

Funded by council tax 36,415,875 37,393,685

£ amountprecepted2011/12

£ amountprecepted2012/13

% increasecomparison

11/12 to 12/13

Gwent Police Authority 5,804,457 5,976,908 2.97%

Community Councils

Cwmbran 493,611 514,363 4.2%

Pontypool 526,104 527,719 0.3%

Blaenavon 63,200 63,200 0.0%

Henllys 24,381 24,381 0.0%

Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon 85,000 85,000 0.0%

Ponthir 15,097 15,464 2.4%

1,207,393 1,230,127 1.88%

Totals £7,011,850 £7,207,035 2.78%

COUNCIL TAX 2012/13

COUNCIL TAX

ALSO GOES TO

OTHER SERVICES

INCLUDING THE

POLICE, FIRE

SERVICE AND

OTHERS

COUNCIL TAX 2012/13

A ‘PRECEPT’ IS ANANNUAL SUM THATORGANISATIONS

CHARGE FOR THEIRSERVICES AND

TORFAEN COUNCILCOLLECTS ON THEIR

BEHALF. THIS ISADDED TO YOUR

COUNCIL TAX BILL

The total amount demanded in council tax by each community area in each band is shown below

BandA

BandB

BandC

BandD

BandE

BandF

BandG

BandH

BandI

Cwmbran 808.05 942.72 1,077.40 1,212.07 1,481.42 1,750.77 2,020.12 2,424.14 2,828.16

Pontypool 807.55 942.14 1,076.73 1,211.32 1,480.50 1,749.69 2,018.87 2,422.64 2,826.41

Blaenavon 802.81 936.61 1,070.41 1,204.21 1,471.81 1,739.42 2,007.02 2,408.42 2,809.82

Henllys 793.56 925.82 1,058.08 1,190.34 1,454.86 1,719.39 1,983.90 2,380.68 2,777.46

Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon

795.80 928.44 1,061.07 1,193.70 1,458.96 1,724.24 1,989.50 2,387.40 2,785.30

Ponthir 793.09 925.27 1,057.45 1,189.63 1,453.99 1,718.36 1,982.72 2,379.26 2,775.80

counciltax

counciltax

counciltax

demanddemanddemand

2012/13Torfaen County Borough Council

The council needs to keep reserves and provisions to supplement its funding over financial years - these funds can be called upon in unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather or set aside for a specific purpose such as asset management.

This table sets out the authority’s actual and anticipated positions.

Reserve31/03/2011

(actual)£m

31/03/2012(estimate)

£m

General Fund 4.968 5.30

Service Specific Reserves 7.399 4.80

Insurance (including provision) 3.647 3.20

Job evaluation 1.367 0.60

Revenue Contribution to Capital 1.327 0.00

Total 18.708 13.90

School Balances 2.658 2.312

COUNCIL TAX 2012/13Our values..Supportive,Fair,Effective

WAYS TO PAY

Millions of pounds of council tax benefit go unclaimed every year. If you are on a low income you may be eligible for council tax benefit. Call free on 0800 652 5422. If you think you may be eligible for a council tax discount visit one of the Customer Care centres, email revs&bens@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01495 762200