VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL Resident Newsletter
Welcome to the latest issue of the Castleland Renewal Area Resident Newsletter designed to provide residents with the most up to date and factual information on the area’s renewal programme.
Inside this issue:
• Consultation Results
• Park Make-over
• Welsh sessions
• Arbed progress
• Warm Wales update
• Alley gates
• Regeneration projects
• Want2Work plans
• Welfare Reforms
• Empty properties
• Newydd developments
• Barry Cluster projects Issue 5 If you would like any further information about the Castleland Renewal Area please visit the Castleland Renewal Area Office at 198 Holton Road, Barry or contact the office on 01446 / 709422
CastlelandCastleland RenewalRenewal AreaArea OfficeOffice ConsultationConsultation ResultsResults InformationInformation
ResidentsResidents SurveySurvey Castleland Renewal Area Office 198 Holton Road, Barry, Vale of The Christmas 2012 edition of the Castleland Renewal Area Newsletter included a Glamorgan. CF63 4HN one page consultation questionnaire, aimed at obtaining current opinion on resident priorities for the area, together with feedback on progress made to date, a potential Tel. No. 01446 / 709422 home loans scheme and the Welsh Government’s “arbed 2 ERDF” programme. This information was required in order to confirm that our action plan meets the Opening Hours needs and expectations of the residents of the area. From the thirty three Mon: Closed completed questionnaires, the following data has been collected: Tues: 9am-12.30pm Wed: 9am-12.30pm Residents Survey Thurs: 9am-12.30pm 1.30pm-5pm Fri: 9am-12.30pm 33 Closed for Easter from 29 th March until 2 nd April 2013. 22 Number 11 31 24 15 30
Please Number of Responses 0 call into the Had positive Opportunity for Take part in Take advantage impact on the residents to give home loan of Arbed funding Office and ask area views scheme about our major Survey Statements Facelifting Project
in the Castleland Ward and meet TopTop 1010 PrioritiesPriorities the Staff Team. The condition and appearance of boundary walls and forecourts. Improvements to on street parking. Need for one-way system in some streets. Condition of pavements. If you require a Welsh version of this Newsletter, then please contact us. Dog fouling, litter and fly-tipping. Os hoffech gael y cylchlythyr hwn yn Gymraeg y mae croeso i chi gysylltu a ni. Need for traffic calming measures. Condition of children’s play areas. Poor insulation values to solid wall properties. Vacant properties on Upper Holton Road. Approach to Barry Dock Station.
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CoronationCoronation StreetStreet ParkPark MakeMake --overover
Open Space Update
Improvement work at the Coronation Street Open Space commenced in the 1st week of March. The planned work included new tree and shrub planting and the installation of new DON’T MISS OUT! – SIGN UP NOW seating along with repairs to railings and resurfacing of paths. The work was funded by the
Welsh Government under their, “Tranquil Greener and Cleaner Places” project fund. PHASE 1 – Cyril Street, Morgan Street, Jewel Street, Coigne Terrace, Burlington Street, Robert Street, Wilfred Street, Hill Street
The Castleland Renewal Area and arbed Phase 2 ERDF teams are delighted to tell you that the arbed energy efficiency improvements are now being delivered to householders. Over 30 householders in phase 1 have benefitted from a range of measures including full central heating systems, voltage optimisers (which reduce electricity costs by up to 12%) and new heating controls and radiators. This Welsh Government and European funded scheme is not dependent on residents being on any benefits and is totally free of charge . The works are being completed by DnA Heating who have worked with the Vale of Glamorgan on their Coronation Street Open Space New Tree Planting housing stock for many years.
Mrs B of Jewel Street has benefitted from a complete new heating system, new electricity consumer unit and voltage optimiser. These WelshWelsh SessionsSessions works, which could cost over £3,500 have been installed free of charge
and are already saving money on her gas and electric bills. Mrs B told Coffee and a chat us,
Coffi a chlonc “Our old boiler was over 15 years old and costing a lot of money in repairs and heating
The Welsh group meets on Wednesday mornings during term time from 9.15 to 11.00am in bills. Since the new heating system was installed our house is a lot warmer and the the Castleland Renewal Area Office on Holton Road. If you are learning Welsh, or have heating is on for less time. I’m really looking forward to seeing costs of heating and learned some Welsh in the past, and fancy coming along to practise your skills in a friendly electricity reducing. The team from DnA Heating were clean and tidy and did a great and informal atmosphere, you would be very welcome. job putting the system in. I’d encourage all my neighbours to get in touch with the
team to arrange a survey and get these works done!” Mae'r grwp Cymraeg yn cwrdd ar fore dydd Mercher yn ystod y tymor rhwng 9.15 a 11.00 yb yn swyddfa Ardal Adnewyddu Castleland yn Heol Holton. Os dych chi'n dysgu Cymraeg, PHASE 2 – Greenwood Street, Merthyr Street, Belvedere Crescent, neu wedi dysgu ychydig o Gymraeg yn y gorffennol, a ffansio dod i ymarfer eich sgiliau Fryatt Street, Coronation Street mewn awyrgylch cyfeillgar ac anffurfiol, bydd croeso mawr i chi.
Further good news for the Renewal Area is that a second area has received For further details contact: provisional approval by the Welsh Government, with the arbed team already Am fwy o fanylion, cysylltwch a contacting residents to arrange surveys.
Sarian Thomas-Jones on Remember – If you live in one of the streets included in the [email protected] project call the team on 0808 108 2398 to arrange a survey and start or call in on Wednesday morning for more information. benefitting from free energy efficiency works that will reduce your neu alwch i mewn bore dydd Mercher am fwy o wybodaeth. costs and improve your home.
Sarian Thomas-Jones 4 5
WarmWarm WalesWales CymruCymru GynnesGynnes Tel: 01639 825960 AlleyAlley GateGate SchemeScheme
It’sIt’s GettingGetting WarmerWarmer inin CastlelandCastleland TheThe FirstFirst 1010 YearsYears
The Red Jackets of Warm Wales Cymru Gynnes (WWCG) have been helping In 2003 a pilot project was launched in the Castleland Ward with the provision of lockable security Castleland residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. gates (Alley Gates) on the rear lanes in the area.
The team at WWCG has been working with the contractors A&M Energy Solutions Ltd and the Castleland Renewal Area team to co-ordinate the works with as little disruption as possible. Work The gates are designed to reduce the began in late November, with the majority of the works being completed by the end of February. opportunity for criminal and anti-social activities including fly-tipping, graffiti and dog fouling within the rear lanes, whilst allowing Good News Stories residents continued access to their lane by the provision of coded keys. Alley Gates Long term resident of Castleland, Mr John Lake said, Co-ordinator Lynnette Creese said,
“I was a little unsure to start with, particularly the internal wall insulation as it would inevitably cause disruption and mess in “In order that the gates are
the house, but my children persuaded me to have it done, and it’s been well worth it. The back of the house where they put John Lake receiving his effective it is essential that external insulation now looks great, and I’ve taken the information pack from Mark residents lock them after opportunity to decorate the living room as well, so I’m really Thomas A&M Energy Solutions and Eira Rowe use.” happy with it all, chuffed to beans!” WWCG
Mrs Joyce Williams stayed with family members whilst the work was being done. The pilot project was so successful the Alley Gate scheme was extended to include other areas of the Vale of Glamorgan. Over the last 10 years more than 400 Alley Gates have been provided for “I couldn’t believe how quick they did the work and how clean and tidy they were. I was Vale residents. Funding for Alley Gates has been via a number of external sources, most recently worried about my wall paper, but I’m so pleased my family talked me into it. The house through the Welsh Government Tidy Towns initiative. looks great and it already feels much warmer. I couldn’t afford to have all this work done, so to receive a grant for the works has been wonderful.” During the last year re-painting of the first Alley Gates installed in the Castleland Ward has taken place. It is hoped that this can continue, however this is dependent on the success of funding
Carys Richards As the contractors were about to start on her applications. receiving her home Carys Richards had to be rushed to information pack hospital but was still keen for the work to begin. from Mark Thomas A&M Energy “The workmen were marvellous, really If residents do not have a key for the gates on their lane and would like to obtain one, or wish to Solutions and Eira professional and whilst the house now looks report a problem with the operation of an Alley Gate please telephone Contact One Vale on Rowe WWCG much better, the biggest benefit is that my 01446 700111. energy bills will be much smaller”.
Helen Perkins WWCG Assistant Project Director said,
“The works have gone well and we’re pleased that householders are already noticing the Be Safe difference made by insulating their properties.” Lock Your Announcement
Warm Wales Cymru Gynnes announce that they have been successful in securing additional funding to install energy efficiency measures on Alley Gates further properties and will be contacting eligible householders shortly.
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Housing Environmental CastlelandCastleland RenewalRenewal AreaArea Town Centre Examples of the diverse range of regeneration projects carried out to date under the 4 main themes Community Initiatives
Vacant Site
Arbed Home Energy Programme Funding for Insulated Home secured by Warm Wales Artist’s Impression of the Merthyr Street development by Newydd HA
Redevelopment at King Square for Community Events Bassett Park Refurbishment Castleland Renewal Area Office
Vacant Site Refurbishment of Castleland Community Centre
Community Hub provided Renewal Area Boundary by Newydd HA
Former Magistrate’s Courts
Retail Provision within Holton Road
Thompson Street Public Realm Improvements Artist’s Impression of the Proposals for the former Magistrate’s Courts by Newydd HA
View from Dock View Road Before: Coronation Street
Before: Fryatt Street
Proposed Landscaping Works to Construction of Thompson Coronation Street after Facelift Fryatt Street after Facelift Scheme Coronation Street Open Space Street Footbridge Scheme
Want2WorkWant2Work PlansPlans WelfareWelfare ReformsReforms TheThe Want2WorkWant2Work TeamTeam AreAre ComingComing ToTo CastlelandCastleland YourYour BenefitsBenefits AreAre ChangingChanging
Local friendly Want2Work advisors Julie and Claire will be working out of the Residents concerned about the Government’s Welfare Reforms attended the recent Welfare Reform Roadshows that were hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Castleland Renewal Area Office at 198 Holton Road, Barry. Benefit’s Team.
Some key areas that will have the biggest impact on local residents include; Want2Work is a joint initiative between the Welsh Government and Job Centre Plus • the capping of benefits supported through the European Social • the ‘bedroom tax’ Fund. • changes to Disability Living Allowance • Universal Credit
If you are looking for work, you could Benefits Manager Maureen Neave said:
receive their expert help, support, guidance and advice in the following "We understand that this may be a worrying time for those tenants who will be areas:- affected by the Government's Welfare Reforms. Many people will be confused about the changes and will need advice on what they need to do to prepare for • Job Search these changes. That’s why the Council decided to host the Welfare Reform • Self Employment Roadshows in Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major, with the assistance of partner organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. Our highly trained advisers were • Training on hand to give people more information about the Welfare Reforms and to • CV and Interviewing Skills signpost them to other organisations where necessary.” • Career Guidance • In Work Support More information on the Welfare Reforms can be found on the Council’s Website • Working Tax Credit Advice www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk . You can also check to see if you are entitled to any other benefits online at www.Turn2Us.co.uk or www.yourbenefitsarechanging.co.uk . They can also help you if you are claiming: Confused about the Government’s Welfare Reforms? • Income Support
Want2Work Advisors (from left to • Employment Support Allowance Are you worried about how you will cope right) Julie and Claire • If you are unemployed • Or not claiming any benefits with the changes?
If you want to discuss returning to work and the effects this will have on your Tax Would you like to talk about it? Credits or Housing Benefits then please make contact with Julie and Claire who can also help to identify other in work benefits you could claim. No appointment is necessary. Coming soon, the Want2Work Advisors will be available to speak with you during their outreach mornings at the Castleland Renewal Area Office on:- Contact: The Benefit Section Ground Floor Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am until 12.30pm Vale of Glamorgan Council
Civic Offices So why not drop in for an informal chat or ring and make an appointment with:- Holton Road Julie on 07770 990134 or Claire on 07919 014517 Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. CF63 4RU Tel: (01446) 709244 Freephone 0800 328 6370 Email: [email protected]
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EmptyEmpty PropertiesProperties NewyddNewydd DevelopmentsDevelopments
HousesHouses IntoInto HomesHomes SchemeScheme BarryBarry Magistrate’sMagistrate’s CourtCourt RedevelopmentRedevelopment
BringingBringing EmptyEmpty PropertiesProperties BackBack IntoInto UseUse Newydd Housing Association has recently received planning permission from the Vale of Glamorgan Council to redevelop the former Barry Magistrates Court. The redevelopment will There are many reasons why properties remain vacant. A major reason is often provide 52 much needed due to a lack of funds to bring the property up to a decent standard to either sell or affordable houses and flats in the rent it. area as well as retail units.
If you own a property that has been vacant for at least 6 months and you would like 13,000 square feet of retail space to sell or rent the property, you may be eligible to apply for a Houses into Homes will be available for rent. If you would like to find out more or interest free loan to help with the cost of renovating or modernising your empty express an interest in occupying property. The loan can also be used to convert existing buildings into residential commercial space please contact accommodation. Brinsons Estate Agents, the sole letting agents for the development.
Paul Roberts, Chief Executive of Newydd said, “We are very excited about the opportunities this new development will offer local people in terms of job
An artist’s impression of proposals for the redevelopment of creation, affordable homes as the site of the former Barry Magistrate’s Court. well as the regeneration of Barry.” Before After Richard Thomas, Associate Director of Brinsons said, “There is latent retail demand for Barry, The maximum loan amount you can apply for is £25,000 per unit of but the town does not offer sizeable units with clear open spans and we hope that even accommodation with a total maximum of £150,000 per applicant. though the property is off the main retail pitch, it will still manage to soak up the demand. Any interested parties should contact me on 02920 867711.”
If you would like to bring your empty property back into use but the Houses into Further, Dave Edwards the landowner comments, “ This is a wonderful opportunity for Barry Homes Scheme is not for you, you may wish to contact your Empty Property Town Centre to provide much needed housing and retail space. This was at the forefront Officer to discuss other options available to you. These include: of my company Forecorners when we purchased the site. ”
• Advice on selling or letting your property, including information on how For more information please do not hesitate to contact Newydd on 0303 040 1998, email to improve the condition of your property. [email protected] or visit our Facebook page by going to www.facebook.com/newydd • Information on leasing schemes and signposting to housing NewNew MerthyrMerthyr StreetStreet DevelopmentDevelopment associations who are interested in leasing properties. • Information about the tax incentives offered by HM Revenue & Customs Newydd Housing Association is currently working on a new housing development at Merthyr to assist in bringing properties back into use. Street in Barry. Barry Regeneration funded the purchase of this site that is due to be completed by February 2014.
If you would like further information These new affordable homes will provide 11 two bedroom apartments and a one bedroom disabled adapted apartment, about the Houses into Homes Scheme providing much needed homes for rent in the area. or you would like to discuss the options available to you to assist you in bring- Work began on this development in January 2013 by a company ing the property back into use, please called Greenhill Construction. These homes will achieve the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, a standard that aims to reduce contact your Empty Property Officer, carbon emissions and create homes that are more sustainable and Georgina Wayman on 01446 709838. Before After A computer generated image of energy efficient. Contact Newydd on 0303 040 1998, email the Merthyr Street development [email protected] or Facebook us on www.facebook.com/ newydd 12 13
NewyddNewydd NewsNews NewyddNewydd NewsNews FreeFree MentalMental HealthHealth SupportSupport GroupGroup Community Wellbeing Coaches Help With Health Goals
SMILE is a free support group for individuals and carers of those who suffer from depression, Do you need support with weight management, increasing exercise levels, giving up smoking, stress, anxiety and their characteristics. alcohol or drugs? Or perhaps help with depression, anxiety or confidence?
The group meets every Tuesday at The People’s Centre, Community Wellbeing Coaches Adele and Hazel offer a variety of different ways to support Dunlin Court, Barry from 11am – 1pm. people living in the Castleland area to make healthy choices. There are local peer support groups
Richard Bravey said, “I am a member of SMILE, the and motivational clubs available to meet new people and gain support from others. group has really helped me improve my life and deal with depression. I have suffered in the past but with Adele and Hazel also offer one-to-one support for people who the support of the other members I feel I can now would like individual help. They can meet with residents weekly motivate myself to get out and about.” and provide a number of sessions to discuss the barriers and achievements of health related goals. SMILE currently has 12 members and hopes to get For more information on either the one-to-one advice or the group interest from many more people living in the area. This free service hosted by Newydd Housing Association was The SMILE Group was recently sessions please contact : launched with support from Councillor made possible with initial Barry Regeneration Area funding and will continue with funding and support from E Hacker From left to right: Hazel Hazel James: 07899 665806 Public Health Wales and Communities First. The SMILE James and Adele Twomey Adele Twomey: 07974 956751 group now hopes to form a committee offering members the opportunity to manage what happens in their sessions and a chance to apply for funding for activities.
Adele Twomey, Community Wellbeing Coach who co-ordinates the group said, Food Co -op Is A Great Success
“I hope that many more people will get in touch so that they too can get support from the Over 600 bags of food have now been purchased by residents in the Barry area at The People’s many services available to them, or merely just speaking to another person with Centre Food Co-operative at Dunlin Court, Barry. depression. If you would like to join please get in touch with me by calling 07974 956751 or The Food Co-operative is open to everyone in Barry every Friday between 1pm–3pm. The emailing [email protected] .” project was launched in November and has so far taken more than 60 orders every week.
BrandBrand NewNew WeightWeight LossLoss ClubClub Fruit, A free weight loss club has been running at The People’s Centre from February and is open to vegetables, new members. stir fry and
The free club includes one-to-one food consultations, expert advice on food, exercise and salad bags nutrition, weekly results record and motivational presentations. Weekly guest speakers from the only £3 each. Vale of Glamorgan also add to their expertise at the club and give information on what is available. Hazel James, a Community Amanda, a member who attends each week said, Wellbeing Coach for Newydd oversees the scheme, she “I enjoy coming it’s a fun and friendly group that helps me keep on track with my goals says, without me feeling pressured, like many other clubs in the past.” “The fruit and vegetable bags are great value for money and available to everyone in the Come along to the weight loss club every Wednesday 10am-12noon at The People’s Centre, Barry area. All you need to do is visit the centre on a Friday to place your order and it will Dunlin Court, Barry or contact, be ready to pick up a week later.”
Hazel James on 07899 665806 or Bethanie Morgan on 07501 468694 The group is also appealing for volunteers to help run the food co-operative. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Hazel James on 07899 665806. 14 15
BarryBarry CommunitiesCommunities FirstFirst ClusterCluster
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