Summer Leader

The newspaper of Council Issue 111 Summer 2018 your city: your paper inside

Sunny side up Airshow is heading back to our city Page 3 plus

• FIVE STAR SCHOOL: Cymrhydyceirw pupils are celebrating after their school became the first English-medium primary in Wales to score ‘Excellent’ across the board in their latest Estyn inspection. Find out more on page 9 Picture by Nick Parry Recycling Busta’s bright Our city’s transformation is ideas turning food into fuel taking shape this summer page 6

THIS SUMMER is seeing the start of • ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group), a He said: “The City Deal vision for Swansea is to the transformation of Swansea into world-leading entertainment company create a digital city with communities connected to one of Britain’s smartest digital with a portfolio of venues from London to one another and with the world at large, making the cities that’s fit for the 21st century Manhattan has been appointed to run most of our talents, our ideas and our ambition. and beyond. Swansea’s planned digital indoor arena. “Technology and superfast broadband An investment in the city’s and the region’s • NEXT month Skyline, the New Zealand connectivity will provide the means for future that will be worth more than £1.3bn in the company behind the multi-million pound collaboration between public sector and private coming years is beginning with a series of small Kilvey Hill Cable Car initiative, will be sector businesses, between communities, back in the city to sign heads of terms entrepreneurs, educators and academia that are the High 5 steps. Work has started to transform Kingsway in two big steps the city centre into an urban park and Digital on the deal. key to success. Village which will attract high-tech start-up “We are already taking the first steps down a Leon leads the enterprises turning world-class ideas generated at “This summer is when the first tangible steps on the road that will transform our local economy, the the city’s universities into innovative businesses transformation of our city and our region are taken. regional economy and create many thousands of search for our that will attract interest from the UK and the world. “Enabling work for the digital arena, the hotel local jobs. Enabling works for the arena and the landmark next door and the bridge over Road “Places like and are already local heroes digital bridge spanning Oystermouth Road are connecting the city centre to the arena is starting in make strides down that road. Swansea and south- starting in August. the area at the rear of Tesco in the city centre. The west Wales, thanks to the City Deal and our own page 7 Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: main construction is due to start early next year. ambition, is going there too.” 2

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.com y a b sea n n swa y o j n enjoyswanseabay.com e Swansea SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Leader 3 news digest New cycle routes are mapped out

A MAP outlining possible new cycle and walking routes in Swansea has been approved by the Welsh Government. Swansea Council carried out a city-wide consultation in 2017, asking the public to come up with ideas on where cycle and walking routes could be introduced or extended as part of a 15-year vision. The work was completed so the Council could meet the requirements of the Active Travel Plan. New maps have been published which show possible routes which could be developed between now and 2033. At present there is 50km of cycle networks in Swansea and the Council is also creating a new 1.2km section of cycle route along Cwm Road in the Hafod. Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/activetra velact to see more details about proposed routes. • RED ARROWS: RAF’s finest are calling-by on both days of the Wales Airshow Great chapter in library’s story

ONE of Swansea’s busiest libraries is enjoying a new High-flyers returning to chapter in its story after a major refurbishment. More than £125,000 was spent transforming the layout at Townhill Library making it more child and user friendly, upgrading equipment and kick-start our summer improving the range of stock on the shelves into the REPLICA World War I AS WELL as providing residents and visitors with would be complete without daily bargain. fighter planes will be dog- world class entertainment, the Airshow is also an appearances by the RAF Red Arrows The refurbishment was fighting over the beaches important event for businesses because of the and the RAF Typhoon display teams, made possible by a grant from extra footfall and spending it generates. The the Welsh Government's of Swansea as the Wales so it’s thrilling both are returning this Museums, Archives and Airshow returns to the city Wales Airshow is now a key anchor event in our year as well.” annual events calendar. Libraries Division. this summer. The Airshow, one of the UK’s The library boasts a larger Complementing the aerial displays, ground-based biggest free events, attracted more The biggest free event in Wales entertainment will also form part of this summer’s children’s’ area with an returns to dominate the skies this Airshow. than 250,000 spectators last year and interactive StoryWall, including sensory features and a summer with the Red Arrows and the Have a look at walesairshow.co.uk for more it’s been estimated the show is worth Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on the ground £8.4m to Swansea’s economy. reading cubby-hole. There are information or take a look at the Airshow App new books and DVDs, and leading the return of old favourites. which is available in Appstore and in Google Play Cllr Francis-Davies, said: “The The Wales Airshow has now firmly Airshow has been running since 2007 improved shelving too. established itself as a headline event RAF’s centenary year and the should put in appearances at the but was originally only staged every Exhibition is just of the Welsh summer season which is anniversary of the end of World War Wales Airshow. The German CL1 other year. However, this summer being supported in partnership with I it was only right that both should be and the British SE5 have not been to will be the fourth consecutive year family fantastic radio station Heart FM. commemorated at the Airshow. the Airshow before, so they’ll be a since we agreed to stage it annually. Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet He said: “It is great to hear that real treat for the hundreds of Itis a major event that forms part of THE Dylan Thomas Exhibition Member for Culture, Tourism and replicas of planes that did battle over thousands of spectators.” our hugely-varied Enjoy Swansea at the Dylan Thomas Centre Major Projects, said that in the Bay programme of events.” has been named the Best the trenches of northern Europe He added: “No Wales Airshow Family Venue category in the Fantastic for Families Awards. The Fantastic for Families Awards is a UK-wide competition for arts and cultural venues with more than 500 venues in the UK accredited with the Family Arts Standards badge. The Dylan Thomas Centre won the award for its contribution to arts and culture for families during 2017. Your Leader

SWANSEA Leader is delivered to your door by the Royal Mail. However, any mail that may be delivered at the same time as the Swansea Leader is not endorsed in any way by Swansea Council. Swansea 4 Leader SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Connect with your LAC MORE residents than ever before are making social connections and building relationships that are just up their street with help from the council’s local area co-ordinators. Two more recent recruits covering and Townhill and Mayhill means that a large proportion of the city has now got co-ordinator cover so people can get the support they need to be confident and healthy members of the . Local Area Co-ordinators (LAC) were set up in the city three years ago and aim to help prevent people who are facing challenges in their lives, from getting stuck in a rut of loneliness or isolation. It’s just one of the ways Swansea Council supports people to live their lives independently in their own homes, helping prevent them from needing complex social care services. Mark Child, Cabinet Member for • HELLO THERE: Meet Dan Garnell, the latest Local Area Co-ordinator for Sketty and Townhill Picture by Jason Rogers Health and Wellbeing said: “Services like local area co-ordination are not it’s got to that stage. of care.” and interests. and about. the right thing for everyone, but there “On the one hand they are much LAC team leader Jon Franklin says Jon said: “We sit down and take Swansea’s LAC team can be found are real benefits for people who’ve happier for it and, on the other, it the team’s already helped hundreds of time with people, we have a chat, we on social media and on the council’s not ended up requiring complex care eases pressure on our specialist people make connections in their find out what people’s strengths and website at because we’ve been able to step-in complex care providers so they can communities, building new interests are and we work with them www.swansea.gov.uk/localareacoordi and help them help themselves before focus on those who do need that kind friendships and sharing their skills to overcome barriers to getting out nation Getting back on Help us shape future your feet BONYMAEN House, a council of city’s social care residential care home in the heart of Bonymaen, is now one of Swansea RESIDENTS, day service still time to have your say they can live their lives as Council’s reablement centres and is users and people living in independently as possible. NO DECISIONS have been made and there will be no immediate going from strength to strength. council-operated “The focus of council-provided residential care homes are changes. Any decisions on the future of services will not take place care, using all our experience and It’s designed to support people until Cabinet has seen the feedback and, if the proposals are who’ve been discharged from hospital being given the chance to expertise, should be concentrated on approved, there will be no changes to services before 2019. those with complex needs; for or others who have had an illness and help shape the future of The consultation period goes on until July 23, 2018, and need some support to get back on social care services. feedback will be included in a report to Cabinet. example, with people living with their feet. Consultation on proposals to re- To find out more and have your say go to the council’s website dementia, complex disabilities or Bonymaen House pioneered an shape the services were launched last at www.swansea.gov.uk complex mental health needs. approach to care for older people that month and will go on until July 23. “If approved, our proposals will provided social care. service places and 42 residential care has now become normal across Wales Feedback from families, those see a shift towards putting our He said: “Our ambition is to beds in council-operated care homes and the UK. already using the services and others energy and effort into providing provide more of the types of services than are needed. At the same time the What started out as a pilot who are interested in the future of better services to those with the most people want. We want there to be proposals will help re-focus council reablement project with four beds in social care in Swansea will influence acute needs. more opportunities for carers to have social care services on doing what 2012 is now a 26-bed service a major report going to Cabinet in “If we go ahead with our proposals respite care and to provide more they do best – delivering complex providing care and support that the autumn. we will continue to provide reablement services so people can social care to those in need of it. becomes a kind of bridge between Mark Child, Cabinet Member for residential care and day care return to their own homes after Cllr Child said: “Under our hospital and home. Health and Wellbeing in Swansea, services. But the benefit would be hospital stays, for example.” proposals, those people who most Lee Lloyd-Jones, assistant manager said the proposals being shared that people would feel reassured that The proposals aim to deal with the need our support will receive the at Bonymaen House, said many of directly with those using the services those who need the most acute care fact there are 125 more day care care that’s appropriate to them, so those using the service arrived with are aimed at transforming council- will receive it from us.” concerns it was a stepping stone to long-term residential care rather than a route back to their own homes. Users sing the praises of new service He said: “As a team we understand the anxieties and we work closely OLDER people with learning disabilities who It saw the service provided in one location at One said: “When we first came to Abergelli we with them and their families moved from a day service in to an Abergelli in Fforestfach and during the transition felt a bit strange and nervous. That was only in the emotionally as well as physically. alternative venue in Fforestfach have been singing all those who attended The Beeches were given beginning and the staff from the Beeches came What happens is completely the praises of their new surroundings. individually-tailored support to make the move to with us and helped us settle in. Now we love it here dependent on what they need. Due to the number of surplus places Swansea Abergelli or supported to choose other groups to at Abergelli and don’t want to move.” He added: “By the time they leave Council took the decision to amalgamate services attend instead. Following the move they have been Other comments included praise for the any package of social care they need provided at the Beeches Day Service and Abergelli asked for their views and the response has been improved access because Abergelli is on one level afterwards has been put in place.” Day Service. overwhelmingly positive. unlike the way it was at the Beeches. Swansea SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Leader 5 news digest Apprentices set for great start SWANSEA Council is in the process of recruiting 18 new apprentices. It’ll bring to 96 the number of apprentices on the council’s books and all will be learning trades that will stand them in good stead for future careers. Twenty health and social care apprentices started work at the council in January, adding to the apprenticeships that have been made available in other departments including IT, estates, parks, archives and parking services. This builds on the apprenticeship programme that’s been run by the council’s corporate building and property services team for the last 14 years. Since 2003, more than 170 apprentices have been taken by the team to learn trades including electrical installations, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing and plastering. Closing doors to

• CHANGES: Kingsway works will pave the way for regeneration and the Digital Village insulation scam HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned about doorstep callers in the city offering claims against defective cavity wall insulation. Kingsway regeneration Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Team Leader, said their latest reports show companies are making misleading statements to householders about large sums of money that have been set aside for them to promises a new era claim. In fact, most properties with cavity wall insulation are covered by a 25-year Cavity THE KINGSWAY Project includes £4.5 million of Insulation Guarantee Agency business as usual for traders guarantee and any issues with transformation is the first WEFO funding which will assist workmanship identified under step in a new era that will SWANSEA BID chair Juliet Luporini also emphasised the point that with demolition and refurbishment of it will be investigated and see hundreds of jobs businesses in and around the Kingsway would be operating as buildings along the route. rectified at no expense to the created alongside a green normal throughout the redevelopment. Cllr Stewart said: “We can see the guarantee-holder, he said. artery in the city centre. She said: “It is important that we continue to support the public sector confidence in the area It is business as usual on the businesses along the Kingsway, Orchard Street and beyond during is driving private sector confidence Club bowled over Kingsway as work gathers the delivery of this important scheme – it will be very much in the city centre with work already business as usual for them during these works - so we encourage starting on the student development SWANSEA Cricket Club’s junior momentum to bring two-way traffic, shoppers to continue supporting them throughout, while our new and senior teams are looking wide pavements, trees and plenty of takes shape." on the Kingsway and the forward to an exciting summer greenery to the area. Loosemore’s redevelopment to come at St Helens thanks to a new It’s a £12 million investment that’s site since last month to work on the digital village is due to be part- in the not-to-distant future. partnership with the Council. been welcomed by business leaders construction of new pedestrian areas funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay “We want to transform the city The club and Council have and traders and Rob Stewart, Leader along the southbound carriageway City Deal. centre into a vibrant and bustling been working together on a of Swansea Council, said: “This is (metro track). This phase is expected Secured by the Swansea Bay City centre for business and leisure. The new licence for the St Helens real progress and it’s something to run until October, 2018. Region for South West Wales, the investment in the new city green Cricket Ground which will allow people can see happening. It is not an The work will also help set the Swansea Bay City Deal includes artery and new traffic system will the club’s senior and junior prepare the Kingsway for its teams to enjoy more use of the artist impression but the first step in scene for a new, state-of-the-art funding from the UK Government, famous arena. the transformation of our city that digital village development for tech the Welsh Government, the public transformation into the Digital More details on Twitter or will benefit generations to come.” businesses on Kingsway. Earmarked sector and the private sector. District as we start to deliver the Facebook by following Contractors Dawnus have been on for the former Oceana nightclub site, The Kingsway Infrastructure £1.3bn City Deal projects.” @SwanseaCricket or visit www.swanseacricketclub.co.uk Looking good Kilvey Hill cable car plan taking off HUNDREDS of jobs could be created at the former Felindre PLANS for one of the UK’s most eye-catching Skyline directors gave the go-ahead to begin “The company’s decision to work with us is a Tin Plate works after a business tourist attractions have taken a major step forwards. detailed design and legal discussions last year. And great vote of confidence in Swansea as a tourist marketing campaign was The New Zealand-based developers behind a now the company and council have drafted an destination and builds on the superb work being launched. cable car ride, toboggan rides, zip wire rides and agreement that will go to the council's Cabinet and done through the City Deal and our status as Wales’ The 40-acre site just off restaurant and event venue on Kilvey Hill have Skyline's board of directors for approval. city of culture. junction 46 of the M4 is a prime reached an agreement with Swansea Council to Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s Cabinet Skyline chief executive Geoff McDonald said: M4 corridor location being progress the scheme. Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, “We are looking forward to visiting Swansea once called Parc Felindre and could be home to a new generation of They now plan to visit the city for a week in June said: “Skyline’s visit in June is really significant; it more and continuing discussions with the council high quality offices and to start appointing professional teams who will will pave the way for work being carried out on site and potential development consultants.” industrial premises to suit work on the plan, to start survey work and to which will take this exciting project from the The council is liaising with fellow landowners at established and growing further develop their vision. drawing board to reality. Kilvey Hill to help secure an agreement. businesses. Swansea 6 Leader SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Smart way to Power for the people - help out A NEW scheme to benefit one cuppa at a time homeless people and those in need has been launched in Swansea city centre. The trial scheme, which is backed by a range of local organisations, is encouraging members of the public to donate to local homeless charities instead of giving money directly to street beggars. Part of the national ‘Have a Heart – Give Smart’ initiative endorsed by the Association of Town Centre Management, the scheme is being supported by Swansea Council, South Wales Police and Swansea BID (Business Improvement District). The first of its kind in Wales, the scheme will see many businesses in the city centre putting promotional posters in their windows, with donation points being made available inside. A campaign will also be launched to promote the benefits of donating to the homeless in this way. Cllr Will Evans, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “This is a really good initiative that has been developed in response to the feedback received from our local traders. It forms part of a number of measures to help address on- street begging, so we’re very pleased to be trialling it in the city centre with a view to • CAPTAIN BUSTA: WRAP’s mascot reckons it’s easy to make food waste recycling a way of life rolling it out to other areas of Swansea, if successful.” CAMPAIGNERS are roping- GENERATING electricity through the waste-to-energy project at waste but if every family put one extra in teabags, banana skins Agrivert South Wales in Bridgend is the greenest possible way to banana peel in their caddy, the and an intergalactic space dispose of weekly food waste collections. electricity generated would keep a monkey in a bid to get There is no long journey for the waste to get to the energy plant school on the go for three days. Cambria more of Swansea recycling and the food bags people use to line their caddies are burned to Cllr Thomas said:“What we and this summer. create more electricity. WRAP are doing is working with Captain Busta, a monkey from outer The plant at Parc Stormy in Bridgend processes 48,000 tonnes of youngsters so that they and their food and liquid waste a year, 18,000 tonnes of it coming from space, has been stepping in to Bridgend and Swansea council areas. It generates 3MW of families understand that tiny things granted encourage primary school children to they can do can have a big renewable electricity a year which is enough to power 5,900 find out the difference their families homes. environmental impact. can make by recycling waste food. nothing wasted “But it all starts with children and The campaign’s already achieved Environment Services, said: “Captain like much. But if one family recycled their parents putting their food waste freedom Busta’s campaign is a smart, funny 32 teabags the electricity they’d be lift-off at scores of schools in Swansea in the green food waste caddies.” and recycling experts WRAP – the and innovative way to encourage generating at the other end of the Food waste bins are collected every ROYAL Navy Reserve Unit group working with Swansea Council children to find out more about how recycling chain would power their TV week and they are lockable to keep HMS Cambria has been to boost food recycling in the city - is they can make a recycling difference. for an hour of watching Britain’s Got smells and animals out. granted the honorary freedom hoping it’ll transform families’ “Doing really small things like Talent, for example. To discover more facts about food of Swansea. commitment to waste recycling. popping banana peel and teabags into A massive 72% of residents across waste go to Commissioned in 1947, the Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for the food waste caddy might not seem Swansea already recycle some food www.recycleforwales.org.uk/food HMS Cambria is the only Royal Navy Reserve unit in Wales. HMS Cambria has strong local connections, with more than a third of the ship’s Bright idea funded by solar energy company living in Swansea and many reservists working in the SCHOOLS and other community buildings in Energy & Enterprise Scheme (SCEES) in 2015 in an others in the city. city. Swansea are helping to generate greener solar energy effort to help generate cheaper electricity for Panels have also been installed at Rose Cross HMS Cambria follows in the with the installation of solar panels. community buildings in deprived areas. A community House in Penlan. footsteps of the 215 (City of A total of nine schools and one care home have benefit fund has also been established and it’s hoped Andrea Lewis Cabinet Member for Housing, Swansea) Air Cadets Squadron, had 1,440 solar panels installed on their roofs. The the fund will help support local skills, economic Energy and Building Services, said: “All the schools former Wales football manager panels collectively will help generate up to growth and create jobs in the communities where the involved will be able to benefit from cheaper and Chris Coleman, Lord 400,000kWh a year, providing cleaner more solar panels have been installed. cleaner renewable energy for many years to come. Callaghan, and John Charles affordable electricity for each of the sites over the Schools that are benefitting from the scheme “As a Council we are totally committed to who have all previously been next 20 years. include Townhill Community Primary School, Clase investigating all ways of introducing new and granted Freedom of the City. Swansea Council set up the Swansea Community Primary School and Gendros Primary, along with six sustainable energy sources.” Swansea SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Leader 7 news digest £100k boost for Primrose Park Dedicated local volunteers who give up their time for free to enhance a city park in Swansea have secured almost £100,000 for new facilities and improvements. The Friends of Primrose Park has successfully applied to WREN for funding for a multi- use game area including an all-weather sports surface, a walking and exercise trail and landscaping improvements. The new facilities will provide activities for people of all ages from and help the Friends continue to grow the number of visitors to the park. The community group, which was set up by local residents two years ago, has led the way in establishing a partnership with Swansea Council to benefit the park. The Primrose Park land was gifted to the council as a part of the Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria in 1897. Business info at your finger-tips HELPING to keep money in the Swansea economy, an HIGH 5: Swansea legend Leon Britton is leading the drive for nominations. updated online directory of local businesses has been launched. The new, free directory is fully integrated with directions, Google Maps and Google Street View. Available Leon’s our High 5 at www.itslocalswansea.co.uk, the directory links to the websites and social media accounts of all the businesses included. The new directory can be accessed by mobiles and tablets by sending a ‘123Swansea’ text message to recruitment captain 88802. It’s free for business to add SWANSEA football legend hear these incredible stories and the their details, with nearly A big thank-you 2,000 companies having listed Leon Britton is leading the recognition these young people their details so far. search for Swansea’s High THE High 5 Awards would not be possible without the loyal support receive from a High 5 award can be a of our sponsors. Already signed up this year are: 5 stars as the awards for stepping stone and to make the most • Gower College (Main Sponsor) Boxing clever inspirational youngsters • Swansea City FC of their futures.” enter their seventh • Denny’s; Gower Outdoor Centres; WG Davies; McDonald’s; It’s easy to nominate a young UNSIGHTLY utility boxes on season. Swansea Building Society; AB Glass; Oldwalls; Stenor person for a High 5 award as High Street in Swansea have The Swans midfielder is urging Environmental Services Ltd; Day’s Rental; Swansea Council everything you need is online. The been decorated to improve the everyone to consider nominating a Recycling Team; Go Air Trampoline Park, Swansea. awards are open to any child or look of the city centre gateway. child, young person, group or even a young person or group in three age Students from the University school class who they feel deserve a inspirational children and young www.swansea.gov.uk/high5awards ” ranges - under 13s, aged 19 or under of Wales Trinity St David’s High 5 either due to what they have people in this city are. Year after year Already a dozen business sponsors or 20-25 year olds resident in Swansea College of Art your nominations help us prove that have stepped-up to support the Swansea, educated or receiving developed designs for the achieved or by overcoming adversity, utility boxes as part of a particularly if this had made a is truly the case. awards, including Stenor support here. scheme called Swansea difference to their life, their school or “By aspiring to be the best and Environmental Services Ltd whose Judges are looking for examples of Streetwrap. community. working hard the children young Pam Norman was on last year’s individuals or groups who aspire to Part of the Station2Sea The awards are led by Swansea people put forward are an inspiration judging panel. reach personal goals or improve the project, the scheme has come Council, sponsored by Gower to others, a credit to themselves, their She said: “Stenor is delighted to be lives of others in their family, school about thanks to a partnership College Swansea, and backed by communities or schools and worthy part of the High 5 Awards. As a or community and in doing so are an between Swansea Council, businesses and organisations from of recognition. judge you get to learn about inspiration to others. Coastal Housing Group and across the city. “Don’t let a worthy young person challenges some young people in our To nominate someone for a High 5 Volcano Theatre. Leon said: “High 5 began with the you know miss out. Please get online communities face that without these award simply go to aim of showing just how and nominate at: nominations you really would not www.swansea.gov.uk/high5 Digging deep OVER 70 volunteers have shown an interest in Courses open door to a whole new world contributing to a history and archaeology project at RESIDENTS are flocking to get online with the finding and making savings online, and making the Business Operations Clive Lloyd said: “We Swansea’s Hafod Morfa help of free courses organised by Swansea Council. most of the internet to stay in touch with family or understand that some people may be worried about Copperworks. The Copperworks Discovery The Get Swansea Online campaign is designed to friends. getting online for the first time, and our courses will Project, which offers help people who are looking to get to grips with The courses last for two hours and will take place show them how to stay safe while helping them to opportunities to learn about technology like computers and tablets. once a week for five weeks. Course venues include access all the benefits of using the internet.” the copper industry and details A new batch of Get Swansea Online courses, due the Civic Centre, Central Library, Daniel James Have a look at: can be found at: to start on Monday June 11, will show people how Education Centre and local libraries. www.swansea.gov.uk/getswanseaonline or ring www.blackmountainsarchaeolo to carry out tasks like sending and receiving emails, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation and 01792 470171 for more information. gy.com Swansea 8 Leader SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Take a walk on the wild side Gower’s pulling power AND there’s not just walks in the woods on offer to a breath of fresh air those who want to get out and about to enjoy the fresh air this summer. Eight Swansea beauty spots have prestigious Green Flag status and are well worth a visit. They include Victoria Park, Parc Llewelyn, Cwmdonkin Park, Clyne Gardens, Brynmill Park, Singleton Botanical and Ornamental Gardens, Swansea University and Penllergare Valley Woods which is managed by the Penllergare Trust. And if you fancy a walk on the wild side of Gower why not take an app guide with you. Not only does the ‘This is Gower’ app offers 15 guided walks via your phone, it also automatically points out historic milestones along the way. Find out more at: https://www.swansea.gov. uk/apps • ON THE GO: This is Gower App keeps you on the path to great views WITH summer on the The routes were originally drawn-up horizon people are being following a three-year Heritage Lottery encouraged to put on their Fund project to record the biodiversity walking boots to explore of ancient woodland in Swansea, a the wonderful countryside joint project between the Council’s around Swansea. Nature Conservation Team and West And to inspire them to visit places Archive Service. they may not have been to before, Robert Francis Davies, Cabinet details about six walks around the Member for Culture, Tourism and city’s ancient woodlands are being Major Projects said: “There were promoted. many volunteers who gave up their The routes, selected to provide a time to record the biodiversity of our range of walks for those seeking both a beautiful ancient woodland during the relaxed stroll and something more three years of the project. strenuous, have been added to Swansea “These woodland walks were Council’s website and are free to inspired by that project and we are download. delighted they have been added to the Swansea and Gower are dozens of countryside walks that can comparatively rich in ancient woodland be downloaded from Swansea and they are at their most beautiful for Council’s website.” a few weeks in early spring when Even after spring has gone the sights, woodland flowers such as bluebells and sounds and smells of a walk in the wild garlic are in bloom. Soon woods is anentertaining way to spend a afterwards the leaf canopy opens, relaxing afternoon. cutting out most of the light to the Visit: forest floor. www.swansea.gov.uk/countrysidewalks Our top six wanders 1) CWM Ivy Woods – A 2.2km walk that takes in the Wildlife Trust reserve of Cwm Ivy Woods near Llanmadoc on Gower with fine views over the neighbouring Burry Inlet. 2) NICHOLSTON Woods – A 3.5km secluded walk through varied woodland on south-facing slopes overlooking Oxwich Bay and the sea. 3) BISHOPSTON Valley – A 2km fascinating walk through a hidden valley. 4) BISHOP’S Wood – A 1km short walk near Caswell through mature walks in the wood ancient ash woods with a fine sea view. 5) PENLLERGARE Valley Woods – A 5.6km walk through a mosaic of ancient woodland, Victorian plantings and modern forestry. 6) CWM – A 5km secluded walk following the steep-sided valley of the Lower Clydach Valley. Swansea SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Leader 9 news digest Mayhill’s amazing new family centre WALES’ first fully integrated family centre and primary care centre has opened in Swansea. The brand new state-of-the- art Mountain View Centre in Mayhill gives residents access to expanded children and family services, top class health care as well as courses and activities that will make a real difference to their lives. It replaces the old and outdated family centre on Mayhill Road and is the new home for the Mayhill GP surgery. Welsh Government Minister for Housing and Regeneration Rebecca Evans officially opened the complex which is a partnership between Swansea Council and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board. The new building will also be home to Mayhill Pharmacy and other community services. On the front line against slavery • FIVE STAR: Cwmrhydyceirw pupils celebrate top marks from Estyn with head teacher Darren Casker SWANSEA has become one of Picture by Nick Parry the first local authorities in Wales to sign-up to a new code of practice on ethical employment in supply chains. The code was drawn up by the Welsh Government as part Excellence coming as of the Wales-wide campaign to do away with issues like modern slavery, employment blacklisting and false self- employment. The code of conduct is aimed at private sector businesses as well as public sector. standard in our schools Clive Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation and TWO schools are setting Children, Education and Lifelong Business Operations, said: “By schools that help shape children’s future signing-up to the code we are standards for others to Learning, said: “Many of our schools sending out a clear message LAST year Llanrhidian Primary received an exceptional report and are performing exceptionally well follow by becoming the was asked by Estyn to be a case study as to what a great school that we do not tolerate first in Wales to be rated looks like. and this has been reflected in the modern slavery and issues like as excellent across the Whitestone, Brynhyfryd and Pengelli Primary schools along with outstanding inspection reports that employment blacklisting.” board under a new Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin and Comprehensive have been published this year. national inspection School received top marks from inspectors. “The communities that these Summer really will system. In January the Welsh Government’s school categorisation system schools serve can take immense pride be blooming lovely Inspectors from Estyn praised the showed schools in Swansea have improved for the fourth successive in what is being achieved.” quality of teaching, pupils’ year with a record number of schools in the green support category. Cllr Raynor added: “We have FINISHING touches are being exemplary behaviour and the warm, Inspectors praised the school for to learning; teaching and learning made education a top priority and put to thousands of flowers caring and respectful culture at establishing an ethos whereby pupils experiences; care, support and have matched this commitment with that will brighten up Swansea Cwmrhydyceirw Primary School in develop outstanding social, learning guidance and finally leadership and investment and additional funding. this summer. The success stories across our Experts from Swansea Morriston after visiting the school and life skills. management. Council’s parks service have earlier this year. Since then Olchfa has also swept This year has also seen Bishop schools reflect a real team effort. been treating over 1,000 It became the first English medium the board with excellent ratings in Vaughan Catholic School as well as “Swansea is fortunate to have hanging baskets, 900 lamp- primary school in Wales to be judged every inspection area. Craigfelen Cwmglas and Gowerton primary many excellent headteachers and post displays and 200 flower as ‘excellent’ in all five of the new Primary School in Clydach has also schools praised by inspectors. teachers, committed governors and of troughs with tender loving care inspection areas. just received a glowing inspection Normally, each school in Wales course a lot of credit must go to in readiness for their delivery And earlier this year Bishopston report. Under the new system Estyn undergoes an Estyn Inspection every parents, carers and other family to businesses and residents Comprehensive School was the first inspectors judge five areas of a six years. members for the support they give alike. secondary school in Wales to achieve school’s performance when they visit Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Swansea their children and to the schools they Proceeds from orders, worth attend.” more than £90,000, are being this feat. – standards; wellbeing and attitudes Council’s Cabinet Member for reinvested into council services. Don’t get caught Ambitious schools investment planned RESIDENTS are being warned to be on guard against scam AMBITIOUS plans, amounting to almost £150m of will have invested £51.3m in school facilities in y-lan, YGG Tirdeunaw and YGG Pontybrenin artists attempting to trick further investment in school buildings in Swansea addition to the Council’s annual structural pupils. people into buying iTunes over the coming years, have been drawn-up. maintenance programme and earlier funding Access to funding for appropriate feasibility, vouchers and handing over the The money will be used to transform the accessed from the WG – a total itself approaching design and other site preparatory works and codes. provision for some of Swansea’s most vulnerable £100m. investigations could also support future investment Swansea Council Trading young people, expand the number of places for The next phase of the programme covers the to enhance educational provision in . Standards is issuing the pupils being taught through the medium of Welsh to period from 2019 to 2024. A continuing programme of replacement and warning after receiving a call from a victim who was tricked meet growing demand and to further reduce a As part of the delivery of the Council’s Welsh remodelling works would also improve into parting with £700 of iTunes backlog in structural maintenance and repairs. Education Strategic Plan, there are plans to further accommodation and facilities at English-medium vouchers after they received a This will build on the considerable impact to date enhance accommodation and facilities at the secondary schools. Works would be prioritised and ‘cold call’ from a scammer of the Band A programme which by March 2019 existing secondary schools as well as for YGG Tan- phased to address those in the poorest condition. claiming to be from the HMRC. Swansea 10 Leader SummerSummer inin SwanseaSwansea 20182018 Horses Changing a move child’s world SWANSEA Council is Sarah said: “We were looking for more local surprised to be recruited as praised people to consider fostering foster carers at Swansea as an opportunity for them Pride in the Summer of EFFORTS to reduce the to give something back to 2014. I would have been number of horses tethered on their community. nervous stepping forward public land in Swansea have More foster carers are for fear of rejection. We been praised by animal welfare needed to provide safe and were wrong. We are wanted groups and charities. happy homes for children, and we have a lot to give. Swansea Council has been particularly for older “Children need a home working with the RSPCA children and sibling groups. where they are safe and Cymru, Friends of Swansea When many myths still happy - and we can give Horses (FOSH) and other exist about who can or can’t them that. She said: “One of agencies to reduce the numbers foster, Swansea Council are the best things about of tethered horses kept on encouraging local residents fostering is you can change public land. to think about how it could the world for one child. A recent inspection of the transform their lives Foster care truly transforms problem estimates there are positively, as well as those lives, not just for the fewer than 20 horses being of vulnerable children and children but for the whole kept at known hotspots across young people. fostering family. Swansea. The number has One myth surrounding “Don’t be afraid to come reduced from two years foster care is that you can’t forward to foster, social previously where checks foster if you are LGBT+. services will talk through highlighted more than 100 Sarah and Serena Jones any concerns you have - horses were being tethered. have been fostering with foster carers from all walks Following concerns by Foster Swansea for three of life are needed.” agencies including FOSH, the years and Sarah says it’s • For more information Council set up a Tethered transformed their lives and contact Foster Swansea on • FOSTERING: Serena and Sarah Jones say the role is about changing the perceptions of what 0300 555 0110 or visit Horses Scrutiny Working world for one child at a time Group to look at what the fostering is about. www.fosterswansea.org Council does and give advice on how it could improve things and help reduce numbers. One of the outcomes was the creation of the Swansea Equine Forum, made up of several Our teams at the ready organisations. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “The formation of the forum and the opportunity to share information and talk to each to keep beaches safe other has helped all the organisations and agencies involved move forward SOME of Gower’s favourite leave only footprints on your visit knowledge that there is life-saving beaches will see RNLI support available when people need it. together.” VISITORS heading for the beach this summer are also being urged lifeguards on patrol this to do their bit to keep them clean by taking their rubbish home with “That’s why we are so pleased to be summer for the tenth them. working closely with the RNLI and Recycle successive year. Litter-picking and bin-emptying teams will be in place at Swansea Cariad on measures that help keep Since the May Day Bank Holiday beach, Caswell, Langland and every day during the people save and could save lives in weekend the charity’s lifeguards have summer period. But visitors need to play their part too. the future.” been on patrol at Port Eynon Beach, Although the tide can wash-in rubbish from the sea much of the RNLI lifeguards have been your Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Three waste comes from thoughtless visitors who don’t dispose of their patrolling Swansea’s most popular Cliffs Bay offering safety advice and rubbish thoughtfully. BBQ bins have been installed at Rotherslade beaches since 2009 and Tom John of assistance to beach goers. Bay, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Swansea Beach near the 360 the RNLI said: ‘We encourage people cafe, but visitors are urged to dispose of them at home rather than thinking of a trip to the beach in the nappies At Langland Bay, Port Eynon and leave them on the beach where they can be a serious hazard to Caswell Bay lifeguards will provide a other users. coming weeks and months to always safety service every day until visit a lifeguarded beach and anyone THE Council has introduced September 2. Swansea Beach will also beaches showed why Gower is the Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member heading into the water should always new nappy recycling facilities receive a daily service from June 30 jewel in Swansea’s crown. for Culture, Tourism and Major respect the water and swim between at all five of its recycling sites to September 2. In addition to RNLI’s much- Projects, said: “In Swansea, we’re the red and yellow flags. to enable parents to dispose of Beaches at and Three appreciated support, the council has lucky to have some of the best coastal “Our lifeguards are fully trained in nappies and avoid putting them Cliffs Bay are in Trip Advisor’s top 10 also been working with the Cariad scenery and coastal landmarks in the all aspects of beach safety so anyone in black bag waste. European beaches and Robert Francis- charity to put defibrillators in place at world so close at hand. with any queries should always The Council disposed of Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Knab “But it’s also important that people approach a lifeguard, who will be around 32,000 tonnes of black Tourism and Major Projects said the Rock and Oystermount Castle. are able to enjoy our seaside and more than willing to help or offer bag waste last year from awards along with the Blue Flag Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, coastal attractions, safe in the advice.” domestic properties and about 10% of it is made up of disposable nappies. Mark Thomas, Cabinet Team approach tackles domestic abuse Member for Environment Services, said: “We want all A NEW strategy has been unveiled to help ensure relationships. challenging attitudes towards violence and abuse households in the city to try Swansea residents are safe, happy and healthy and In Swansea from July to September 2017 there while increasing awareness in children and young and reduce the amount of black live fear free from violence and abuse. were 537 reported domestic abuse-related violence people of the importance of safe, equal and healthy bag waste they produce by It brings together Swansea Council and its partners against person offences across Swansea, which was a relationships. recycling more of their in health, police and the third sector to help children 14% increase for the same period in 2016. However The strategy also aims to place an increased focus household waste. and families experiencing domestic abuse or much domestic abuse still goes unreported. on holding perpetrators to account and providing “The new recycling facilities escalating relationship problems The strategy sets out a partnership approach to opportunities to change their behaviour based around at our sites now give parents an Gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual prevention programmes and victim support, where victim safety. Professionals are to be trained to option to divert nappy waste violence can include all kinds of physical, sexual and early intervention and prevention will be a priority. provide effective, timely and appropriate responses to from landfill.” emotional abuse, and can occur within all kinds of Objectives include increasing awareness and victims.