Major Funding Boost for Regeneration Projects

CONTACT Newspaper for the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil Issue 59 September 2020

Major funding boost for Regeneration projects

merthyrtydfilCBC @MerthyrCBC www.merthyr.gov.uk CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 2 Barrett, the Leader, Cllr Kevin O’Neill and Welcome Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Andrew Barry Armed Forces Events 2020 all done a video message promoting this to this 29th February saw the 3rd Battalion the nation’s toast to the heroes of the Second annual event. Royal Welsh march through the town centre World War on the 75th Anniversary of VE issue of to celebrate St David’s Day and to mark Day. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, 75th anniversary of V J Day the Reaffirmation of the Freedom of the organisations such as the Royal British your County Borough, which was granted to the Legion requested that people stay at home 15th August 2020 Contact Regiment in 2011. to mark this occasion. Celebrations were A service to remember the fallen in Japan A service was also held in the memorial held in people's own gardens, following the and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Community garden of St Tydfil’s’ Old Parish Church to national social distancing guidelines. their freedom was held at the Pant War honour Sergeant John Collins of the Royal Memorial on Saturday 15th August 2020 at Newspaper Welsh Fusiliers, who was presented with the Armed Forces Day 27th June 11am. His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Howard highest military award, the Victoria Cross, Barrett laid a wreath on behalf of the In the last six months, the 2020 citizens of the County Borough of Merthyr for his gallantry during the First World War. Coronavirus pandemic has The specially commissioned Armed Forces Tydfil and Mr Vivian Whatley laid a wreath affected us in many different 75th Anniversary of VE Day Day flags were raised on Monday 22nd June in remembrance of his late father who was 2020 to demonstrate our commitment and ways. The impact of this virus has 8th May 2020 killed in Japan, whose name is on the War been devastating and it is more acknowledge the start of Armed Forces Memorial. important than ever that we are The Council asked residents to join in the Week. His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Howard able to support each other. One theme that has certainly best they can. united people is our appreciation for A LEVEL & GCSE “The past few months have been the commitment and dedication of unprecedented in so many ways. NHS staff who continue to provide RESULTS Whilst result day celebrations were very the care, support and services that different, I do hope that each and every we all rely on. “Well done to all young the people one of our young people has taken the The partnership work with across Merthyr Tydfil who received their time to reflect on their achievements. the voluntary sector and A-level and GCSE results this August. The On behalf of the Council, I would like to other organisations has also results are testament to the hard work wish them every success for their future.” proved invaluable during these put in by students and also to the staff Cllr Lisa Mytton, Cabinet Member for unprecedented times. I would like to of the schools who have worked so hard Learning and Deputy Leader of MTCBC. thank all those that helped support to ensure our young people achieve the those shielding and other vulnerable individuals who needed assistance. I would also like to thank many of our Council staff who have worked every day through this pandemic. I particularly want to mention our frontline staff, those that have delivered the Personal Protective Equipment to our care providers and our social care staff who have been extraordinary. To be able to respond to this virus, we have developed robust recovery plans in line with government guidance. The success of this will hinge on partnership working and pooling our energies so that together, we can reduce the transmission of the virus. We all have a role to play, working with Welsh Government to allow us to ease restrictions, while at the same time controlling the spread of infection. Coronavirus has not gone away; it remains here, and it is important that we use our experiences over the past six months to help shape arrangements for the future. Let us hope that through determination, stringently adhereing to social distancing and following the governments’ guidelines as and when situtions change, we may be able to get back to some normality. Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to work behind the scenes with our Welsh Government Advisors as part of our statutory support package. We have welcomed this support and will update further on our transformation programme in the coming months. Finally, I would like to personally congratulate our young people on their recent achievements at A Level and GCSE. 2020 has been a hard time for us all, but particularly for those students in their final years of school and college. Whatever the circumstances, we aim high for our young people. We support them to aspire and achieve and we look forward to seeing them flourish, both now and in the future.

Stay safe.

Councillor Kevin O’Neill Leader Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 3 Merthyr Tydfil businesses helped to access more than of Covid-19’s impact on their trading for Finance and Governance, said: “We and recovery planning, the results of were delighted with the way in which £20m Covid-19 support which are being used to determine what we were able to quickly get the financial Merthyr Tydfil council officers worked for recovery using a business health further support is needed. support out to our businesses.” closely with local businesses to try to check questionnaire. A high percentage of those responses limit the damage they faced as a result More than 1,000 Merthyr Tydfil were from town centre businesses; 96% of the coronavirus lockdown. businesses with premises affected by of responders said they had suffered One local business in receipt of a grant As well helping companies access coronavirus were identified as qualifying income loss; 47% had furloughed staff; was Lucy Lou’s Tattoos in Pontmorlais. over £20m in Welsh Government for and received funding. 66% had received grants; and 27% had Proprietor Lucy Turner pictured at work. grants and business rates holidays, the In addition, 120 businesses took part coronavirus recovery plans. Council’s Revenues and Community in a survey aimed at building a picture Cllr Andrew Barry, Cabinet Member Regeneration teams helped them plan Partnership working ensures Animated video delivers entrepreneurship message The Council’s support project for budding type promotional video which would very the team and MTEC. town centre is safely open for entrepreneurs has launched a fun animated simply highlight the support available to Merthyr Media operates from the promotional video to show what it can offer anyone wanting to start their own business. Redhouse and provides a complete media in a simple and eye catching way. “By using animation, we felt that this service for start-ups and established business Merthyr Tydfil Community Enterprise is a took away the stigma that business and businesses website design, photography, Merthyr Tydfil town one-stop shop for people with new business enterprise is a little scary and intimidating video production and branding and centre was safely up ideas, providing them with a complete and only certain people can start their own advertising. and running again in support package to help turn their dreams business. Anyone can be an entrepreneur!” Elliott is available to discuss your business into reality. The video was designed and produced ideas and help support you on your journey the summer, thanks to a Jointly funded by the Bridges into Work 2 by one of the project’s own success stories. to creating a successful enterprise. Please partnership approach. and Working Skills for Adults 2 programmes, Sarah Leanne Hicks started her own contact him via email elliott.evans@ The Council, the Big markings implemented across town Community Enterprise was developed to business, Merthyr Media, with support from merthyr.gov.uk or tel 07923 241356. Heart of Merthyr Tydfil, St Tydfil’s to remind people to keep their stimulate enterprise in the heart of local Shopping Centre and South Wales communities. distance. At the bus station, barriers The role is embedded within the Council’s Police Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda were removed to help maintain social Cynon Taf pulled out all the stops in Employability Team and has the advantage distancing and pedestrian flow. of being able to call on support from a wide ensuring returning shoppers felt safe Police officers were out and about range of employability schemes such as using the town centre. in the town centre, carrying out Communities for Work and Communities for The local authority gave more enforcement to ensure pedestrian Work Plus, Nurture, Equip, Thrive (NET) and than 50 businesses - including retail, more. safety and help maintain social Community Enterprise Officer Elliott Evans hairdressers, pubs and cafés - Personal distancing. They have also been Protective Equipment including gloves, said: “The idea of the video originated from issuing warning notices to any a conversation where we were looking at hand sanitiser, facemasks and visors, vehicles parked or driving through the ways of promoting community enterprise and floor stickers. pedestrian area. through social media. Signage was erected and floor “We came up the idea of an animation- Demolition marks start of new chapter for Taff and Crescent Street residents The demolition of two rows of houses has been built as part of a large-scale established communities, the health in Merthyr Vale marks the end of a regeneration programme, supported by and well-being of residents and our carefully managed process to relocate Welsh Government on the site of the tenants was our first priority. residents from a dangerously flood- former Merthyr Vale Colliery. “We were delighted when the first Merthyr Tydfil prone area to new homes, many of The project created 110 homes for community project and the homes which are in a multi-million-pound open-market sale and 43 affordable built for 23 families in 2017 was regeneration project. houses and apartments owned by recognised with several awards. Many Taff Street and Crescent Street, which Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association. of the remaining families moved businesses to be were built on a floodplain in around Cabinet Member for Regeneration and away or found their own alternative 1900 and have suffered recurring Public Protection, Cllr Geraint Thomas, accommodation but we were thrilled flooding during the past 20 years, are said: “Taff Street and Crescent Street to welcome the last of our Taff and supported to diversify being demolished over a three-month were built on a flood plain. Natural Crescent families to their new, purpose- period. Resources Wales highlighted the area built homes at Ymyl Yr Afon.” Residents moved out of the two as one without significant flood defence One of the residents of the new streets over the course of three years measures and it has seriously flooded homes, MTHA tenant Ruth Williams into outdoors from 2016, and work has been ongoing on a number of occasions. The houses said: “We have been happy in our ever since to comply with ecology and posed a risk to health and life, being temporary home but couldn’t wait to Merthyr Tydfil town centre could soon huge challenges in the light of Covid-19, biosecurity measures such as protecting damp outside and in. move home to Merthyr Vale. Now we be looking very different, with al fresco but this kind of support will hopefully roosting bats and repositioning soil “We wanted to keep as much of are back, and I love it. dining and drinking playing a prominent help them not only survive but thrive,” contaminated with Japanese Knotweed, the community - the families and “The new house is lovely and I was role alongside the usual shopping he added. which will now be treated through a neighbours - together as possible, so able to choose the carpet, laminate experience. “The Welsh weather is famously three-year spraying programme. they were given the first opportunity flooring and the blinds. It’s nice to be As well as making it as safe as possible inclement, but the grants will allow While 23 families with housing to move into the new homes. All the back where I have family and friends’ to visit, MTCBC is now allocating Welsh premises to install coverings such as association tenancies moved into children are still able to attend Aberfan support, which I’ve found a lifesaver Government grants to businesses who awnings, canopies and umbrellas to purpose built homes in Aberfan Primary School.” during lockdown.” want to offer food and drink outdoors protect customers. We hope that those when they were completed in 2017, Karen Courts, Chief Executive at a number of the remaining residents Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association New properties at Ymyl Yr Afon The COVID-19 Grant for Outdoor that have the space will apply and help have recently moved to the £25 million (MTHA), said: “While the communities Equipment is a £5.3m scheme aimed create Merthyr’s own little pavement Ymyl Yr Afon housing development that at Taff and Crescent Streets were at helping town centres recover from café society!” Coronavirus and will make available The Outdoor Equipment scheme funding of up to £10,000 to support will pay for outdoor equipment licensed premises that want to diversify including: awnings, tables and chairs, as a result of the pandemic restrictions. heating, screening, bollards, planters, “Welsh Government announced that small green infrastructure schemes, pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants were electricity supply and lighting, and the able to reopen outdoors from 13 July,” temporary use of vacant buildings and said Cabinet Member for Regeneration establishment of local markets. and Public Protection Cllr Geraint It will support up to 80% of the overall Thomas. “Venues are able to open in cost of projects, of up to £10,000. Higher spaces they own and have licences for, levels of funding will be considered in as long as Coronavirus cases continue exceptional circumstances. to fall. “We know that town centres are facing CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 4

Storm Dennis Update

Some of the damaged caused by Storm Dennis in Merthyr Tydfil

In February 2020 Storm Dennis As a result of Storm Dennis a during the storms so MTCBC hit the UK with devastating total of 47 repair schemes have appointed a specialist consultant effects for many. In Merthyr been identified in Merthyr Tydfil, to carry out flood modelling, that Tydfil over 200 properties were worth over £8.6m. centred around the Plymouth flooded and in the early hours Due to the scale of the works Feeder, to determine the cause. of 16 February, an emergency we have devised a three-year The analysis of the Plymouth situation was declared. Our completion plan split into Feeder indicated that flooding emergency control room was three phases, which have been of Troedyhriw occurred due to set up at the civic centre and prioritised based on the risk of record high levels in the River rest centres were activated at future flooding: Taff, which caused water to back Merthyr Tydfil and Aberfan • Phase 1 is currently underway up into the feeder. The feeder leisure centres. Officers and with 5 schemes already could not contain the volume Councillors were also deployed completed and another 14 of water during this one in a to those areas worst affected to due to start in the next few 200-year event and the water help with the substantial clean- weeks; eventually overtopped the feeder working with the Coal Authority, those residents and business up operation. • Phase 2 will take place in embankment. The River Taff was who have provided assistance in owners worst affected by the In the subsequent days and 2021; therefore a significant driver in inspecting almost 60 tips. The flooding, but we’ve also set up weeks, financial support was • Phase 3 will take place in contributing to flooding in this majority of the tip inspection dedicated web pages where offered by the local authority by 2022. area during Storm Dennis. reports indicate that only minor we’ll post our most up-to-date way of a £500 Local Authority The Covid-19 Pandemic has To the east of the village lies work is required to a small information on the ongoing Hardship Scheme grant and inevitably meant that some of a 100-year-old culvert of stone number of tips. works and plans for the future: Council Tax relief, and The these plans have been delayed, construction, which we are We’ve written directly to all merthyr.gov.uk/stormrecovery Welsh Government Discretionary however our officers are now proposing to replace along its Assistance Fun (DAF) was made working hard to complete as entire length, and consultants available to those affected. many schemes as possible before Capita have been appointed to We also offered practical help the winter months. carry out the design and progress to those that needed it, including The recovery works vary in the scheme. The new culvert will extra waste collections, free fature: be designed with additional bulky item collections, advice on • Culvert repairs capacity to accommodate insurance claims and help with • Reinstatement of river climate change and to ensure grant applications. embankments it will be able to contain heavy In May we wrote to flooded • Installation of trash screens rainfall from any future storms. property owners with information and flood monitors to various on how to recover and how culverts Landslides to prepare for the worst-case • Increasing the capacity of Eight landslides occurred scenario of it happening again. watercourses during the storms, all of which With the easing of Welsh • Scour protection of bridges are complex in nature, so we lockdown restrictions enabling • Stabilisation work to landslip have a specialist geotechnical us to resume a more normal areas company assessing each one to operation, we now wanted to provide recommendations on update you on the progress of Troedyrhiw the remedial work. Whilst the our recovery works as well our The village of Troedyrhiw landslides were not related to plans for the future. suffered extensive floodingany coal tip, we have also been CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 5 Re-use Shop We are delighted to announce that we’ll be opening a new Re-use shop in Pentrebach. The shop will provide an outlet for residents to purchase re-useable items at affordable prices, which otherwise would have been recycled or gone to energy from waste facility. It will also significantly increase the opportunity to re-use items deposited at the two Household Waste and Recycling Centres, At the time of print the opening date hasn’t been finalised, so please keep an eye out on our website and social media for further information coming soon!

HWRC Winter Opening hours CARDBOARD A reminder that your local The sites in Dowlais and Aberfan RECYCLING Household Waste & Recycling will be open from 9.00am to The collection vehicle opening has a Centres will change over to their 4.30pm, with the last admittance at limit on the size of cardboard that can winter operating hours as of Sunday 4.20pm. be put into it, so please ensure that you 1st November. follow the advice below when putting card out for collection: Trolley boxes – All card should We would like to thank the public for their patience be placed in the correct trolley box and help during the lockdown period. container. Large pieces of card should be cut up and placed within that A thank you also to the crews, Wardens and our container. Household Waste and Recycling Centre staff who Recycling Box – Large pieces of card GLASS all played their part to stay safe, keep the public should be cut up and placed within the box. Where possible try to place glass RECYCLING safe and ensure that the waste service provision bottles and jars on top of the card so Please keep your glass separate continued for residents during these difficult times. that it is easily identifiable to our crews from your card by placing it on top of when sorting at the kerbside. the card or into a separate box. Thank you. MTCBC calls on residents to Be Mighty, Recycle. And let’s get Wales to number one! Wales may be a small country, but good work. Let’s continue recycling soap and shower gel bottles can be when it comes to recycling, we punch everything we can from all around the recycled way above our weight. We’re already home and help get Wales to number • Most people know that water the third best recyclers in the world, and one.” bottles, cans, and paper and card can be now MTCBC is backing the Wales-wide To learn more about the mighty recycled, but don’t forget that you can movement to make us first. movement visit www.walesrecycles.org. also recycle more unusual items such as Over the past decade, recycling in uk, look out for the ads on TV, on buses empty aerosols. And if you’re not sure Merthyr Tydfil has soared. We’re now and billboards and social media across what you can and can’t recycle visit recycling almost 65% of our waste, up Wales or join the conversation using the https://www.merthyr.gov.uk/resident/ from just 34.43% in 2010. But if we’re hashtag #mightyrecyclers bins-and-recycling/ to help Wales reach the coveted top slot Mighty tips to get Wales to number • Squash cans, pots, tubs and we need to do even more, as Cllr David one trays to save space in your recycling Hughes, explains: • Recycling our food waste bag, bin, box or caddy. And give them “Recycling is now the norm in Merthyr is one of the easiest ways to give our a quick rinse before recycling them – Tydfil and most of us recycle every recycling rate a big boost. Put any food there’s no need to use running water, week. We’re recycling our fruit and waste – however small the amount – in a quick swill in the washing up bowl will vegetable peelings, eggshells, tea bags your food waste caddy to ensure it gets do and plate scrapings in our food caddies; collected every week • If Wales is going to get to recycling from every room in the home • Recycling doesn’t stop at number one, we all have to play our and recycling those tricky items such as the kitchen door – remember to recycle part. That means spreading the mighty empty aerosols. from other rooms too. You’d be amazed movement word on social media by “We should be proud of our recycling just how much bathroom waste such sharing your recycling pics and tips efforts, but we must keep up our as empty shampoo, conditioner, hand using the #mightyrecyclers hashtag CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 6 Youngest generation must be at heart of ‘Cyfarthfa Plan’ COUNCIL AT FOREFRONT OF EXCITING The younger generation must be willingness of everyone to engage with Cllr Geraint Thomas said Merthyr TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS DELIVERY our focus if the plans for transforming us has been exceptional. Tydfil’s wealth of heritage assets Merthyr Tydfil’s Cyfarthfa Heritage Area “We’ve had very honest and open included 223 listed buildings, one of The Council has been awarded £6.3m to line, platform and building infrastructure, are to succeed. discussions with all participants about which - Cyfarthfa Castle – is in the manage exciting transport developments that will complement and enhance the That is the message - from the team Cyfarthfa, Merthyr Tydfil, its history, exceptional, national interest Grade 1 across South East Wales, including the significant investment in the Core Valleys Metro project and electrification of buses Lines network and the new Merthyr Tydfil of consultants working on developing environment, culture, and the future. category, 12 in the significant Grade and taxis. Bus Station.” he added. the 25-year plan for transforming There is a clear pride in the town, with 2* category and 48 Scheduled Ancient The Council is managing both schemes The RTA announced that it had been Merthyr Tydfil’s extensive historical a real affection for its history, and an Monuments. on behalf of the Cardiff Capital Region successful in obtaining £5m from Welsh assets - following nearly 60 consultation enthusiasm to bring about real change. He said "Ian Ritchie Architects were Transport Authority (RTA), which Government’s Local Transport Fund meetings and workshops carried out in We couldn’t have wished for a better selected by the Council, working comprises 10 local authorities. In Merthyr towards South East Wales Metro and the county borough. outcome.” closely with the Design Commission for Tydfil, the funding will support the Metro Plus schemes, which include a Meetings and creative workshops have Mr Shaw said the project was a long- Wales, to lead the team to develop the development of a new railway station at range of projects such as the Pentrebach been held with primary and secondary term one, which meant that ‘the voices, Cyfarthfa Plan - not only for Cyfarthfa Pentrebach and electric vehicle charging Station. school pupils and teachers, college actions and involvement of younger Castle and its 190-acre park, but also an for buses and taxis at the new bus station. A further £1.3m was awarded from students and lecturers, community generations must be part of shaping it’. area west of the River Taff that includes “We are delighted to be at the forefront Welsh Government’s Ultra Low Emission groups, Council officers, Welsh He added: “Future generations historic furnaces. " of delivering transport improvements Vehicle Transformation Fund (ULEV) Government officials and conservation have a real stake in making a bold “We agree that the younger across the region by managing the to assist with the delivery of electric organisation CADW. and imaginative impact, not only in generation must be encouraged to play funding for both the Metro Enhancement vehicle infrastructure for public use, taxis “We have reached far and wide to the way the town’s rich history and a leading role in the Plan – after all, it’s and Ultra Low Emission Vehicle and private hire, and buses at various speak to as many groups, organisations heritage could be interpreted, but also they who will benefit from, and hopefully Programmes,” said Council Leader Cllr locations and transport hubs throughout and members of the public as possible,” in protecting and enhancing its natural be caretakers of, the opportunities Kevin O’Neill. the region. The Council had bid on RTA’s behalf said project leader Jonathan Shaw environment, and ensuring its diverse implementing it will bring.” “We’re working closely with Welsh Government on plans for the new railway for both sets of funding and will manage from Ian Ritchie Architects (iRAL). “The creativity flows.” station and strategic park and ride facility both schemes. at Pentrebach. Transport for Wales, Synagogue plans on behalf of the Council and Welsh Bus station progress visible to all Government, is also carrying out feasibility boosted Just over a year after building work time and will continue to increase pace work at the main railway station’s existing began, Merthyr Tydfil’s new bus station and activity as the project develops. Plans to turn Merthyr Tydfil’s Synagogue into a is beginning to look like the finished Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “After a Welsh Jewish heritage centre and cultural venue complement its significant investment have taken a step forward as a result of grants article, with both the glass frontage and year on site, including carrying out all Welsh Government awarded the from Cadw - the Welsh Government’s heritage stone cladding almost complete. the painstaking necessary groundworks County Borough Council £10m funding in the Core Valley Lines Rail Network. It agency - and three major charitable foundations. Future users, including workers such as before construction could even begin, for the station, which will be located is expected to be completed in spring Funding for urgently needed repairs to the bus drivers, café proprietor, the police it’s really exciting to now see the artist’s closer to the town’s railway station, to 2021. building has also been secured from The Pilgrim and public, can now see the building impression come to life. Trust, The Los Angeles-based GRoW@Annenberg taking shape. “It’s a beautiful design which manages and the Philip King Charitable Trust. “Work on the glazed façade will help to both blend into the environment and The Grade II-listed stone building, designed make the building weathertight,” said catch the eye - through the natural blue in Gothic Revival style, has been empty since Ross Williams, project manager for main pennant stone walling and cladding, 2006 and needed urgent structural repair work contractor Morgan Sindall Construction. and roof following the profile of the when it was bought by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage last year. “The internal partitions are progressing, Brecon Beacons in the distance. Comedian David Baddiel and Welsh Jewish creating real spaces and helping the “Morgan Sindall Construction are billionaire philanthropist Sir Michael Moritz have building take shape and become a doing an excellent job and we look both agreed to become Patrons of the project. reality. forward to the next milestone in the Cllr Geraint Thomas, Cabinet Member for “Progress has been very good over the development.” Regeneration and Public Protection, said: past few months - we have an average “The Council has long been in talks with the of 60 to 70 workers on site at any one Foundation of Jewish Heritage about the future of the Synagogue. “Our officers have worked with the Foundation to provide support and advice, and will continue Environmentalist to oversee Parc Taf Bargoed restoration project to do so throughout the restoration project. “The Synagogue is a prominent landmark An Australian environmentalist initiative aimed at restoring the river’s park into a haven for wildlife. Rachel, who is qualified in Australian building within the Thomastown Conservation has been appointed to oversee the banks and local habitats, protecting But its 3.6 hectares of lakes are Environmental Studies and is currently Area and an extremely important part of the ambitious restoration of land and against erosion and making the area’s affected by silt and sediment build- studying for an HNC in Environmental town centre’s historic landscape. waterways surrounding one of Merthyr biodiversity and ecosystems sustainable. up having an impact on the local Conservation Management, previously “So we’re delighted that funding has been Tydfil’s most picturesque green spaces. At the lower end of the catchment community, events, leisure activities and worked on European-funded grant secured to ensure its future is looking very bright Rachel Morton has been appointed area, the 140-hectare Parc Taf Bargoed the economic viability of the park. programmes for Bridgend County - and that it will become another feature in our to manage the Taf Bargoed Catchment was once the site of three former coal The project will use measures like tree Borough Council. In her spare time, ever-growing tourism offer.” Restoration Project, a £½m clean-up mines, with regeneration turning the planting, fencing and changes to the she’s also an environmental volunteer river bed and banks to reduce silt levels, at Bryngarw Country Park and local improve habitats and potentially reduce woodlands. flood risk downstream. Rachel said work on the ‘Restore The Council was last year awarded a the River’ project would involve her grant for the project of £417,000 from engaging with local landowners, Welsh Government’s Rural Communities commoners, residents, businesses and – Rural Development Programme 2014- schools and encouraging them to take 2020 Sustainable Management Scheme, on a role as ‘community guardians’. which is funded by the European “We hope to see local people getting Agricultural Fund for Rural Development involved in river surveys and volunteer and the Welsh Government. The funding activities,” she added. “The rivers of went towards the total project costs of South Wales are such an important part £507,287, matched by £60,000 from of the area’s history and vital for the the Council and £30,000 from Natural future.” Resources Wales.

said Cllr Geraint Thomas. damage, arson, unauthorised excavation, - Rural Development Programme 2014- Project to protect historic and ‘vital’ Common “Unfortunately, it faces high levels of illegal metal detecting (known as ‘night- 2020, which is funded by the European anti-social behaviour from a minority of hawking’), or damage by vehicles. Agricultural Fund for Rural Development A partnership created to protect leaflet, a Twitter account and a Facebook people, which is having a harmful impact. Common Ranger Mark Ward said: “The and the Welsh Government. the historic Gelligaer and Merthyr page, all aimed at educating and raising The aim of this project is to help protect Common is a spectacular landscape - a Common has launched a series of public he profile of the common. the Common by following the rules and vital green lung of the valleys. At 3,000 engagement tools aimed at encouraging Project staff and a member of South rights associated with common land that hectares, this great expanse of land plays people to respect the ‘vital green lung of Wales Fire & Rescue Service Fire Crime not everyone is aware of.” its part in the water and carbon cycles the valleys’. Team were out in the summer delivering Illegal activities include: off road which shape and support our everyday The Tirwedd y Comin Project is leaflets to communities bordering the driving causing erosion, disturbing wildlife lives locally, nationally and internationally. working with the Gelligaer & Merthyr common, explaining to members of the and injuring animals; ‘fly grazing’ and “Respecting the Common, cherishing Common Partnership (GMCP), which was public exactly what is meant by common abandonment of horses and ponies; and managing it in a sustainable manner established in 2019 to bring together land and what they are allowed to do on it. dogs not being kept on a lead disturbing to pass on to future generations is landowners, graziers, statutory bodies “The leaflet explains how the Common ground nesting birds and other livestock; everyone’s responsibility, and we hope and key organisations to tackle issues is vital for supporting the local agricultural fly tipping and littering; arson attacks and that this project will help people realise and explore opportunities impacting the and rural community and is home to an ‘heritage crime’ - targeting the historic that.” Common. abundance of wildlife, including the iconic environment such as archaeological This project has received funding through There is a new website, an information Red Kite and the threatened Lapwing,” sites, churches and castles with criminal the Welsh Government Rural Communities October

CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 7 their families’ lives during such an Furniture retailer weathers Covid-19 storm uncertain time.” Leader Cllr Kevin O'Neill officially opens Bourne Home Furniture is a family Bourne Home Furniture Merthyr Tydfil furniture dealer Chris 100%. home with the family, so decided to business in every sense of the word, Bourne’s family business has not only Chris was able to do this with the go out on my own,” he said. “I saved with Chris’s graphic designer brother managed to survive the challenge help of a £10,000 Welsh Government some money and went for it.” Adam working on the company from Coronavirus, it’s also been able Covid-19 Non-domestic rates (NDR) He and fiancé Shannon started the website and sister Kelly helping out by to emerge from it looking stronger grant and in July, the new warehouse business in 2018 and currently employ advertising products on social media than before. was officially opened by Council three other members of staff. “They platforms. The company moved from its Leader Cllr Kevin O’Neill. were furloughed during the lockdown “Since we started the business nearly previous location at St Tydfil Shopping Chris, 29, was originally employed and are now back in to work. two years ago, we’ve had continued Centre’s indoor market to much larger as a sub-contractor on the railways. “The NDR grant helped us advance support from Merthyr Council in premises on Pant Industrial Estate, “After years of working away and payments to staff and we were able different forms and from different invested in increased stock and awkward shift patterns, I wanted a to keep them topped up to 100% departments,” said Chris. topped up furloughed staff wages to change and to spend more time at wages, not to impact their and

So many people in Merthyr Tydfil have what it takes to be a great adoptive parent and Vale, Valleys and Cardiff Adoption want to hear from you. Talk to VVCadoption and #BecomeTheParentOnlyYouCouldBe. adopt4vvc.org - 0800 023 064 Rabart looks to the future following Coronavirus lull One of the UK’s most successful with sales being around 40 to 50% from having to lay off any staff. decorating supplies companies is down as compared to last year’s “Merthyr Council were fantastic in as among the 1,000-plus local businesses figures. far as the speed with which the money supported through the Coronavirus Andrew said "while the company came through,” he said. “Hats off to pandemic by the Council. had continued to deliver materials, the council - there was no messing Rabart Decorators’ Merchants it was crucial to reopen the stores - around – we had it in the bank within employs 15 members of staff at its particularly the Merthyr Tydfil branch, days.” Pant Industrial Estate head office, but which had a designer retail area Andrew admitted to being concerned also has more than 50 other staff at its where customers could sit and browse about the future, but said he was also eight other stores across South Wales through interior design magazines, positive. “Every business is worried,” he and the West Country. colour cards, wallpaper books and try added. “There’s a lot of uncertainty Commercial Services Director, sample pots in store." out there. But I’m a positive person. Andrew Bush said all the stores were Rabart secured a Welsh Government We’ll have to diversify and change and Owl rescued thanks to quick work by forced to shut for a period of time, Business Rates Grant of £25,000, which do things differently to make sure that rare incident. which had a huge impact on turnover, Andrew says prevented the business we do survive.” residents and staff “Anglers, however, must be mindful about the safe disposal of fishing lines. My thanks Residents, Council and Wellbeing Merthyr go out to our own and the Merthyr Leisure staff sprang into action last July when a Trust’s staff for their quick response in Tawny Owl was spotted caught up in fishing Help us to safeguard our communities from saving this poor bird’s life. line on the island in Cyfarthfa Park Lake. “Thanks first and foremost to our vigilant After walkers Andrea and Nigel Hulbert residents Andrea and Nigel Hulbert for noticed the owl, whose wing was caught abuse and neglect reporting the in the wire, they managed to get hold of incident and The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding grounds staff who quickly scrambled a waiting around Board is asking everyone in Merthyr rescue boat and sailed to the island in a bid for two hours to Tydfil - family, friends, neighbours, postal to save the distressed young bird. make sure the It was freed from the line and taken workers, delivery drivers - to act as eyes owl was taken to promptly to the Medivet surgery in and ears for our children, young people safety. We have Georgetown where, after being checked by and vulnerable adults and to alert their the kindest people one of the vets, it was placed in the kennels local safeguarding team on 01685 living in Merthyr to rest. 725000 or the police if they believe that Tydfil.” Andrea and Nigel tried to get hold of the anyone is being neglected, experiencing RSPCA, but on receiving no answer, put a abuse, or is at risk of harm. post on Facebook asking for help. Litter To contact social care services picker Colin Lewis alerted Head Gardner outside office hours, at weekends and Julian Burns, groundsman Darren Williams and labourer Pete Mason. Ian Woolston bank holidays, contact the Cwm Taf and Matthew Felton of Wellbeing Merthyr Morgannwg Emergency Duty Team on arranged access to the boat and Julian and 01443 743665. Pete made their rescue. If you suspect a person is at immediate Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “Merthyr Tydfil risk of harm call 999 and speak to the Angling Association members work hard to Police. try to protect the environment and wildlife For further information on safeguarding at Cyfarthfa Lake and were also quickly at issues, please visit www.ctmsb.co.uk the scene of what was an unfortunate and CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk September 2020 Page 8 Police and Crime Commissioner secures more than £500,000 for Merthyr Tydfil ‘Project Penderyn’ the installation of alley gates, improved street lighting and CCTV provision as The South Wales Police and Crime officers to increase public confidence and well as new signage. We will also be Commissioner has been successful in encouraging activity in the town centre. enhancing community engagement securing more than half a million pounds A range of measures are being with community clean-up days and for Merthyr Tydfil from the Home Office’s taken forward by Community Safety information leafleting to residents and Safer Streets Fund. Partnership Inspector Mike Ruddall, who local businesses.” The £25 million fund was launched in is leading the implementation phase MTCBC Leader, Cllr Kevin O’Neill said: January to enable bids from Police and of the project. They include a CCTV “This is fantastic news for the Community Crime Commissioners across England upgrade, improved street lighting, the Safety Partnership and the residents and Wales to fund initiatives aimed at installation of alley gates and a property of Merthyr Tydfil. We’ve listened to tackling crime and preventing acquisitive marking scheme for local residents. the concerns of our residents and have crime and other offences that have a real Welcoming the announcement, Police sought funding to enable us to put robust impact on the community. and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael infrastructure in place, making Merthyr The Commissioner and his team worked said: “This is a fantastic boost for Tydfil a safer place to live and visit.” closely with MTCBC to identify things Merthyr Tydfil and wonderful news for Chief Inspector Naomi Drew, Insp Mike Rudall, Sgt which would make a real difference to the the area. We have been awarded a total McCucheon, Crime Reduction Tactical Advisors Joy town, helping both the police and council of £513,410 which will be invested in Nicholls and Michelle Farmer. ‘Renaissance’ project continues to restore Merthyr Tydfil’s historic Pontmorlais A £2.1m programme to restore some of “This project is preserving the unique of traditional shopfronts, timber sash Merthyr Tydfil’s most historic buildings, landscape character of the oldest windows, traditional renders, natural while also providing jobs and training in and most architecturally impressive slate roof coverings, cast iron rainwater building skills for local people, has seen part of the town centre, protecting or goods and chimneys. the completion of its latest project. reintroducing the features that make The Vulcan Inn is thought to be early The Victorian era Vulcan Inn now looks each building special,” said Cllr Geraint Victorian, as it appears on the 1850s more like it did in the 1800s after the Thomas. Tithe map of the area - although there restoration of early decorative features “It involves sympathetic restoration is a building with a similar footprint which were lost when alterations were using traditional methods and shown on an 1836 OS map, so parts of carried out in recent years, thanks to materials of surviving examples of the the existing building could be even older. the Pontmorlais Townscape Heritage town centre’s earliest stages of urban The refurbishment work was carried out Quarter, Continuing the Renaissance development.” by local construction company Murphy project. Over the past decade, a total £5m has & Sons. A partnership project between The public house has undergone a been invested in the area and seen the the Council and The Wales National £215,600 facelift with matchfunding restoration of 16 buildings including Roof Training Group to provide training from the National Lottery Heritage Fund the Grade II listed St David’s Hall, in traditional building skills saw three of (NLHF) towards investment from the Redhouse Cymru and Canolfan Soar. the company’s employees complete a Council. Typically, work includes reinstatement leadworking course.