CONTACT Newspaper for the County Borough of Issue 58 December 2019

Recycle this Christmas! See Page 3 for information

Major funding boost for Regeneration projects

merthyrtydfilCBC @MerthyrCBC www.merthyr.gov.uk CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 2 services. As part of this process, we have Financial Position approached Welsh Government (WG) Youth Mayor 2019-2020 Over the last decade, many local We are not alone - every Council is for assistance and they have provided In October, Merthyr Tydfil elected many local events; attending the authorities across the country have feeling the strain. the Council with a number of external its new Deputy Youth Mayor Remembrance Sunday services in seen continued budget cuts from Later this month, Welsh Government advisors to help us drive forward the 2020/2021. All the schools in the Merthyr Tydfil alongside His Worship borough including pupils who attend The Mayor. In addition, he has also Central Government. will announce our budget settlement required change and improvement for Ysgol Rhydywaun voted for their next co-presented Merthyr’s Academy This has added significant pressure for the forthcoming financial year. the Council. Deputy Youth Mayor. Over 3000 of Success which celebrates all the on the day to day running of Councils This will give us a clearer picture of the This support from WG will be in the young people voted; this is the highest amazing achievements of young and how they deliver services. This is Council’s financial position and how form of a Board that will work closer voting turnout since the whole Youth people in Merthyr Tydfil. proving exceptionally difficult and local we will need to prioritise our services with the Council to ensure that, with Mayor initiative was launched. Samee During the summer, Krystian visited authorities must now make drastic moving forward. such limited budgets, the Council Furreed was duly elected as the next several of the local youth provisions changes to be able to survive. The past few months have been continues to deliver efficient and Deputy Youth Mayor and plans to across Merthyr to see some of the Over the last 10 years through our especially tough with the challenge effective services moving forward. continue working with the Merthyr amazing work being undertaken in efficiencies programme, this Council to make savings. Officers and Elected It is important to keep you, our Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum on the for young people. mental health and help to promote In September 2019 Krystian also has already had to find £32 million of Members have faced this challenge residents, regularly informed and positive mental health to young attended a number of Merthyr Tydfil’s savings, with a further challenge to find head-on and are making significant engaged throughout. For further people in Merthyr Tydfil. Samee also Schools in the borough, with the help an additional £15million over the next progress to ensure this Council will be updates, please visit the Council’s plans to work around hate crime/ of the Deputy Youth Mayor and the 3 years. sustainable moving forward. website www.merthyr.gov.uk or social bullying and help address the issue of Chair of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough The strain of austerity has impacted To put the organisation in a strong media sites Facebook and Twitter. climate change. Samee is 14 years old Wide Youth Forum to promote the on this organisation and the ability to position for the future, the Council and attends high school, he work being done by the Youth Forum deliver services to the citizens of our needs to go through a comprehensive is currently studying for his GCSE’s. and in the process try to recruit more County Borough. transformation in the way it delivers This year marks/ celebrates 10 young people to join. years of the Youth Mayor with Krystian has also led on a project Krystian Maciejczyk being the 10th about mental health for primary Youth Mayor of the County Borough school children, he has been supported Memorial Garden scoops of Merthyr Tydfil. Krystian was by the members of the Merthyr Tydfil with a special mention for Janet inaugurated as the Youth Mayor last Borough Wide Youth Forum. The aim Morgan, who takes the lead in May and will be in post until April 2020. of the ‘Feeling Good’ project was in Bloom award organising the group and sourcing His pledges are to try and change about early intervention and helping the perception on immigration, raise Volunteers at Merthyr Libraries’ Wellbeing@Merthyr Member Support resources to keep improving the young people to understand the Holocaust Memorial Garden were Officer Rhianwen Long. awareness of human trafficking importance of being happy and if garden year on year.” and to address the ongoing issue they are not then what can be done delighted when their efforts were “Merthyr Tydfil Libraries and Janet Morgan and Anne Yates recognised in this year’s Wales in Wellbeing@Merthyr would like of homlessness in Merthyr Tydfil. about it. The Youth Forum worked of Merthyr Central Library were Alongside these 3 pledges the Youth with Cyfarthfa Park Primary and Bloom competition. to thank the volunteers for their presented with the award by Mayor has nominated the Donation Ysgol Santes Tudful primary schools The Memorial Garden achieved a continued hard work in the garden, representatives of the RHS. Station as the charity that he will raise to create an activity pack and song. Level 5 ‘Outstanding’ award in the money for during his term of office. The resources have been distributed It's your Neighbourhood category of The Deputy Youth Mayor for the year to all the schools in Merthyr Tydfil to the regional element of the National 2019/2020 is Andrew Millar, he is 13 be utilised to support positive mental Britain in Bloom Competition years old and attends Cyfarthfa High well-being. supported by the Royal Horticultural School. Andrew is passionate about Currently the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Society. introducing life skills into schools and Wide Youth Forum are working with “The memorial garden was is looking forward to his year as Youth the Safeguarding Board to create established in 2016 by Merthyr Tydfil Mayor which will begin in May 2020. an animated film to raise awareness Libraries staff and since 2018, has Throughout Krystian’s year as about children/ adolescent violence been looked after by our amazing youth mayor he has participated in and abuse to parents and carers. group of volunteers, who have sourced funding for continuous improvements as well as the day to day care of the garden,” said Pupils join mission to save eels A mission to reverse a Europe- Stream, they then migrate 3,000 managed by the South East Wales wide decline in eels has seen pupils miles across the Atlantic towards the Rivers Trust. from and Primary western European coast. There they Rural Action Cwm Taf works in the Schools ‘re-engage’ with their local congregate in estuaries as glass eel, rural wards of Merthyr Tydfil and river, the Bargoed Taf. before metamorphosing into elvers : Bedlinog, , As part of the and moving upstream. Cyfarthfa, Plymouth, , Catchment Project, students from The Trelewis and Bedlinog pupils , Maerdy, Rhigos and both schools looked after young eels looked after the elvers and learnt Ynysybwl. The programme’s remit or elvers for 12 weeks in readiness for about this fascinating lifecycle is to: release into the Bargoed Taf as part through a series of educational • Diversify the local economy of a restocking scheme. workshops organised by Gareth Edge, • Improve quality of life in rural The past 20 years have seen a Project Officer for the Taf Bargoed communities dramatic decline in the number of Catchment scheme. • Engage with grassroots eels reaching European river systems “We hope the project will help local communities, and - falling to as little as 1% of their people realise the importance of local • Encourage new innovative ways previous levels, according to some rivers and help raise awareness of this to sustain rural development. estimates – but no one explanation enigmatic species,” he said. To find out more about how you or can account for the phenomenon. The Taff Bargoed Catchment your community can benefit from the Eels hatch from eggs in the Project is funded by Rural Action Cwm scheme, ring 01685 725467 or visit Sargasso, a deep part of the western Taf through the European Union’s [email protected]. Atlantic Ocean. Using the Gulf Rural Development Programme and This year’s Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor

Our annual Budget Wishing our residents a Consultation is very Merry underway Have your Say on how you think Christmas and a the Council should prioritise its Happy New services. The survey is available online here: smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ Year! BudgetConsultation20-21/ or paper copies are available at the Civic Centre. CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 3 RECYCLE THIS CHRISTMAS Most of us have more waste than usual during the Christmas period, so do your bit for the environment and recycle this Christmas! Kerbside Recycling Service Wrapping paper Glass can be recycled over and over and can be recycled in the weekly recycling Conventional wrapping paper isn’t recyclable because it contains glitter and scheme. Top tip! Avoid wrapping paper ribbons, so please try to use gift bags instead – they can be reused over and Please do not place broken glass into the recycling box. altogether and give over! If you generate any non-recyclable wrapping paper, please take this Metal food and drink cans should be rinsed and placed in the blue bag. presents in paper bags, which can to the household waste and recycling centre. Plastic bottles, tubs, pots and trays should be rinsed and placed in the blue bag be reused. Additional bags of wrapping paper will not be collected from the kerbside Clean aluminium foil which is free of food can be scrunched into a ball and this year and must be placed into the black bin or taken to the household waste and recycling recycled in your blue bag. centre. Paper and magazines should be presented separately to other materials. Real Christmas Trees / Garden waste Shredded paper can be placed into a carrier bag to prevent spillages. Real Christmas trees will be collected on request only. Cardboard should be attened and free of polystyrene or packaging before A collection will be made from the upper Valley on Wednesday 8th January 2020 and from the being placed out for collection. lower valley on Thursday 9th January 2020. Please call 01685 726264 to request a collection before these dates. Real trees and garden waste can also be taken to the Household Waste and Recycling Centres. Food waste All types of cooked and uncooked food which is free of packaging should be placed into compostable Top tip! bags and into your food waste bin. Always make a list before you shop Food waste is collected weekly. and plan recipes to prevent food waste Electrical items occurring and to save money too! Electrical items are harmful to the environment and should never be placed in the wheeled bin as they need to be broken down and disposed of correctly. The Council collect small electrical items at the kerbside and larger items can be taken to the HWRC sites. You can book a chargeable bulky waste collection via the website. Christmas cards We’re running a Christmas card recycling competition with local schools, so please check if your local school is participating and donate any cards to them to improve their chances of winning this year’s competition! You could also send e-cards or donate money normally spent on cards to a charity instead. Cards should not be placed in with your cardboard recycling as the glitter, ribbons and other materials contained on them are non-recyclable.

Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC’s) You can take your waste and recycling to your nearest HWRC at either: • Household Waste and Recycling Centre, Aberfan Road, Aberfan REFUSE / RECYCLING COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS • Household Waste and Recycling Centre, The Bont, Gellifaelog Old Road, CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD Dowlais To ensure that there is a Both sites are open 9.00am to 4.30pm over the Christmas period except NORMAL COLLECTION DAY: WILL BE COLLECTED ON: consistent Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Monday 23rd December - Normal Day traffic Please remember: Tuesday 24th December - Normal Day flow through • All waste must be separated by type and placed in the correct container. Wednesday 25th December - Friday 27th December the Dowlais • Packaging must be removed from cardboard before placing it into the correct site; all traffic Thursday 26th December - Saturday 28th December must pull in to the skip. Friday 27th December - Sunday 29th December right hand lane • Bags containing mixed waste will need to be sorted at home before being Monday 30th December - Normal Day to deposit materials. brought to the site. Sorting stations are available at the sites, which you Tuesday 31st January - Normal Day Parking in the left hand will be directed to in order to sort any mixed materials. Wednesday 1st January - Thursday 2nd January lane reduces traffic flow and creates a health & • You should atten cardboard before taking it to the sites. Thursday 2nd January - Friday 3rd January safety issue for site users. • Always ask a member of sta if you’re unsure which skip to deposit your Friday 3rd January - Saturday 4th January materials into. Merthyr Tydfil ranked #1 in UK on the Eunomia Recycling Carbon Index recycling collections, as well as We’re thrilled to have been ranked #1 our partners Waste and Resources in the UK on the Eunomia Recycling Action Programme (WRAP), who Carbon Index! have provided us with funding and The Index shows which local technical support. authorities’ recycling activities are delivering the greatest carbon Are you keeping up with the Joneses? benefits; ultimately reducing our carbon footprint. Keeping up with the Joneses is is sent for disposal and recycle Failure to meet this target will We’d like to thank all residents a project that targets the small 64% of their waste in 2019/20. result in financial penalties who take part in our weekly minority of people who recycle very little or not at all. Households which don’t Van permits now available online! start recycling could face a You can now apply for permits required for taking materials to the £100 fine. Household Waste and Recycling Centres in a van or using a trailer online at The campaign started in merthyr.gov.uk/do-it-online/request-or-apply/ September 2019 and will continue Proof of residency is required when booking a permit online. into 2020. You can still obtain permits from the Civic Centre during opening hours. All local authorities in Wales must reduce the amount of waste which CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 4 Sensory Room Officially The Rugby opened by Sir Stanley Thomas World Cup On 24th October 2019, Sir Trust to ensure that they did.”. Stanley Thomas officially Sir Stanley added: “This town comes to opened the new Sensory Room made my family and we want at Ty Dysgu Dowlais, Merthyr to put back into it, and I am Tydfil; a unit which aims to delighted that there is now an Merthyr! support pupils with challenging additional facility in Merthyr (That’s Tag Rugby!) behavioural issues. Tydfil.” Sir Stanley donated £10,000 Gail Meade, Head of Ty On Friday 25th October, over 200 back in October 2018 to set Dysgu, said: “The Sensory children from 16 Merthyr primary up the Sensory Room and to Room is an amazing addition schools participated in a Tag Rugby purchase art, science, maths to our provision and it’s been WINNERS! Pupils from Dowlais Primary School, representing Namibia World Cup tournament, organised and IT materials. He said the absolutely invaluable in helping by pupils from Pantysgallog’s Year money was being presented our children and improving their 6 class. from the charitable Trust set up wellbeing. We can’t believe Each school represented a by his father, Sir Stanley Snr, to our luck… Sir Stanley is very different nation that competed give back to the community - generous!” in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in particularly children and people Work on the Sensory Room Japan. in need; “My father always said started last academic year and And not even torrential rain that he wanted the children of has been used by the pupils at Ty could dampen the spirits of Merthyr Tydfil to benefit and Dysgu Dowlais since September that after he died, he wanted his this year. those who took part! three children to look after the Craig Lynch, Deputy Head Teacher of Pantysgallog Primary School, said: “We wanted to give the pupils an authentic learning experience. In the weeks leading up to the event the pupils wrote letters to invite schools, planned the itinerary, gathered sponsorship from local businesses and ordered t-shirts/medals for all participants. Also, they all fulfilled important, real life roles on the day which helped the event run successfully. I was extremely proud of the efforts of everyone involved!” Namibia (Dowlais Primary School) were the Victors, beating Fiji ( Community School) in the Final. Well done to Sarah Bowen, Sir Stanley and Gail Meade in the new Sensory Room you all! Learning about construction is PUPILS’ STEM EDUCATION FROM BUS STATION ENGINEERS child’s play for pupils Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary Pupils at two Merthyr Tydfil a couple of them already knew the Welsh Government has awarded School have been learning about the primary schools are learning about word ‘digger’ - given that they’re the County Borough Council £10m world of engineering, courtesy of a visit the world of work early with the help only three and four years old!” funding for the station, which will from members of the team building the of a set of mini construction plant • The new Merthyr Tydfil bus be located closer to the town’s new bus station. donated by the team building the station is currently being built on railway station, to complement its The school, which is directly opposite new bus station. the site of the former police station significant investment in the Core the new station site, were given the St Mary’s Catholic and Caedraw in Swan Street, with an expected Valley Lines Rail Network. opportunity to explore equipment Primary Schools, which are directly completion date of autumn 2020. commonly used on construction sites. opposite the new station site, have The visit was part of the years 3 and taken delivery of micro excavators 4 pupils’ STEM (Science, Technology, and tipper trucks from principal Engineering and Mathematics) studies contractor Morgan Sindall. and saw them using a rotating laser, The children lost no time in Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) trying out the ‘vehicles’ under the instrument and other engineering supervision of Project Manager Ross equipment. Williams. Employees of principal contractor “We understand that children Morgan Sindall, Greg Jones and Ross in the younger age classes learn Williams were on hand to show the through play and we wanted to do 50-plus children how the surveying kit something that supports this and works and allow them to 'have a go'. links to our project,” said Ross. The school’s Leader of Science and “The toy machinery is mainly Technology Sarah Thomas said: “The for fun, but it also serves a useful children had a wonderful time exploring educational purpose in introducing different roles, using equipment and the pupils to the world of applying STEM related skills within a construction. It was surprising that Ross Williams with pupils from Caedraw Primary School real life context.” CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 5 Apprenticeship programme boosting local industry Meanwhile scheme brings Young people in Merthyr Tydfil studying at the College Merthyr Tydfil, They are encouraged to rotate are helping boost the growth of the Coleg Y Cymoedd and and Vale around employers in the advanced local manufacturing and engineering College. manufacturing and engineering food and clothing shops industry as part of a successful Aspire is a partnership project in sector to fill any skills gaps in relation employment apprenticeship initiative. which apprentices are employed by to their learning pathway, and are to town Over the past three years, the Welsh the County Borough Council, trained paid above minimum apprenticeship Government funded Aspire Shared by the colleges and Tydfil Training and wages. There are also some financial Apprenticeship Programme has seen placed with a local firm for two to three incentives for employers to take part in more than 30 young people placed years, depending on the length of their the programme. with host employer companies while apprenticeship course. Aspire applicants have to be aged between 16 and 24 years; possess five GCSEs grades A-C including STEM subjects and an A level pass in STEM subjects – especially maths and science; and either be starting VRQ, or have completed the Enhanced Engineering Programme or Pathways to Apprenticeships, or completed VRQ at college. • If you run a Merthyr Tydfil manufacturing and/or engineering company and would like to learn more about the programme, please contact Jared Green on 01685 725309, email Plant-based food and fashion appearance of the town centre by [email protected] enthusiasts are in for a treat bringing empty premises back into following the opening of the latest use. He had help in drawing up COMMUNITY HELP THE Visitor Guide businesses supported by Merthyr his business plan and finding his We hope you like our new Tydfil’s ‘Meanwhile’ scheme. premises at a reduced rent. CYFARTHFA PLAN Visitor Guide! St Tydfil Shopping Centre is the Downstairs in the shopping centre ‘Story gathering’ sessions hosted members of the community. One of our favourite bits is venue for the two new ventures, a in New Market Walk, Paula’s by the architects’ team designing the “The team continues to learn from the quote from the marvellous boutique and art gallery - and the Boutique and Art Gallery is the Cyfarthfa Plan have seen local groups the Merthyr Tydfil public, who have star of Hinterland, our very own county borough’s first plant-based brainchild of former Cardiff hotelier and individuals share their memories revealed many exciting stories and Richard Harrington. and vegan/gluten-free friendly Andrew Owen and Gary Bailey, who of and hopes for the area’s continuing opinions on Merthyr and the Cyfarthfa Please let your family and store and café. has over 30 years’ experience in development. area,” said Jonathan Shaw of Ian friends know… better still, send Plantbased Natural Foods is a newly retail. Public consultation events were held Ritchie Architects (iRAL). refurbished unit upstairs in the After opening their first shop at REDHOUSE Cymru and Cyfarthfa “We’re very grateful to those who them a copy! Castle and attended by representatives came and contributed and will You can pick it up locally or indoor market run by local couple together in Bridgend, the partners of organisations including the Merthyr continue to connect with as many download it from visitmerthyr. Mark Evan Oakley and Natalia De have moved on to Merthyr Tydfil, Tydfil and District Naturalists' Society, people and groups from the town as co.uk/about-merthyr/request-a- Celis. Mark, 41, who has suffered with Gary - who was New Look’s Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Trust, Merthyr possible. The Cyfarthfa Plan will be visitor-guide/ from mental health problems, regional manager for Wales and Tydfil Angling Association, local studio founded on the thoughts, opinions and says he is a walking advert for the the South West – and Andrew the ARRT, county borough councillors and ideas of the Merthyr public.” lifestyle. store’s directors, and Andrew’s “I’d had multiple stays in hospital,” sister-in-law Paula Owen, from he said. “The last time I came Treharris, the manager. out of one, feeling awful, I started Paula’s stocks a wide range of researching lifestyle choices quality ladies’ clothes from Italy and gradually introduced plant- and France. There are also shoes, based eating to my diet.” He jewellery, cashmere scarves and an eliminated sugar, processed foods art gallery selling contemporary and caffeine, took up cycling - paintings and prints. completing a 100-mile sponsored • If you would like some bike ride – and lost 6st in weight. support from the Meanwhile Mark discovered the Council’s scheme, please contact Merthyr Meanwhile scheme, a partnership Tydfil Enterprise Centre on 01685 approach improving the 727509. CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 6 TAF BARGOED CATCHMENT AREA AWARDED OVER £½M The park, which was created following their erosion, and reconnecting the regeneration of three disused coal habitats to build resilience processes mines, has 3.6 hectares of lakes that into the area’s biodiversity and attract a wide range of wildlife. But ecosystems. there are issues with minerals from its The project is a collaborative scheme industrial past causing pollution, silt also involving Natural Resources and sediment build-up and antisocial Wales, River, Friends behaviour such as fly tipping. of Taff Bargoed Park, Merthyr Tydfil The award is from Welsh Biodiversity Partnership, Merthyr Government’s Rural Communities (South Wales) Ltd, Gelligaer & Merthyr – Rural Development Programme Commoners’ Association, Aberfan 2014-2020 Sustainable Management Canoe Club, Rock UK Summit Centre, Scheme, which is funded by the Taf Bargoed Angling Association, Taf European Agricultural Fund for Bargoed Development Trust, Cardiff Rural Development and the Welsh University and County Government, towards the total project Borough Council. costs of £507,287. The Council’s Head of Regeneration The Council has also approved the Chris Long said: “This is a community appointment of a three-year post project which will work to engage to implement and manage the ‘Taf landowners, commoners, local Bargoed Catchment Restoration residents and schools with their Project’, engaging with the community river catchment and learn about the and carrying out communication importance of healthy rivers and the A half-a-million-pound project to residents and schools take on the role following a grant of £417,000 from activities. biodiversity within them.” protect lakes in one of Merthyr Tydfil’s of ‘community guardians’. Welsh Government, matched by Work will include providing new most picturesque green spaces will The 140-hectare Parc Taf Bargoed will £60,000 from the Council and £30,000 fencing, tree planting, the restoration also see local landowners, commoners, see an ongoing clean-up programme from Natural Resources Wales. of river banks and protection against

couldn’t be timelier as we begin But access to it is poor and the catering Field. Regional Park £700,000 will work on our plans to transform the opportunities limited. The creation of new toilets and Cyfarthfa area into a heritage centre The redevelopment will ensure access changing provision – including disabled transform Cyfarthfa’s Canolfan of international significance,” he said. is improved and the facilities are facilities - at the Splash Pad is seen as A total £700,000 awarded to With the aim of the Cyfarthfa “The Valleys Regional Park project’s available all year around. The project a priority not only for peak season in Cyfarthfa Park as part of Welsh Crucible Report to position the park intentions to use the natural and will see the creation of the café, with the summer, but also to accommodate Government’s Valleys Regional Park and the surrounding area as a local, cultural heritage of the region to full kitchen, food preparation, storage, local families and visitors attending ‘Discovery Gateways’ plans will be national and international visitor generate social, economic and counter and seating areas. high profile events held in the park all used to provide better access to and destination, the need to redevelop the environmental benefits tie in perfectly Further opportunities created will year round. opening hours at the Canolfan, a full- Canolfan was described as ‘essential’ with our own vision of what the include space for meetings and The Council will work in partnership service café and community meeting by the Council’s Head of Regeneration Cyfarthfa Plan will achieve.” functions, event catering, children’s with Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Trust to space, and new toilets and changing Chris Long. When the Canolfan was built 10 parties, provision of picnic hampers, deliver the project. provision at the Splash Pad. “The Discovery Gateways funding years ago, the original plan was to and mobile catering to service areas create a space for community usage. of the park such as the lake and Pandy Lyndsey Handley. £100m tourism success story continuing apace Interactive map pinpoints visitor “We’re very pleased with the ranging from Visit Wales four-star map’s contents so far, but there Merthyr Tydfil’s tourism success type accommodation, caravan and attractions rated B&Bs to camping, glamping will inevitably be a few things that story is continuing apace, with the camping, an extra 104 bed spaces Visitors who want to become more and bunkhouses; visitor attractions we’ve missed,” she added. “It’s sector having a £100m economic at Rock UK Summit Centre and a impact locally in 2018 – an mushrooming number of Airbnb familiar with Merthyr Tydfil will such as outdoor activity centres a live mapping system which will increase of almost £30m from the establishments. be able to pinpoint exactly where and listed heritage buildings; fine be continually evolving to reflect previous year, the Council’s annual Presenting the findings, Interim they need to go through our new dining restaurants and takeaways; changes in the industry. ‘Destination Day’ conference Chief Executive Ellis Cooper told interactive website map. indoor and outdoor markets; lakes, “We’d be delighted to hear from heard. the conference: “There are many The Visit Merthyr Location Finder parks and walking routes. anyone who has some information The 35.4% rise was due to a 41% exciting plans and projects in allows users to find everything or places to add to it – and we’d “The map is one of a number of increase in the number of annual development for Merthyr Tydfil from places to stay and tourist tourism marketing platforms just particularly welcome any new attractions to food and drink visitors from 1.27m to 1.79m and - too many to mention - but the launched by the Council to ensure images to further enhance it.” the number of full-time equivalent following, which are already options, shops, trails and even visitors have the information The map is on the Visit Merthyr public works of art. jobs supported by tourism up 31% beginning to come to fruition, are they need to make the most of website and available at from 917 to 1,200. merely a snapshot of all the good The website has more than 230 every trip here,” said Destination visitmerthyr.co.uk/map-page listings, including accommodation The increase in day visitor work that will happen.” Management Co-ordinator numbers was due partly to a big The Orbit Business Centre rise in attendances at the 17 visitor event had a diverse range of attractions across the county speakers including experts in the borough, along with ‘influential fields of tourism, architecture factors’ including the opening of and construction, along with the Trago Merthyr store. entrepreneurs providing adventure The number of staying visitor days activities, accommodation, was also up 13.6%. This was due to shopping, dining and the growth of bed stock, particularly entertainment. in the non-serviced sector - hostel- October

CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 7

Scheme was established by Merthyr fran land reclamation scheme. More Thousands to benefit from Ffos-y-fran funding for sports projects Tydfil County Borough Council in than £8m has been awarded to a wide Two Merthyr Tydfil sports projects not just for rugby but for other local floodlighting on the sportsground collaboration with Merthyr (South range of groups and causes since the site are to be awarded £420,000 for activities and initiatives, with a host of at Parc Taf Bargoed. The £500,000 Wales) Limited, which donates £1 for opened in 2007. improvements to facilities that will other organisations set to use it. facility, which was previously awarded every ton of coal sold from the Ffos-y- benefit thousands of people across the Merthyr RFC says its main target another Ffos-y-fran grant of more than county borough. group will continue to be young men £200,000, is near completion and Merthyr Rugby Club and Treharris Area and women, but with increased focus includes a spectator stand, changing Community Trust (TACT) will receive on females and the ambition to recreate rooms and a café. the funding from the Ffos-y-fran Large a ladies team. It is also exploring the The club currently offers football to Grant Scheme, the rugby club for the introduction of deaf rugby, Unified almost 200 young boys and girls and construction of a community hub at (mixed ability) and wheelchair rugby. also supports a fully bilingual team and its Wern pitch and TACT to upgrade The project will receive £400,000 coaches. There are plans to encourage floodlights at its Parc Taf Bargoed towards total costs of £800,000, which more girls to the sport through new football ground. will also include car park resurfacing and approaches such as ‘beatball’, which The community hub is the second improved floodlighting. combines dance, music and football phase of Merthyr RFC’s New Shoots: In Treharris, the project will receive skills. Grassroots project and will provide space £20,000 towards the provision of The Ffos-y-fran Community Grants

Saturday at Merthyr Tydfil Free swimming Leisure Centre • one free hour of splash on changes Sunday at Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community The number of local free them at weekends and during Centre swimming sessions for over summer holidays. People aged 60 and over will 60s and young people aged 16 The review carried out by Sport get: and under has been reduced Wales found that the number • one free hour of splash on since November 1 due to Welsh of young people using the free Tuesday and one free hour Government halving funding for swimming scheme across Wales of structured activity on them. had been falling for six years - Thursday at Merthyr Tydfil As the result of a Wales-wide and only six per cent of over 60s Leisure Centre review finding that the national used it. • one free hour of splash free swimming initiative is not Under the new programme, on Wednesday and one cost effective, over 60s will be young people aged 16 & under free hour of structured on entitled to two free sessions will get: Monday at Aberfan and per week and under-16s will get • one free hour of splash on Merthyr Vale Community

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR BUS PASS YET? The current bus passes are the address on the application expiring on 31st December form) or by contacting 0300 303 2019. 4240 This applies to all green type If you are having issues 60 or over and disabled persons renewing your bus pass, you can passes. call 0300 303 4240. How to apply for your new Further information relating style bus pass to the bus passes and other • You can visit tfw.wales/ Transport for Wales initiatives travelcards and select “60 is available on www.tfw.wales/ and over” or “Disabled” then travelcards “Replace an old-style card” then If you’ve already applied for enter the requested details a replacement bus pass, please • Paper application be patient – due to the volume forms are available at the main of applications being received, reception of the Civic Centre they are taking slightly longer to (which then must be returned to be processed. CONTACT all your council information at www.merthyr.gov.uk December 2019 Page 8

• use salt if possible - it will melt have to be suspended. As soon as it Winter Weather Information the ice or snow and stop it from is safe to resume our rounds we will refreezing overnight (but don’t continue with normal collections use the salt from salting bins as with catch-ups in between. this is used to keep roads clear). Please bear with us. During severe • you can use ash and sand if you weather conditions, we may have to don’t have enough salt - it will deploy our crews to assist in clearing provide grip underfoot. the snow! • pay extra attention when Regular updates will be posted to clearing steps and steep the Council’s social media pages in pathways - using more salt may this instance. help. Check on your neighbours Schools Older people, those with long-term The decision to close a school health conditions, pregnant women is taken by the head teacher and and young children are more at chair of governors based on local risk in cold weather. If you know conditions with the health and or look after someone who may safety of pupils and staff being the be particularly susceptible to the major consideration. effects of very cold weather, please MTCBC will not take a decision to close all schools but reserve the Winter weather of snow and ice adverse winter weather. Our aim is We will carry out a precautionary help them stay warm and well. treatment if either snow has been right to suspend school transport can cause disruption to services, to maintain or reinstate the traffic • Make sure they’re warm forecast, or if freezing conditions through discussion with transport transport and affect access to flow as quickly as possible on all enough, especially at night. occur immediately following rain. contractors based on health and communities within Merthyr Tydfil. routes and to ensure that vehicles • Top up stocks of food and If snow levels build up, snow safety grounds. The Highways Department has and pedestrians can use them with medicines so they don’t need to safety. ploughs will be used. To access information on school drawn up a Winter Maintenance go out during very cold weather. Between 1st November and 31st If you notice a grit bin that needs closures during adverse weather Plan which covers MTCBC’s response filling, please use our online form to • If they start to feel unwell, even March daily weather forecasts conditions visit the Council’s to winter weather, specifically low request a refill. if it’s a cough or cold, don’t wait are received from the Met Office. website and follow the link to the temperatures and heavy snowfall. until it gets more serious. Seek These are carefully analysed, and school closure information. The aim of the plan is to facilitate Clear snow from advice from your pharmacist or a decision is then made on what For closure information regarding and coordinate MTCBC’s assistance a road, path or your local GP surgery. action is required on that day. Merthyr Tydfil College visit www. to communities during winter • If you’re worried about an Where the forecast does not give cycleway merthyr.ac.uk weather. older person, contact a family a clear indication of ice or snow, You can clear snow and ice member or MTCBC’s Adult How to contact us How do we decide the Council can call upon a number from pavements yourself. It’s Social Care on 01443 425011. unlikely that you’ll be sued or held of road sensors around the County For further information on how during an emergency when to treat the responsible if someone is injured Borough, which give up to the to keep your house warm and The Council’s Out of Hours and on a path or pavement if you’ve roads? minute information on the surface protecting yourself from common Emergency telephone number is When roads are icy and covered by cleared it carefully! temperature of the road. ailments, visit the NHS website: 01685 385231. snow, naturally residents ask what The following information is www.nhs.uk/staywell/ is being done to clear the roads and When do we grit? supplied by the Department of Public Transport footpaths. Gritting usually takes place Transport gov.uk/clear-snow-road- Recycling and Refuse overnight during snow or icy road path-cycleway: For public transport information MTCBC, as the Highway Authority, Collections you should contact the relevant is responsible for providing a conditions. The gritting routes will How to clear snow and ice During adverse weather conditions be treated as a precaution and we companies directly: winter maintenance service. This • do it early in the day - it’s easier we will continually review the will re-treat the area if snow or ice • Traveline Cymru enables us to assist the travelling to move fresh, loose snow. situation in relation to our refuse is still present after precautionary • Transport for Wales Rail • don’t use water - it might and recycling collections. public to use the road network treatment. Services with reasonable safety throughout refreeze and turn to black ice. On occasions, collections may • Stagecoach Stay warm, well, and safe Winter night shelter to re-open in the New Year this winter The Council’s winter night shelter cover three shifts: 6-10pm, 10pm- us. and effective ways on how to deal will re-open for 2020 on Friday 3 6am and 6-8am. Anyone who would Age UK have produced with isolation and loneliness. There January and run until mid-March. like to help out is asked to contact an informative leafletare also other useful links to other The shelter is staffed by volunteers the Council’s housing solution team called ‘Winter Wrapped organisations and services for older and members of faith-based on 01865 725000, email housing@ Up’ which provides lots people. organisations and its start date is merthyr.gov.uk of useful advice on how If you, a family member or largely determined by the difficulty to keep well and warm neighbour are worried about of recruiting volunteers over the this winter. To view and a relative or elderly neighbour, Christmas and New Year period. download a copy, visit contact the Council on 01685 The volunteer group serves pre- ageuk.org.uk 725000 or phone Age Cymru’s cooked hot food and drinks in the Many people can feel helpline free on 08000 223 444 evening and breakfasts via the increasingly lonely during between Monday to Friday during Bus Station Café, supported by the dark, winter months, the hours of 9am and 5pm. grant funding from Merthyr Valleys but it doesn’t have to be If you are an older person or you Homes. this way. care for an older person, please Access is provided to known There are local contact Claire Williams, your rough sleepers in discussion with organisations in Merthyr local Community Coordinator the volunteers and the authority’s Tydfil who providefor information and advice on Housing Solutions Team. Befriending services. local services, groups or activities. Background checks are carried out to With winter upon us, we all need You can also visit Telephone 01685 353984 or 07580 mitigate any risks to volunteers and to take more care to keep warm, ageingwellinwales.com to access 866547 or email Claire.williams@ other residents in the shelter. well and safe and this is even more a practical guide called ‘Making a vamt.net Each day the shelter is open, nine important for the elderly amongst Difference’ which provides advice or 10 volunteers are required to