Merthyr project up for People's Millions

The 3G's Development Trust in Merthyr Tydfil have been chosen as a finalist in the Big Lottery's - People's Millions project. The 3G's Portable Media project will go head to head on Thursday 26th November 2009 on ITV Wales News The 'Streets Ahead' Project run by Prestatyn and Meliden Community Action Group.

The telephone number you have to phone to vote for the project won't get released until 9am on the 26th November 2009. Please note that everybody can vote up to a maximum of 10 times, and each call will cost 10p.

Click on the below link and go to the the Welsh Region, you will then see the project there. Please register and leave messages to show your support of the project, it will only take a minute or 2...

www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/


THE PROJECT

The project, based in Merthyr Tydfil, will provide media training for young people to increase their skills and raise self-confidence. The portable media centre will enable us to hold and deliver classes to the community, schools, adult centres, etc. This equipment will enable us to deliver structured learning which will involve community members making their own works such as films, music, graphic design and animation.

The media facility will provide an opportunity to support new initiatives that will have a substantial impact on the lives of community members in our area. Access to the arts, media, music and digital industries for our members through our activities will be created with the aim to provide a voice for local people, promoting learning and raising achievement in arts & media making for our members.

This project will have a massive impact on the local communities throughout South Wales, not only will it give local residents training opportunities, we will be able to gain access and engage with those who have so far been hard to reach. Many of these areas are high on the deprivation list and this project will give them the chance to access facilities that otherwise would not have been open to them, which could result in future job opportunities. Through other projects we have been involved in we know that projects such as these raise confidence & self esteem in the young people that are involved. It also gives withdrawn young people the chance to make new friends and gets them involved in team activities; it also gives them goals – something to look forward to.

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Santa Claus is coming to Town

Santa Claus will be visiting the children of Merthyr Tydfil not once, but twice this year in the run-up to the festive season!

On Saturday 28th November, Santa, his elves and two of his favourite reindeer will visit the Café Quarter at the lower end of high street between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Each child will receive a gift, while stocks last, and there will be the opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa and his gang! Tickets cost £3 and are only available on the day.

In addition to Santa, there will be a local craft market where you will have the opportunity to purchase locally made arts and crafts that will make wonderful Christmas gifts for all the family.

Also, on Saturday 12th December Santa will bring his Grotto, along with his elves to visit Merthyr Tydfil Street Market between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Entry costs £2 and includes a gift (while stock lasts).

A note to all children from Santa Claus: “Be sure to bring along your wish lists so I know exactly what you want for Christmas!”

For further information on Christmas events in the Town Centre, contact the Town Centre Manager on 01685 725106 or visit the Council’s website www.merthyr.gov.uk

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Merthyr Tydfil's Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony 2009

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Leisure Services Department will hold its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony at the forecourt of the Civic Centre on Friday 20th November 2009.

This FREE event will help you see in the festive season in style, as Santa Claus and His Worship The Mayor, Councillor Glen Price, switch on the Town’s spectacular Christmas Illuminations!

A performance by Edwardsville Junior School Choir and communal carol singing will also help you get in to the Christmas spirit.

Accompanying Santa and the Mayor for the illumination ceremony will be three inspirational young people, who this year have received Outstanding Achievement Awards - Matty Sutton, Young Learner of the Year; Claire Price, Young Volunteer of the Year and Jessica Edwards, Young Carer of the Year.

Danter’s funfair, various children’s entertainers and the Red Dragon Radio Roadshow will also be present to keep the crowds entertained.

Kids should also keep a look out for Santa all day around the Town Centre, as Santa will be visiting St Tydfils Shopping Centre during the day, followed by a visit to the Children’s Ward in Prince Charles hospital.

The lighting ceremony begins at 6.00pm and ends at 7.00pm with the switching on of the inner town lights. The funfair will remain open until 8.30pm

For further information on the Lighting Ceremony, contact the Municipal Events Officer on 01685 726254 or visit the Council’s website www.merthyr.gov.uk

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Coppers tackle copper thieves

SOUTH Wales Police tackled metal thefts in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff in a special operation on Wednesday, November 11.

Between August 1 and October 30, there were 42 metal thefts across the division with around a quarter of these involving copper. Cabling, lead, gates, fences and drain covers have also been stolen

Inspector Richard Erskine, Head of Community Safety, said: "There has been a rise in metal thefts across the UK and we normally notice as the price of metal, particularly copper, increase so does theft.

"Many people have seen their community facilities stolen or damaged by thieves looking for a quick gain.

"I would remind all dealers to be cautious when buying scrap metal and always to take accurate customers’ details.

"This operation should serve as a reminder to those involved, whether they are buying or selling scrap metal that we are closing in on what is a lucrative criminal market."

Areas where there have been the majority of metal thefts are Aberaman Industrial Estate, Merthyr town centre, Tylorstown, and Treforest.

On Thursday, November 5 five drain covers were stolen from Edmundstown in the Rhondda while on the same day in the Cynon Valley police received a report of cable being stolen from outside Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.

Inspector Erskine added: If you are responsible for a building with lead flashings then consider how to make access to the roof more difficult and install extra security.

"We would urge people to contact us if they notice any unusual activity on buildings or roofs particularly at night or at the weekend and ask anyone with information about people believed to be selling stolen metal to contact South Wales Police on 101."

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Merthyr children need Merthyr foster carers

As part of an ongoing recruitment campaign, November sees the second Merthyr Tydfil Fostering Awareness day of 2009.

The event, which will be held in Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre from 12 noon until 6:00pm on Tuesday 17th November, aims to raise awareness of the need for local foster carers and to offer the opportunity to talk to current carers about their experiences of fostering, as well as members of the fostering team.

There was a very good response to the last event in May and we were able to recruit a number of new carers as a result. We hope that the upcoming recruitment day will be just as successful.

There are no upper age limits to becoming a foster carer and one can be married, single, divorced or living together. In Merthyr Tydfil we expect people to be sufficiently mature to work with children and fit enough to provide for the child’s needs.

We are looking for people who can care for babies through to teenagers, short term and long term. We also need carers who can provide short respite breaks for children/young people and provide supported lodgings placements for young people after the age of 18. There is also a need for carers who can look after children with disabilities.

Are you able to devote the time to care for and stimulate the lives of children and young people?

For further information visit the Fostering Team at the Social Services office, Post Office Lane, or freephone 0800 678 3798 or email fosteradopt@merthyr.gov.uk

read more... “Merthyr children need Merthyr foster carers”

Orbit Business Centre tenants celebrate success

Merthyr Tydfil’s Orbit Business Centre may only be in its first year of service, but thanks to the business support that the centre provides; two of its tenants are already celebrating success.



A1 Tachograph has been in Orbit for 7 months, and since being there has:

• Increased turnover by 42%
• Gained national contracts
• Employed 4 additional staff
• Created a structured business plan
• Won Government approval for industry specific training
• Moved in to an office over double the original size within the last month

Tony Webb, Managing Director of A1 Tachograph said, “We feel that our business has benefited by being in the Orbit Business Centre due to the facilities offered and the professional attitude we and our clients always receive. The service and support provided has been invaluable in the expansion of our business and we look forward to doing more of the same! Orbit Business Centre has definitely given us the tools to provide our clients with a professional, confident and reliable service”.

Construction & Civil Engineering company, Graft Ltd, has been in Orbit for 8 months and has:

• Doubled turnover in the past year
• Doubled their core workforce
• Gained large national contracts
• Created a structured business plan

James Thomas, Managing Director of Graft Ltd said “Being part of the Orbit Business Centre has given us kudos within the industry and has opened up opportunities to gain contracts we would never have otherwise had... we have come a long way since operating from our kitchen table just over 2 years ago!”

The Orbit service is unique in that it's not just an office space - the centre has a host of services to offer businesses, whether large or small, including tailored business support to help ensure entrepreneurs reach their goals and businesses becomes a roaring success!

Over 60% of its offices for new businesses are now occupied.

Councillor Jeff Edwards, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council said, “I am pleased that the Orbit Centre is having a positive effect on the development of the local business economy and in turn creating employment opportunities for our residents”.

Orbit Business Centre is a Joint Venture between Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the Welsh Assembly Government and has been funded by the Objective 1 European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Local Regeneration Fund, Heads of the Valley (HoV) and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said Orbit was established to provide the ideal environment to enable small businesses to grow and create new jobs for the local community.

“It’s encouraging to hear of these early successes which illustrates the importance of providing the support that businesses need. The Assembly Government is committed to supporting and helping companies at all stages of their development to enable them to grow and expand. This is the first centre of its kind in Merthyr and the occupancy rate clearly shows it is meeting a demand from local businesses.”

For further information on the Orbit Business Centre contact: (01685) 725016 or info@orbitbusinesscentre.co.uk

read more... “Orbit Business Centre tenants celebrate success”

Police 'day of action' In Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff leads to 21 arrests

South Wales Police in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff have made more than 20 arrests in a one-day operation.

The crackdown, which was carried out on Thursday, November 5, resulted in individuals being arrested for criminal damage, blackmail, fraud, assault, supplying drugs, and car crime.
Ten arrests were in Merthyr and Cynon and 11 people were arrested in Rhondda and Taff.

Response officers and CID detectives were involved in the arrests with a drugs’ dog on hand for searches.

Search warrants executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Trebanog and Tonyrefail, in the Rhondda, resulted in the seizure of notable amounts of cannabis.

Two men aged 25 and 32 were subsequently arrested with possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Aberdare-based Chief Inspector Keith Prosser, who led the operation, said: “Latest figures released by the Home Office reveal that crime in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff has fallen by more than 6 per cent compared to the same period last year.

“Included in this reduction are notable decreases in violent crime and burglary which are the result of targeting known offenders like we have done during Tuesday’s day of action.

“We know that a small group of individuals commit crime and that is why we are targeting persistent offenders that commit the majority of crime in our communities.

“This has been a successful operation across Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff and will hopefully further improve quality of life for people in our communities.”

read more... “Police 'day of action' In Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff leads to 21 arrests”

When Wales wiped the smile off All Black faces

A commemorative napkin celebrating the first ever Welsh win over the All Blacks in 1905 isn't necessary an item you would expect to find in the Glamorgan Archives, but amongst the thousands of council, school, family and personal records there are many unique items to be discovered.

What makes the napkin extra special is that not only did Wales win the match it was the first time both teams had ever played each other.

The napkin was first unearthed by the Glamorgan team while getting ready to move into their new building.

The napkin was found amongst sporting ephemera including 1979 cup final editions of the Pontypridd Observer and the Glamorgan Gazette, when Pontypridd RFC played Bridgend RFC.

Susan Edwards, Glamorgan Archivist explains: "We were looking through the sporting items donated, when we saw the napkin.

"This is just one of the unique items we house in the Glamorgan Archive, and I would encourage people to get in touch with us if they feel they have any items they would like to donate."

The napkin features an illustration of the 1905 touring New Zealand team and details their vital statistics including height and weight.


The game is widely regarded as the most significant game in Welsh rugby history and began the special sporting relationship between the two countries.

Executive Member for Finance and Service Delivery, Cllr Mark Stephens, said: "The napkin is a exciting and surprising discovery, and is a great example of how the Glamorgan Archives holds a variety of items that documents key historical events."

Cllr. A.D.Hampton, Vale of Glamorgan, Chair of the Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee, said:"I am delighted that the move into this splendid new repository has begun; this discovery
is typical of how archives can connect the past with the present and I hope that many people will visit the new building when it opens next year to find out for themselves."

read more... “When Wales wiped the smile off All Black faces”

Special school bus plans following Merthyr gas explosion

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is working hard to try to alleviate some of the inconveniences experienced by the residents of the village of Abercanaid as a result of the gas explosion and subsequent collapse of the footbridge near Pentrebach railway station on Friday, October 30.

One of the measures implemented is a bus to transport pupils and their parents/guardians from Pentrebach to Abercanaid Community School.

The bus, operated by ‘SIXTY SIXTY’, will leave Duffryn bus stop in Pentrebach at 8.40am, picking up parents with their children at bus stops throughout the village and travel to Newton Street, Abercanaid . The bus will wait in Newton Street while the parents take their children to school and then return parents to their respective bus stops in Pentrebach.

In the afternoon the shuttle will leave Duffryn bus stop at 3.00pm, picking up parents at bus stops throughout Pentrebach while making its way to Newton Street, Abercanaid, where parents will leave the bus to collect their children from school. The bus will wait for them to return and then take parents and children back to their respective bus stops in Pentrebach.

We must stress that this shuttle bus is being supplied as Emergency Transport for the use of parents to take their children to and from Abercanaid Community School, should they wish to use it, and that there is no local authority contracted escort on this vehicle.

As Plymouth Ward Councillor for Abercanaid and Chair of the Planning and Licensing Committee, Councillor Derek Games said "This incident has caused severe disruption and we would like to re-assure the residents of Abercanaid that we are working with officers of various departments of the council, British Gas, BT and the Police to do all that we can to get things back to normal as quickly as possible."

For updates on the Emergency shuttle bus service, see www.merthyr.gov.uk

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Merthyr Council Tax scam

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning people to be on their guard as we have been notified of a suspicious telephone call regarding a Council Tax rebate.

A Merthyr Tydfil resident received an unsolicited telephone call on Thursday 29th October 2009, from an unknown source alleging to represent the Local Authority. They stated that up to £3000 could be recovered from the Authority in the form of a rebate. They asked for the resident to confirm their personal and bank details, the resident refused and ended the call.

The coucil's advice is to never provide such information. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is not conducting any such exercise.

If you think you may have been affected by this scam, contact Consumer Direct Wales 08454 040506.

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Merthyr man complains to ASDA

When this arrived on our offices last week it had us all in stiches. We're still not sure if it's a wind-up, but it's funny all the same.

read more... “Merthyr man complains to ASDA”

Valleys people called upon to help shape positive future

A marketing campaign has been launched to position The Valleys as the Heart and Soul of Wales, building on the investment in the region to date and helping shape future plans to boost the local economy for years to come. For the first time The Valleys will be marketed through a campaign that will focus on promoting their attractions to local people and visitors.

Research carried out has shown The Valleys are seen by many people as the Heart and Soul of Wales, reflecting the warmth of Valleys people, strong sense of community and the area’s unique industrial past, turning rural Wales into the world’s first industrialised nation.

The first phase of the campaign urges the one million people that live in the 540 square miles that make up The Valleys, to have their say on what makes them most proud of the area in which they live. They are being invited to ‘Go on, do us proud’ and explain why they love The Valleys. Their views will feature in follow-up marketing campaigns and help shape future spend in the area. Feedback will be featured on the campaign website www.heartandsoulofwales.co.uk.

Using the brand ‘The Valleys - Heart and Soul of Wales’, the local authorities, which cover the former South Wales coalfield, have joined in partnership with many other statutory bodies and third sector organisations that make up The Valleys Partnership, working in collaboration with the Heads of the Valleys and the Western Valleys Strategic Regeneration Programmes. Together they are promoting positive perceptions of the area encouraging more visitors and attracting potential inward investors, as part of a wider integrated environmental programme. It is an important strand of the Welsh Assembly Government’s regeneration strategy.

Initial research has revealed that Valleys residents already think very positively about the areas in which they live and are now being urged to spread the word.

"The natural beauty of the area is unparalleled, and the mountains are stunning," says one of the campaign’s ‘ambassadors’, Mavis Ashford of Ton Pentre. "Some people have an idea that the Valleys are unsightly and full of slag heaps, but they couldn’t be more wrong. When they come up here they are surprised by just how lovely it is." She added, "Lots of people have the wrong idea about life here. But we aren’t only about greenness, scenery and interesting places to visit – we’ve also got great communities. There is something special about Valleys people."

The Heart and Soul branding will be seen across The Valleys and anyone with a business, pub, club or community group is being asked to get involved and join the campaign to put The Valleys firmly on the map. Arriva Trains Wales has also climbed on board and are using their trains and platforms to promote the message.

The Heart and Soul of Wales campaign covers local authority areas of Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend, northern areas of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot and eastern Valleys of Carmarthenshire.

Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Regeneration Leighton Andrews said: "The Valleys have changed beyond recognition in just a generation. The area has become a great place to live, with an excellent environment, lots to do and plenty to be proud of. We know that’s what many people think. The ‘Heart and Soul of Wales’ campaign is a way of taking that message to a wider audience, to attract more people to come and see for themselves."

He added, "The Valleys have good transport links and they are easily accessible to visitors. Coupled with large scale investment by the Welsh Assembly Government’s regeneration strategy, local people can play a part in changing old fashioned perceptions about what they feel is the Heart and Soul of Wales."

Valleys people are being urged to share their views and say why they love The Valleys. Comments can be submitted through www.heartandsoulofwales.co.uk or by texting ‘VALLEYS’ followed by your name, town and message to 60777.

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Success at 2009 World Mental Health Day

2009 World Mental Health Day campaign highlights the need for more attention to mental health services in primary healthcare and for a need to address the stigma associated with mental health

October 2009 saw a variety of events taking place across Merthyr Tydfil County Borough as part of the World Mental Health Day campaign.

The events this year was aimed to address the continuing need to make mental health issues a priority, and stressed the all too-often neglected fact that mental health is an integral element of every individual’s overall health and well-being.

Mental illnesses occur in all cultures, can happen at any stage of life and can have a major impact on the physical health of people living with them. Research shows that at any one time, one in four people experience mental illness.

A series of information and advice events were held across the Borough to provide information to local residents on how to look after their mental health and to highlight the support available for residents, service users and their families and the role they can play in influencing services in their area.

Mental Health publications and information was made available in a variety of community venues such as local GP surgeries and the local hospitals, which allowed 119 residents to access information and support.

One of the main challenges relating to mental health is to challenge perceptions and stigma, and the often outdated perception of mental healthcare. As part of the World Mental Health Day St Tydfil’s Hospital opened their doors to the general public, providing an opportunity for 75 local residents to view facilities and gain knowledge about local health services in the borough and change perceptions about modern mental healthcare.

The Children’s Primary Mental Health Team was also in attendance at local comprehensive schools, with 500 young people obtaining free information and literature.

During the campaign local service users, carers and families were encouraged to write about their experiences in the form of stories, short articles, poems and posters and share them with other residents and service providers to help address the stigma that is often associated with mental health. All submissions will form part of the final evaluation of the world mental health day events.

The culmination event of the campaign was held on the 9th October 2009 at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre, which was opened and supported by a local service user and by the Mayor, his worship Councillor Glenn Price.

The main event was a resounding success with over 500 local residents attending, receiving information, advice and support from local support agencies and organisations on a variety of topics relating to mental health. There was also an opportunity to try a range of therapies on the day and information for residents on how to look after their own mental health.

Paul Turner Chairman of the World Mental Health Planning group, said:

“Merthyr Tydfil’s World Mental Health Day 2009 events were, as in previous years, a great success. There were a good variety of stalls from a wide range of backgrounds including both the voluntary and statutory service providers.

The event is something that the people of Merthyr Tydfil can be proud of. The planning group who organised the event are looking forward to next years World Mental Health Day and hope to continue building on the success of the previous years.

We will be looking for volunteers to join the working group for 2010 and would welcome any individuals who have experience, or who care for a person who has experienced mental ill health. If you would like to be a member of the working group please do not hesitate to contact me at the following address: Mr P Turner 9a Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd, CF37 2BW.

Finally I would like to thank all those who gave their time, energy and commitment to the event to make it such a success.”

The 2009 campaign was organised by the World Mental Health Planning Group, which consists of service users, support services and agencies and community groups and was supported by the Performance Improvement Grant from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

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Commendations for Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff Police

Police officers and staff in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff were officially recognised at a special event held recently.

Officers were commended for exceptional courage, professionalism, and dedication when confronted with a number of situations, dealing with incidents whether on or off duty and for resolving and detecting crime.

It was not just police who were recognised for their efforts at the event - there were also commendations for members of the public.

Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Sue Hayes said:

“These awards are an opportunity to thank officers, staff and members of the public who have shown exceptional performance and incredible dedication in protecting the community, and ensuring that Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

“The recognition event gave us all an opportunity to recognise exceptionally high standards of work that I can reassure the public continues to be done on a daily basis.”

Among those who received commendations were:

• Taff CID detectives for Operation Flyer which targeted street level drug dealers in the Treforest area. The operation culminated with the search of three properties in Pontypridd during which £20,000 worth of heroin, £2,500 of crack cocaine, and £50,000 cash was recovered. Three people were arrested and charged with supply offences.
• Pc Rhodri Wilson for bravery and professionalism in entering a smoke-filled premises in Pontypridd, removing the sleeping occupant and then extinguishing the fire. The prompt and brave actions of Pc Wilson prevented serious injury to the occupant and also minimised the damage caused to the property.
• Pc Gregory Methven for courage and bravery while negotiating with a man armed with a machete in Treherbert.
• Dennis Young, senior licensing officer with Rhondda Cynon Taff, for prompt actions and attention to details that resulted in the arrest of two men for the theft of a vehicle in Gilfach Goch.
• DC Emma Banks for arresting a shoplifter at Tesco, Upper Boar, while off-duty.
• Pc Joy Nicholls for outstanding professionalism and commitment to service delivery within the wards of Beddau and Tynant following a serious assault of a 60-year-old woman and her husband. Two men have been convicted and sentenced in relation to the incident.
• Pc Mike Perry for planning and organising skills in developing the retail crime operations during festive periods in Talbot Green Retail Park. As a result of his work, retail related crime was reduced by 40 per cent over this period. Pc Perry witnessed 55 interventions which prevented thefts from occurring.
• There were also eight commendations for dog handlers whose work led to the arrests of burglars, drug dealing and recovery of a firearm.

Chief Supt Hayes added: “Crime is continuing to fall across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
"However, we cannot become complacent. I can reassure the public that we will keep up the high standards that have been set and continue the good work that is being carried out by officers along with our partners to keep our communities safe.”

read more... “Commendations for Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff Police”

Merthyr Tydfil's Fireworks Skyshow

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Annual Fireworks Skyshow is taking place in Cyfarthfa Park on Thursday 5th November, 2009.

Gates open at 6.00pm for a 7.15pm firing.

The spectacular aerial fireworks display is fired by a professional company, thus ensuring safety as well as fun.

The event will feature entertainment prior to and after the display, with childrens entertainers, Danter’s Funfair, Cyfartha Castle Museum, all introduced by Red Dragon Radio’s early morning DJ, Tony Scott.

There is no parking at the event – a free return shuttle bus, with disabled access, will operate from Merthyr Tydfil College Car Park.

The first bus to the park leaves at 5.45pm and the last at 6.45pm, with the final return shuttle leaving Cyfarthfa park at 9.00pm

TICKETS :-

• Prior to the event only – Family ticket £6.00 for 4 people
• On the Night – All classes £2.00

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Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

The Representation of the People Act 1983.

The Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006.

The above legislation requires each Council to carry out a review of Polling Districts and Polling Places on a regular four-yearly cycle.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council are looking for feedback on any aspect of polling districts and/or polling places currently used and invite representation and comments from interested persons.

Local political parties and Councillors will be consulted and views are invited from electors within the Parliamentary Constituency of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney as well as persons as may have particular expertise in relation to access to premises or facilities for persons who have different forms of disability. Local community groups will also be consulted.

Although the review is of polling districts and polling places it is accepted that polling stations are inexorably linked to the review and comments are invited regarding those stations currently used and/or any suggested alternatives.

Persons or bodies making representations should, if possible, give alternative places that may be used as polling stations.

The Returning Officer will comment upon proposed polling stations.

Information regarding the current polling districts and places can be found by at the Council's Electoral Services Office at the address provided below.

Representations should be sent in writing to the Chairman of the Customer Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee c/o the address provided below at the very latest by 31 December 2009.

Electoral Services, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN. Tel: 01685 725202

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Help for job seekers in Merthyr

Merthyr jobseekers who lack interview experience are being reminded that help is available to brush up their skills.

It’s provided by employment specialist JobMatch and is helping local people to get back into work. Damien Owen of Morgantown was job hunting for a year before being put in touch with JobMatch through the JobCentre Plus ‘Pathways to Work’ scheme.

He was helped to create an up to date CV, practise his interview skills and its advisors kept in regular contact to encourage him in his job search and let him know about any new opportunities. It resulted in success, with 35 year old Damien now working for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council as a housing options advisor initially on a six month placement.

Damien, who had previously worked in customer services, said: “It was a very quick turnaround with JobMatch, within just a couple of weeks I was receiving pre-interview guidance for my current position. I had previously worked in sales and customer service jobs but it had been quite a long time since I had been for an interview and so JobMatch went through the proper interview techniques with me to refresh my memory and prepare me beforehand.”

Damien is now delighted to be back in a job he loves, providing general housing advice to members of the public.

Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews said: “Damien’s story is yet another example of JobMatch proving its effectiveness for local people. The initiative continues to help people across the Heads of the Valleys area to be more fulfilled and financially better off with obvious benefits for the local economy.”

Since November 2007 support provided by the JobMatch partners in Merthyr has involved help with training and gaining new qualifications, linking people with suitable job opportunities, and encouraging self-employment.

Following a highly successful trial period in Blaenau Gwent, JobMatch has been extended to cover large areas of Torfaen County Borough, Caerphilly County Borough, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough and Rhondda Cynon Taff.

It is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Assembly Government.

JobMatch is part of an integrated approach to sustainable regeneration of the former coal and steel industry areas, and the message to unemployed people of working age is: “You’re better off in a job.”

Jobseekers are urged to call JobMatch on 0800 066 5452.

read more... “Help for job seekers in Merthyr”

Counterfeit vodka seized

Nearly 2000 bottles of counterfeit vodka have been inspected during a far-reaching partnership operation to protect the public.

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf Councils recently joined forces to obtain Making the Connections funding to deal with alcohol-related crime and disorder.

The grant received has allowed the authorities to put in place a far-reaching plan of action to deal with such issues, including the extension of taxi marshalling schemes to allow a safer night out, training for shop and pub staff to prevent underage alcohol sales and more.

One of the key elements of the work was the removal from sale of counterfeit alcohol that can be dangerous to the health of those who consume it – and damage the trade of legal businesses.

As such, Trading Standards officers from both authorities used an allocation of the funding to launch an operation in off-licences across both county boroughs, using the skills of an expert who could examine the drink on the spot to identify discrepancies.

Over the course of a week officers from both authorities visited 61 premises in RCT and 15 in Merthyr. Seventy two of these premises showed no problems with alcohol on sale, which is a credit to the hard work of the management and staff in them.

However, there were interesting results in the remaining four premises:

Shop 1 Merthyr – Eleven counterfeit bottles of Vodka were seized, as well as another two that were bearing no HM Revenue and Customs stamps. As the owner of this shop had links to premises in Blaenau Gwent, Trading Standards officers in that authority were notified and carried out their own local investigations, resulting in further seizures of counterfeit vodka.

Shop 2 Merthyr –Two bottles of vodka that were produced for export outside the UK (but were illegally diverted back into the market) were taken It was clear on these bottles that the HM Revenue and Customs duty stamps had been damaged.

Shop 3 RCT- Six bottles of vodka were found bearing apparently counterfeit HMRC duty stamps and were then taken

Shop 4 RCT- 23 bottles of vodka were found bearing apparently counterfeit HMRC duty stamps and were then taken

Enquiries into all of these incidents are ongoing.

Cllr John David, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, said: “We were pleased to secure the Making the Connections funding that allowed us to carry out this important work.

“Alcohol-related crime and disorder is not just about underage drinking or drunken fights, but also about ensuring the products offered for sale are safe and legitimate. This partnership operation shows the significant majority of shopkeepers are working within the law, but there are still issues that we must deal with.”

Steve Peters Head of Trading Standards at Merthyr Tydfil Council said: “Counterfeit alcohol and its sale is a serious problem. It is illegal and can also present health risks. We do not want premises that operate outside of the law to profit at the expense of those who work hard with us to be legal and responsible.”

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Exhibition in Cyfarthfa Castle Museum - A Tribute to life in the South Wales Valleys

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery will soon play host to a unique collection of photography never seen before in Merthyr Tydfil.

Robert Haines - a former resident of Heolgerrig Merthyr Tydfil - took a series of story telling photographs throughout 1971/2, capturing the individual personalities of various characters throughout the borough. These prints were stored away and gathered dust for many years, until last year when Mr Haines rediscovered the box of old photographs, some thirty-five years later.

After looking more closely at the photographs, Mr Haines decided to put together an exhibition, which he will proudly display as a tribute to the life of people from the South Wales Valleys.

Since being found again, the exhibition has been on display at the Light House Gallery in Wolverhampton, but this will be the first time the pictures have come home to Wales.

The exhibition at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, which is FREE, will be on show throughout the month of October on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00am – 4:00pm and on weekends from Noon – 4:00pm

For further information visit www.museums.merthyr.gov.uk and follow the link from the homepage or call Cyfarthfa Castle & Museum Art Gallery on (01685) 723112.

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Festival celebrates church life

The Archbishop of Wales is inviting parishioners from South Wales to join him at a festival to celebrate the best of church life.

Dr Barry Morgan is leading the Llandaff Diocesan Festival – Celebrate! - at Merthyr Tydfil’s new leisure centre on Saturday, September 26.

Hundreds of churchgoers across the Diocese – which stretches from Cardiff north to Merthyr and west to Neath – are expected to join in the day which will be packed with ideas and activities to entertain and inspire parishes.

From “messy church” and gigabyte cafes to “eco congregations”– lots of exciting new church initiatives will be on display, offering advice and ideas. As well as a service of worship, there will be an interactive prayer walk, a double-decker “mission bus”, musical buskers, a prayer wall, and a story zone for children with a puppet workshop and plenty of fun with Roly Bain, the famous clown and priest. Visitors will also have the chance to go to 20 minute taster sessions on a range of church related subjects such as working with schools, counselling services and the Welsh Government.

The Archbishop says he hopes the day will inspire the whole diocese:

"Whether you’re in the Sunday School or a churchwarden, attend church every week or once a year, or are someone just interested in exploring Christian faith - I'm inviting everyone to come and see and celebrate all the good work going on in churches across the Llandaff Diocese.

“It will be a great family day out and a chance to learn about exciting things going on in our churches.. As I travel around the diocese week by week and Sunday by Sunday, I become aware that parishes sometimes seem only to know about their own local patch and not about anyone else's. I believe an openness to the wider church can engender hope, a willingness to have a go, take risks and do new things. So come along and be inspired."

The Festival takes place at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre between 10.30am – 3.30pm and reporters are welcome to attend and see what is going on in churches today.

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