Artists apply now to exhibit at Y Lle Celf in 2010 Blaenau Gwent National Eisteddfod

Once again there will be a large multi media exhibition in Y Lle Celf (Art Space) at the 2010 National Eisteddfod in Blaenau Gwent. Applications in both fine and applied art(including the moving image and performance art)are now invited.

The National Eisteddfod is taking place between 31 July - 7 August 2010 and Y Lle Celf is an ongoing successful partnership between Arts Council of Wales and the Eisteddfod.

Initially, entrants are requested to submit work in the form of high quality Jpeg images. Because of the large number of entries most of the works will be selected from these images, therefore it is important to submit clear images of your work and to show items that are available for the exhibition. Entrants who work through the medium of the moving image or performance art are invited to present their work on DVD.

After viewing the entries a small number of those short-listed for the exhibition may be visited by the selectors. The selected works will be displayed in Y Lle Celf for the duration of the Eisteddfod. Where the work necessitates, it may happen other than in the building itself.

The Eisteddfod tradition of honouring excellence will be maintained in the following sections:

FINE ART
THE GOLD MEDAL FOR FINE ART
Prize: The Gold Medal for Fine Art (replica) and £5,000 to be awarded at the discretion of the selectors.

CRAFT AND DESIGN
THE GOLD MEDAL FOR CRAFT AND DESIGN
Prize: The Gold Medal for Craft and Design (replica) and £5,000 to be awarded at the discretion of the selectors.

YOUNG ARTIST SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship: £1,500
The scholarship will be awarded to the most promising candidate to enable him/her to pursue a course in a recognised school or college of art and design or attend master classes. The scholarship is open to those under 25 years at the time of the Eisteddfod. Short-listed candidates will be expected to prepare a portfolio of work and submit a letter of application describing how the scholarship will be put to use.

The work submitted may be displayed in Y Lle Celf. The successful candidate may also be offered space at the following Eisteddfod's Lle
Celf to display his/her work.

SELECTORS:
Chris Coppock (Director Spike Island, Bristol)
Pamela Rawnsley (Maker)
John Selway (Artist)

IVOR DAVIES AWARD
Prize: £600. Awarded to the work in the Visual Arts Exhibition that conveys the spirit of activism in the struggle for language,culture and politics in Wales.

THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Prize: £500 (Josef Herman Art Foundation) to the most popular work, or collection of works, in the Visual Arts Exhibition - an opportunity for the public to vote.

CONTEMPORARY ART SOCIETY FOR WALES - ANNUAL PURCHASE PRIZE
The Contemporary Art Society for Wales will award a purchase prize to a work in the Visual Arts Exhibition. The purchased work will enter the CASW collection for subsequent distribution to a public gallery in Wales.

THE DEREK WILLIAMS TRUST PURCHASE
The Derek Williams Trust works with National Museum Wales and the National Eisteddfod to add to its collection of contemporary art. At each Eisteddfod the Trust considers whether to acquire work from an exhibiting artist, and if a purchase is made this is shown in Y Lle Celf the following year.

ARCHITECTURE
For further details contact the Eisteddfod Office.

THE GOLD MEDAL FOR ARCHITECTURE
Prize: The Alwyn Lloyd Memorial Medal (replica), in conjunction with the Royal Society of Architects in Wales. (Sponsored by the Design Commission for Wales)

PLAQUE OF MERIT
For smaller projects of a high standard of design and quality in Wales.

ARCHITECTURE SCHOLARSHIP
Open to individuals under 25 years.
Prize: £1,500

Please contact the Visual Arts Officer at the Eisteddfod if you require more information and an application form: Robyn Tomos: robyn@eisteddfod.org.uk or visit the website: www.eisteddfod.org.uk/

Photograph: Lowri Davies 2009 Gold Medal Winner for Craft and Design

read more... “Artists apply now to exhibit at Y Lle Celf in 2010 Blaenau Gwent National Eisteddfod”

Head 4 Arts seeking artistic team to deliver Community Play for Ebbw Vale Eisteddfod 2010

The community initiative Head for Arts is seeking to engage an artistic team to deliver a bilingual community play in Ebbw Vale to co-incide with next year's National Eisteddfod, based on thematic material gathered during the first phase of this project (Fflach/Flash).

Applications for the delivery of this commission can be submitted by arts organisations able to cover all aspects of the commission or by a consortium of individual practitioners working in partnership.

The commission is being put out to tender via the Blaenau Gwent CBC procurement unit and full details are included in their Request for a Quotation on the Council's website: www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/Eisteddfod.asp

Organisations (or partnerships) unfamiliar with local authority procurement can be advised on the processes by contacting Paul Jones, Senior Corporate Procurement Officer, Blaenau Gwent

read more... “Head 4 Arts seeking artistic team to deliver Community Play for Ebbw Vale Eisteddfod 2010”

Consultation on major education shake-up in Blaenau Gwent

Consultations on the vision to transform education, learning, skills and training in Blaenau Gwent with the new ‘Learning Works’ programme at The Works:Ebbw Vale are underway.

A series of meetings for parents of all pupils from three to 16 years old is being held at all six comprehensive schools and at other local schools right across Blaenau Gwent.

‘Learning Works’ proposals include new buildings for primary and secondary education, a new replacement special school, a new integrated children’s centre, a sports centre and a performing arts centre. It also includes the ‘Learning Zone’ – an integrated learning centre that could provide both vocational and academic education, training and skills for anyone aged 16 and over.

Coun Steve Bard, Blaenau Gwent Council Executive Member for Education, said

“Blaenau Gwent’s vision is to transform education, learning, skills and training for all our children and young people in the Heads of the Valleys.

“We are listening – we want views on how to achieve our ambitions for education in Blaenau Gwent and to set out how ‘Learning Works’ can best provide the new and modern facilities that we need for our young people.”

read more... “Consultation on major education shake-up in Blaenau Gwent”

Info packs to beat doorstep crime in Blaena Gwent

Blaenau Gwent Council’s Trading Standards and Gwent Police have teamed up to produce a doorstep crime pack to help Blaenau Gwent residents feel more secure in their homes.

The packs - funded by Safer Blaenau Gwent, the community safety partnership for Blaenau Gwent - contain Home Office advice as well as local information leaflets, including:

• A window / door sticker to deter unwanted callers
• A guide to home security
• Security advice for private sector tenants
• How to beat the bogus caller leaflet
• Home Security self assessment form
• Gwent Police Policing Pledge
• A guide to dealing with unwanted callers at the door
• Information on Neighbourhood Watch

The free packs are being distributed during ‘Not In My Neighbourhood Week’ (2 - 6 November 2009) through neighbourhood watch groups, crime prevention panels and council services such as Meals on Wheels. The packs are initially being handed out to people who could benefit most from the information to help make them feel more secure.

Coun Keith Barnes, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for the Environment said:
“Door step criminals will often pose as traders to prey on the most vulnerable people in our communities and con money from them. These new packs - brought about by partnership working between the local authority and the police - give people good advice about securing their home from these criminals. Not only this, the stickers give a clear message that uninvited callers are not welcome, hopefully acting as a deterrent to any would be conmen.”

Blaenau Gwent Partnership Inspector Phil Morris said:

“I would recommend to any residents, but especially those who feel more vulnerable, that if you haven’t requested anyone to call at your home, don’t feel obliged to answer your door. The free sticker will help to emphasise that cold callers are not welcome. There is a wealth of other practical information and tips in the pack, which will hopefully help to reinforce the need for everyone to take adequate steps to protect their property.”

The scheme is being funded by the Safer Blaenau Gwent Community Safety Partnership.

For more information on the Doorstep Crime Packs you can contact Blaenau Gwent Council’s Trading Standards on 01495 356 138 or Gwent Police on 01495 232 701.

read more... “Info packs to beat doorstep crime in Blaena Gwent”

Discovery of Body - Police appeal for information

Gwent Police is appealing for information following the discovery of an as yet unidentified woman who was found in the River Ebbw in Beaufort, Ebbw Vale on Sunday 31st of October.

At around 10:12 this morning police were called to a report of a woman’s body found in the water close to Allotment Road.

Officers are now appealing for assistance as they have so far been unable to establish the identity of the woman and are issuing a description of her.

She is described as white, around 60 - 80 years of age, of a medium build with grey collar length hair.

She was wearing a Grey checked knee length skirt, light pink coloured woollen jumper, a cream cardigan, a brown or possibly green three quarter length coat with hood, size 6 brown leather slip-on shoes and also a Gold wedding band.

Enquires are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and a post mortem will take place to establish the exact cause of death, in the meantime police are treating the death as unexplained.

Detective Inspector Richard Williams commented:

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information that can help us identify this woman, or who may be able to assist us in our enquiries regarding this to ring Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

read more... “Discovery of Body - Police appeal for information”

Drugs, driving and anti-social behaviour top of Gwent Police list

Police officers throughout Gwent will next week be taking part in activities to mark ‘Not in My Neighbourhood Week' 2009, which runs between Monday, November 2 and Friday, November 6.

The week aims to promote and showcase what is being done locally to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The activities will bring professionals and local communities together to say no to crime in the neighbourhoods of Gwent.

‘Not In My Neighbourhood Week’ informs local people about the action being taken by police, local agencies and partners to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour - the quality of life issues that impact on local communities.

During the week Gwent Police have organised a range of public engagement activities as well as enforcement operations aimed at helping to reduce crime, detect crime and reducing the fear of crime.

In identifying its priorities for the five-day initiative, Gwent Police reviewed feedback from 2,600 responses provided by members of the public via PACT meetings and the force’s summer engagement programme. This highlighted that communities across Gwent want the force to focus on issues including drugs, speeding, poor driving and anti-social behaviour.

During the week, a force-wide enforcement day will take place to proactively tackle drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. Gwent Police will be seeking out persistent offenders in order to respond to community concerns.

On Monday, November 2, the focus will be road safety and anti-social use of vehicles. Motorists caught using their mobile phones while driving will be shown clips of the anti-texting while driving film Cow to raise awareness of the disastrous consequences of distracted driving.

Litter and graffiti will be the target on Wednesday, November 4 and on Thursday, November 5 Neighbourhood policing teams and Schools Community Liaison Officers will be participating in Operation Bang, an all-Wales initiative to deter anti-social behaviour during the period on and around Bonfire Night.

Commenting ahead of NIMNW Detective Chief Superintendent Ray Wise said:

"Not In My Neighbourhood Week showcases the partnership work that is going on across Gwent every day to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. By raising awareness of this work I hope that communities will recognise how problems can be solved more effectively by working together."

read more... “Drugs, driving and anti-social behaviour top of Gwent Police list”

Patrols increase for rugby autumn internationals

Police in Blaenau Gwent will be working with local licensed premises over the course of the autumn international rugby games, to help ensure that incidents of crime and disorder are kept to a minimum.

Officers will be increasing their patrols of local pubs and clubs on match days, starting with next Saturday (7th November).

Over the next month, officers will also be visiting local licensed premises and rugby clubs to speak to staff about a number of issues. This includes offering advice about underage drinking, closing times and ensuring sensible drinking.

Checks will also made on door staff to ensure that they are SIA (Security Industry Authority) approved.

Neighbourhood Officers will be patrolling hot-spot areas for underage drinking and confiscating any alcohol that they find. Blaenau Gwent Council’s CCTV unit will also be working closely with officers to help pinpoint any signs of disorder on match days.

Sergeant Angela Burt, from the Blaenau Gwent Neighbourhood Support Unit, said:
“We generally find that the atmosphere in local pubs and clubs is good-natured on match days. It’s important that we work with the local licensed premises to ensure that it stays that way.

We have found in previous years that a minority of people, who drink to excess on these occasions, can go on to commit crime and disorder. This campaign aims to prevent this from happening and to ensure that rugby supporters enjoy their night out and remain safe.”

read more... “Patrols increase for rugby autumn internationals”

Blaenau Gwent welcomes “fantastic” learning, skills and training investment opportunity

The Welsh Assembly Government has awarded Blaenau Gwent £35 million for new, 21st century learning, training and skills centres at The Works: Ebbw Vale.

The funding for the exciting Blaenau Gwent ‘Learning Works’ programme was announced by Education Minister Jane Hutt AM on Wednesday, 21 October 2009.

‘Learning Works’ includes proposals for:

• new primary and secondary schools
• a special school
• an integrated children’s centre
• sports centre
• performing arts centre and
• an integrated ‘Learning Zone’ for 16 - 18 year olds.

Consultation on the proposals for the future of education starts in November 2009.

Coun Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said:

“This is great news. Our vision to transform education, learning, skills and training for children and young people in the Heads of the Valleys has the full support of the Welsh Assembly Government.”

A first tranche of funding of £48 million for ‘Learning Works’ was approved in July 2009. This second tranche of £35 million is additional to this. It is also conditional on the consultations on the re-organisation of education in Blaenau Gwent.

read more... “Blaenau Gwent welcomes “fantastic” learning, skills and training investment opportunity”

Jason Owen wins ‘I’m a Councillor, Get Me Out of Here! 2009’

Over 200 young people in Blaenau Gwent took part in ‘I’m a Councillor, Get Me Out of Here! 2009’. They have voted Councillor Jason Owen as the winner.

Over 200 young people from Blaenau Gwent registered to take part in the competition where they test the knowledge of the councillors taking part.

This year’s other brave volunteers were Councillor Mostyn Lewis, Councillor Jen Morgan, CouncillorJohn Rogers and Councillor Steve Bard. They answered questions fired at them via the Internet.

During the final week pupils voted each day for the councillor they wanted to stay in the competition.

read more... “Jason Owen wins ‘I’m a Councillor, Get Me Out of Here! 2009’”

Work begins on restoration of Blaenau Gwent’s heritage landmark Bedwellty House

The £5.5million restoration of Tredegar’s Bedwellty House and Park – one of Blaenau Gwent’s most famous heritage centres – is underway.

Contractors appointed by Blaenau Gwent Council have started work under the main contract. Work is expected for completion in Spring 2011.

The building is being restored by Blaenau Gwent Council and a partnership including The Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Heads of the Valleys Programme, the European Regional Development Fund and CADW.

Bedwellty House and Park is set to be a major visitor attraction in the Heads of the Valleys.

Restoration work includes a café restaurant, new entrance and courtyard, offices, full disabled access, kitchen garden and a servery, bar and store.

read more... “Work begins on restoration of Blaenau Gwent’s heritage landmark Bedwellty House”

New handbook to help over 50s in Blaenau Gwent

A new handbook designed to help people living in Blaenau Gwent over the age of 50 has been published.

It gives advice about health, wellbeing and independence and community safety issues.

The handbook has been produced by a partnership between Blaenau Gwent Older People 50+ Network, Blaenau Gwent Council and Western Power Distribution. 15,000 copies are being distributed.

Coun Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said:

“This handbook will be invaluable – as chair of our Older People 50+ Network I would like tp pay tribute to the great work of all the partners and to thank Western Power Distribution for their support.”

read more... “New handbook to help over 50s in Blaenau Gwent”

All in good spirit this Halloween

This Saturday, Gwent Police and the three other Welsh police forces will be running a community safety campaign to help those wishing to mark Halloween – and those that don’t - to stay safe.

As Halloween is traditionally one of Gwent Police’s busiest periods, additional officers will be on patrol this weekend to deal with any reports of disorder or anti-social behaviour, and to reassure concerned residents that their local areas are being policed appropriately.

The annual campaign forms part of Operation Bang, an all-Wales initiative to keep levels of anti-social disturbance to a minimum across the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. This year, the force will be working closely with its local authority partners, and in particular Youth Services teams, in an attempt to reduce the number of incidents that are reported on 31 October.

A wide range of activities will be taking place on Saturday, aimed at diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour. Such events enable young people to celebrate Halloween in a safe and secure environment. In Caerphilly, Neighbourhood Officers will be attending local youth club events, and in Newport, local officers will be involved in a Halloween party being held at the Gaer Community Centre, for children aged 8 and above.

Shops throughout Gwent have received posters encouraging positive behaviour this weekend, and Neighbourhood policing teams are urging traders not to sell flour and eggs to anyone who appears to be under the age of 18, in the run-up to Halloween.

Schools Community Police Officers have participated in school assemblies throughout Gwent over the past few weeks to discourage bad behaviour by highlighting the distress that can be caused to those who don’t wish to mark Halloween. As in previous years, comprehensive school students in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly have received letters reminding them that not everyone wants to join in the festivities.

Residents who don’t wish to be disturbed on October 31st can display a pumpkin poster in their window or on their front door to deter unwanted callers. The poster is available from all Gwent Police stations, or English and Welsh versions can be downloaded from the Gwent Police website at: www.gwent.police.uk.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said:
“Rather than putting a damper on people’s fun, we want them to mark Halloween responsibly, while bearing in mind that for many people, this Saturday is just another normal day.

It is possible to take part in Halloween activities within a safe environment without disturbing other people. If any children or young people plan to go trick or treating, please ensure they are accompanied.

That said, it’s important to emphasize that Halloween is not a licence to roam the streets, throwing eggs at people’s homes and damaging property. If people cross the line from a bit of harmless fun, to behaviour that causes other people harm or distress, then that will not be tolerated. We will respond swiftly to any reports of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour."

Anyone concerned about anti-social behaviour should call us on our new non-emergency number, 101, but in an emergency, they should dial 999.

read more... “All in good spirit this Halloween”

Blaenau Gwent residents reminded to lock windows and doors

Blaenau Gwent residents are being reminded to close and lock their doors and windows following a number of burglaries in the area.

During the last couple of weeks, 12 homes in the Ebbw Vale, Tredegar and Brynmawr areas have been targeted. Of these, three quarters of them had insecure doors or windows.

In three of the burglaries, vehicles were also taken, after the car keys were stolen from inside their owners’ homes. Items including money, mobile phones, handbags as well as games consoles such as an X-Box and Nintendo Wii were also taken from the houses.

The following advice is being offered to residents:

• Remember to close and secure all doors and windows at night and when you go out
• Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home during at the day
• If you have locked your door, take the keys out of the lock and put them somewhere safe and out of reach from doors or windows
• Don’t leave expensive property in sight, close to a window
• Keep your car keys safe and out of sight
• Close all curtains when you have the lights on at night
• Shut and lock garden gates

Neighbourhood Officers have also leafleted homes in the area to remind residents of the need to be vigilant with their home security.

Ebbw Vale and Tredegar Neighbourhood Inspector, Tony Green, said:
“We would like to remind residents to always double check that they have closed and locked their doors and windows before they leave the house or go to bed. Even if you’re in the house in the day, it’s a good idea to keep your doors locked. It’s also important that you keep your car keys in a safe place and out of sight.

It may seem like simple advice but it’s very important that residents take these steps to reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of crime. We are currently investigating the recent burglaries and have made one arrest to date. I would encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to us.”

read more... “Blaenau Gwent residents reminded to lock windows and doors”

Police discover cannabis factory in Brynmawr

Police in Brynmawr have uncovered a cannabis factory in two adjoining houses.

A warrant was executed in the semi-detached houses in Clarence Street, Brynmawr at approximately 10.30am this morning (Tuesday 27th October).

On arrival officers found over 400 plants in a number of rooms in the properties, together with hydroponics equipment.

DI Kerry Hagerty, said:
“This a very large discovery and we are pleased that we have prevented these drugs from getting onto the streets. We take the presence of illegal drugs in our community very seriously and drug cultivation will not be tolerated.

I would like to ask local residents to alert us of any suspicious behaviour. If they believe that a cannabis factory could have been set-up in their community, then please get in contact with us.”

An investigation is now underway. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

read more... “Police discover cannabis factory in Brynmawr”

Blaenau Gwent says ‘not in my neighbourhood’

Local people in Blaenau Gwent are being encouraged to say ‘not in my neighbourhood’ next week as part of a national campaign.

Gwent Police and Blaenau Gwent Council are planning a number of events and initiatives along with local groups and volunteers across the area as part of ‘Not In My Neighbourhood Week’ (Monday 2 November - Friday 6 November 2009).

The Home Office backed campaign aims to encourage local communities to work together to improve their quality of life and to raise awareness of the work that is already being done to address local issues.

Officers will be visiting local supermarkets to provide crime prevention advice to residents. They will be joined by members of crime prevention panels and neighbourhood watch schemes to encourage more volunteers to take part. Officers will also be post-coding property including mobile phones, sat navs and iPods.

• On Tuesday 3 November, they will be at Tesco in Ebbw Vale between 10am and 2pm.
• On Wednesday 4 November, they will be at Morrisions in Ebbw Vale between 10am and 2pm.

To help highlight any lapses in security, teams of officers, together with volunteers from the crime prevention panel and neighbourhood watch, will be carrying out checks on vehicles. They will be making sure that drivers are not leaving any items on view. If they find any items on display in vehicles, then they will contact the owners to reiterate the need to always keep property out of sight.

During the week, new doorstep crime packs will also be launched to help residents feel more secure in their homes.

The packs, which have been put together by Gwent Police and Blaenau Gwent Council’s Trading Standards will start to be delivered via crime prevention panels, neighbourhood watch schemes and some council services.

Over 20 voluntary Street Pastors from local churches will also be meeting council and police representatives, as they take a step closer to taking to the streets. The pastors will be offering help and advice to revellers in Abertillery and Ebbw Vale on Friday and Saturday nights once they have undertaken their training. It is hoped they will start in the New Year.

Blaenau Gwent Council will also be carrying out extra clean ups at any graffiti or litter ‘grot spots’ found in town centres throughout the week.

The next PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) meeting for the Tredegar Central and West ward will also be held during Not In My Neighbourhood Week. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 4 November, at 7pm in the Youth Café on the Circle. Local residents are invited to attend to help identify the priorities for the ward.

In the run-up to the week, local officers are increasing their high visibility patrols. Blaenau Gwent Council’s Trading Standards officers will be visiting licensed premises to ensure that fireworks and alcohol are being sold in accordance with the law.

Neighbourhood officers are also encouraging local shops not to sell eggs and flour to under-18s around Halloween. This is being echoed in posters reminding people that ‘eggs have many uses, throwing isn’t one of them’.

Gwent Police posters have also been delivered to local schools, reminding their students that not everyone wants to join in the festivities and to respect their wishes.

Residents who do not want to be disturbed can display a pumpkin poster in their window or door asking for no callers. You can download one from the Gwent Police website (www.gwent.police.uk), or pick one up from your local police station.

Inspector Phil Morris, said:
“There is a range of activities planned for the week to help highlight the work that is already underway in local communities to tackle local issues, as well as to offer crime prevention advice. We are also keen to get more members of the community involved in schemes such as neighbourhood watch, where the community works together and looks out for one another.”

Coun Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
“We work closely with Gwent Police through our community safety partnership Safer Blaenau Gwent - this is just the time to step up patrols and help everyone feel safer.

But this is also a time when we can all join in - Blaenau Gwent is made up of strong and resilient local communities. I hope local people will rally to the call for volunteers and join together with us and with Gwent Police.”

read more... “Blaenau Gwent says ‘not in my neighbourhood’”

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.

read more... “Valleys people called upon to help shape positive future”

Results from latest rogue trader operation

Gwent officers joined forces with Trading Standards, VOSA, TER.(The National Plant and Equipment Register ), Immigration Service, HM customs and excise, Scam busters (level 2 trading standards), The environment Agency, and DWP on Wednesday (21 October) to target rogue traders operating in Gwent.

The one day operation was specifically designed to identify criminals who actively target vulnerable individuals and routinely and deliberately:

• overcharge for unsatisfactory services or goods,
• charge for unnecessary work,
• damage property to obtain money,
• leave work unfinished,
• intimidate in order to extort money.

During the operation 50 people were stopped resulting in:

3 arrests for outstanding warrants
4 environment agency offences
4 trading standards offences
1 vehicle being seized for no insurance
2 people identified for driving offences
Various referrals to the DWP

Leading the Operation Detective Sargent James Hill said:

"This day of action wasn't a one off and Gwent Police will continue to run operations such as this throughout the Force area to raise public awareness of doorstep crime and send a clear message that rogue trading will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robust enforcement.

We will continue to work alongside other agencies such as Trading Standards to fight this type of criminality and to raise awareness amongst communities in Monmouthshire about how they can best protect themselves against rogue trader offences."

Detective Hill concluded by saying:

"When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Police Doorstep Code:

• When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don’t open your door to them. If in doubt - keep them out
• Make sure both your front and back doors are locked.
• Ask them to post their details through your door but do not open your door.
• If you don’t know them, ask them to leave.
• If they claim to be from a utility company, ask them to call back when a relative or friend will be there with you.
• If the person refuses to go away, ring Gwent Police immediately on 999 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else that seems suspicious.
• Talk to your family and friends about this caller and consider talking to your neighbours about any suspicious activity just in case the same scam is tried on them.

read more... “Results from latest rogue trader operation”

Ebbw Valley railway hits one million passenger mark

The Ebbw Valley rail service celebrated carrying its millionth passenger yesterday (Tuesday 20 October), reaching the landmark in less than half the time expected.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, joined passengers on the 8.40am from Ebbw Vale Parkway to Cardiff to mark the occasion.

The Minister said:

"The demand for this new service has outstripped all expectations and I’m delighted that we have met this landmark less than two years after I launched the service.

"Our original estimations said we would meet this mark after four years. This goes to show what a worthwhile investment this has been and how it is bringing economic and social benefits to many people along this route.

"This service is an excellent example of our continued commitment to the One Wales goal of delivering a truly sustainable and integrated transport system for Wales."

Mr Jones was joined on his journey by representatives of Blaenau Gwent Council and Arriva Trains Wales.

Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council said:

"After the closure of the steelworks, local people showed typical Blaenau Gwent spirit and began the work of regeneration. Calling for the railway to be re-built was part of this.

"The news that the railway is such a success is a boost for our confidence. And it has already strengthened our hand in bidding for more Heads of the Valleys programme funding and investment.

"We have an ambitious and exciting vision to regenerate our county borough – now we must all work together to seize the opportunity to win the investment that can make it happen.

"Thanks are due to all our partners for making this happen and to the community for – quite literally – getting on board!"

Mike Bagshaw, Commercial Director of Arriva Trains Wales said:

"We have been delighted with the popularity of this service from day one and it illustrates a wider trend of strong passenger growth in South Wales. The success of the Ebbw Vale line illustrates ATW’s commitment to improvement and growth in the rail transport network."

The service – linking Ebbw Vale with Cardiff Central station – was made possible thanks to a £30m project funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The project included construction of six new stations along the route – at Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, Cross Keys, Risca & Pontymister and Rogerstone. The new stations include a range of facilities including car parks and CCTV systems for improved passenger safety.

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Streetlights back on – decision after energy-saving plan is reviewed

Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive has decided – after a promised review - to switch back on remote-controlled streetlights in residential areas after midnight.

For an interim period, streetlights on A and B roads will be switched off between 1am and 5.30pm.
Streetlights are not switched off at:

• main road junctions and roundabouts
• pedestrian crossings
• town centres
• areas covered by CCTV cameras

Once all streetlights in Blaenau Gwent are fitted with the new technology remote switching - known as the Mayflower System – a revised street lights energy saving scheme will be introduced. This is planned for early 2010.

Proposals for the revised streetlights energy-saving scheme (not before early 2010):
Residential areas:

• Streetlighting will remain on all night – alternate streetlights will be turned off between 1am and 5.30pm.

Other areas:

• Streetlights on A and B roads and non-residential areas will be switched off between 1am and 5.30am.

Again, streetlights will not be switched off at all at:

• main road junctions and roundabouts
• pedestrian crossings
• town centres
• areas covered by CCTV cameras

The Council’s Executive decision on Wednesday, 14 October 2009 followed its promised review of the energy-saving after-midnight switch offs of selected streetlights that began in May and June 2009.

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Clampdown on illegal and anti-social driving in Abertillery and Brynmawr

Abertillery and Brynmawr Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working to address anti-social driving in their town centres.

Over the last couple of months they have been holding targeted operations with Gwent Police’s ANPR Team (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) and Blaenau Gwent Council’s Environmental Health Department.

In both areas, residents have highlighted anti-social driving as a PACT priority, and these latest operations are part of an ongoing effort to prevent illegal and unsafe driving.

The teams have stopped over 200 cars in the last month, and 12 of these have been seized by the police as a result of the drivers not having insurance.

Officers were also addressing the manner in which some of the vehicles were being driven. They issued nine Section 59 notices - these are issued to drivers who are driving in an anti-social manner. If they receive another notice in the next 12 months, then their vehicle will be seized. Seven cars were seized from their drivers, after they all received their second Section 59 notice.

A further two people were disqualified from driving as a result of their dangerous driving, which was captured on CCTV.

In total, 55 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to drivers for an array of offences including not wearing a seatbelt, driving whilst using a mobile phone and having a defective exhaust.

Three individuals were also arrested over the course of the operation - two for public disorder and one for driving whilst disqualified.

Another 20 people were reported for driving document offences, such as not producing insurance, MOTs or for not having road tax.

VOSA issued ten Prohibition Notices to drivers in the Brynmawr area, after they deemed their cars not to be road worthy. The cars are taken off the road, until the drivers can prove that they have fixed defects on their vehicles. Another 11 drivers were given notices to repair defects.

Blaenau Gwent Council’s Environmental Health Department also issued 42 advisory notes over the course of the operation to different vehicle operators, giving advice on noise issues.

Abertillery and Brynmawr Neighbourhood Inspector Ian Muirhead, said:
“Over the last few weeks, we have stopped vehicles to speak to the drivers and explain the issues with anti-social driving, as well taking enforcement action.

We hope that the drivers take the advice that we have given and realise that the nature of their driving could have severe consequences for themselves and other road users. It’s important that all drivers act responsibly and legally. We are receiving fewer calls regarding anti-social driving since this action and I would like to reassure local communities that this will remain one of the priorities for policing in the area.”

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