Gold for green in Neath Port Talbot

Environment enthusiasts from across Neath Port Talbot will put their efforts under the microscope at an awards ceremony tonight.

Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum will host their first ever ceremony to congratulate Schools, Businesses, Voluntary Organisations, Public Sector Departments and wildlife projects for their commitment to improving the Environment.

The awards which are split into six categories include Green School of the Year; Green Business of the Year; Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Year; Public Sector Department of the Year; Action for Wildlife Award and an Overall Winner. There will also be awards for commendation.

The ceremony organised by Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum and sponsored by The Countryside Council for Wales and CORUS will be hosted by Iolo Williams.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, for the NPT Environment Forum stated "The standard of awards entries has been fantastic and we hope that we can do this again next year. The council is committed to improving the environment and it is a pleasure to see people working together to make our County Borough a greener place to live.

Through working together we have helped to reduce air pollution, improve water quality, reduce flytipping and increase recycling and reduce waste to landfill. We haven't done this alone - we recognise all of those who have helped us to achieve this. We also extend our thanks to those of you in the community making a physical effort to improve your own local environment."

CCW Senior Countryside Officer Ceri Daugherty added, "We are proud sponsors of the award ceremony. It's great to see a variety of organisations, schools, businesses and public sector departments taking a proactive approach to try and address our environmental responsibilities and being rewarded for their efforts."

A spokeman for Corus commented: "We are delighted to support the inaugural Neath Port Talbot Environment Awards, 2009. We are achieving a great deal, but we continue to address our environmental responsibilities with respect to continuing to extend our positive relationship with the community and the environment for everyone's benefit."

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Exercise USAR Cymru 2009 in Neath Port Talbot

Emergency services and key partners will be practising their response to a major incident tomorrow (Saturday 21 November).

All agencies are required to regularly exercise their emergency plans to ensure an efficient response to major emergencies.

A fictitious incident will occur and emergency services personnel and local authority colleagues will respond and enact their major emergency plans to deal with the incident.

Approximately 60 simulated casualties will be in place to test the response of all the agencies, which include the Welsh Fire Service Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Neath Port Talbot Local Authority, 160 Brigade (Wales), 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital (V), St John Ambulance Cymru and the British Red Cross Society.

Eric Bellew, Welsh Urban Search and Rescue Team Manager, said: "This is the largest exercise of its kind to be run in South Wales this year and it will provide all partners with an opportunity to practice our combined response to a large scale emergency.

"We all hope these types of incident will never occur, but we must be prepared to respond in the event of one happening. The public need to be assured that their local emergency services and other key partners have robust plans in place and that these are practiced on a regular basis."

The exercise will take place in the Jersey Marine area off the public highway, and The Quays at Briton Ferry will be used during the exercise as a Survivor Reception Centre., but the public should be assured that any perceived increase in sightings of emergency service vehicles is in relation to this exercise.

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Doorstep Danger Warning

Whilst the majority of sellers at your door are genuine, Council Trading Standards officers are urging people to be cautious and think before you buy.

Principal Officer Steve Adie said, "Millions of people every year are targeted by rogue sellers".

He added, "People risk losing hundreds of pounds from being duped by these highly skilled, well trained con artists. It is important that you take control of the situation, you are the customer and you reserve the right to say no".

Mr Adie's warning coincides with a national campaign by the Office Of Fair Trading. Your Doorstep - Your Decision' aims to highlight the dangers of succumbing to high pressure selling techniques and is encouraging people to remember the following advice:

• check the seller's identity
• it's your doorstep, your decision
• be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
• don't hand over a cash deposit
• don't agree to a trader starting any work straight away
• take time to consult with someone you trust for a second opinion, speak to friends, family or neighbours before making any decision
• Ask the seller about cancellation rights, if you don't get them in writing don't buy
• if in doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

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Port Talbot lifeboat man heads to war

The RNLI crew at Port Talbot will be a volunteer short this Christmas, as Aaron Morris, 20, heads to Afghanistan.

Aaron, a Senior Aircraftman Firefighter based at St. Athan, near Cardiff joined the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service two years ago. RAF personnel from St. Athan are regularly deployed on Out of Area (OOA) operations working on front line and supporting roles worldwide.

Robbie Harris, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Port Talbot says: ‘Aaron became a volunteer with the Port Talbot Lifeboat Station six years ago. Two years later he became a crew member and has been to sea on many rescues. He is a much valued crew member and everyone here will certainly miss him, during the four months, whilst he is away.’

Being stationed at St. Athan has meant Aaron could continue in his volunteering role with the RNLI when he was not on duty, by staying with his parents, Roger and Karen Morris of Little Warren, Port Talbot. They have been happy to support him juggling his two challenging roles.

Mrs Morris says: ‘We are very proud of Aaron. Everyone will miss him, especially over Christmas, however, we are sure he will make the most of where ever he is and of course we will be looking forward to having him home.’

Commanding Officer, MOD St. Athan, Commodore Anthony King, added, ‘Aaron Morris is representative of many of the Service Personnel from St Athan currently serving in Afghanistan. His consummate professionalism in both his working and volunteering roles underlines his commitment to the Service and others. He along with many of our other young Servicemen and women will be missed by their families over the festive season. Our thoughts will be with them all and I personally look forward to their safe return in the New Year.'

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Healthier school meals on the menu

Healthier school meals are on the menu at Neath Port Talbot schools.

Catering staff at comprehensive schools across the county borough have been having 'SAFFRON' training as part of a School Caterers Network.

The network was set up two years ago to train catering staff to develop their skills and share good practice.

The training, linked in with the Welsh Assembly's document 'Appetite for Life', highlights how to analyse the nutritional content of school meals ensuring that menus are balanced and healthy.

"Staff are to be congratulated for making improvements in secondary school canteens," says Council Leader, Ali Thomas.

"Healthy options will help young people improve their diet and bring better health in future years."

At a presentation ceremony last week, school caterers were given their certificates by the Council's Head of Support Services and Commissioning, Andrew Thomas for completing their training programme.

The network team meet regularly and there are plans in the pipeline to hold awareness days when a community dietician will be invited along to speak to the group.

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Hundreds welcome Santa to town

Port Talbot town centre came alive with excitement and song this weekend.

Hundreds of children turned out to watch the switch-on of the Christmas lights and to greet Santa when he arrived in his brand new sleigh.

Swansea Sound and The Wave radio Roadshow set up in the Civic Square entertaining the crowd in the run up to the spectacular switch-on by County Borough Mayor, Pam Thomas.

Parents and children sang along with pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Rhosafan and the Corus Brass Band who delighted the crowds with traditional Christmas carols.

Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk, this year's pantomime in the Princess Royal Theatre, joined in the Christmas festivities.

The pavements were lined with excited children eagerly waiting Santa's Parade who gave a huge welcome to the big man in the red suit.

Santa arrived in style on his glorious new sleigh following a wonderful parade of local community groups and clubs all dressed up in fabulous costumes full of Christmas cheer.

"The start of Christmas celebrations in Neath Port Talbot was a wonderful riot of colour, song and dance that got everyone in the mood for the season of festivities to begin," says Council Leader Ali Thomas.

Santa made his way to his log cabin in the Aberavon Shopping Centre where he will be in residence until Christmas.

The Princess Royal Theatre was transformed into a bustling Christmas market filled with unusual and hand crafted gifts while Bethany Square hosted the ever popular funfair.

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ENGAGE scheme launches

Young people who are at risk of missing out on education and job opportunities are being supported by European funding.

12,000 young people from across South West Wales are to benefit from a £32.5million scheme to improve their chances of success.

The scheme, called 'ENGAGE', aims to target 14-19 year olds who are at risk of dropping out of formal education or training or are failing to achieve their full potential.

The scheme is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils as well as six further education colleges across the region who will all provide match funding.

They are Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Gorseinon, Coleg Sir Gar, Pembrokeshire and Coleg Ceredigion.

Aimed at reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training, ENGAGE will provide complementary curriculums and innovative training approaches to motivate and boost the confidence of students who are experiencing problems learning.

Tailored to the needs of each individual, a range of techniques will be used such as vocational training, one to one intensive support and activities to raise self esteem to encourage them to remain in education and improve their skills.

Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths, said, ""ENGAGE will help raise aspirations and increase participation rates in education, training and employment across South West Wales.

"It is an excellent example of partnership working with local authorities, schools and further education colleges delivering the very support young people need to remain or reengage with education.

"Equipping young people with new skills and confidence will lead to improved career opportunities and a quality workforce, bringing increased economic and social benefits to the region."

The scheme will also assist those who are not attending school or college by supporting them back into the education and it will also work with pupil referral units, care leavers and young offenders, providing additional learning support for those who are not in mainstream education.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, "I am excited by the opportunities that will be offered to our young people through the ENGAGE project. The project will provide them with the support they need to succeed. It is so important that we use this funding effectively to motivate learners and to improve their ability to secure rewarding and satisfying careers."

Photograph: Natasha Burgess joins John Griffiths to launch ENGAGE

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Postal Scam Alert

Council Trading Standards officers are warning Neath Port Talbot Residents to be on the lookout for the latest postal scam.

A fake company with a bogus London address leads consumers to believe they have tried to deliver a parcel. They leave a card through the letterbox with the recipients name and address. The consumer is duped into giving their credit or debit card to settle the £2.20 redelivery charge. Victims then find their cards have been debited thousands of pounds.

Whilst officers can confirm there are no local cases, they warn it could be matter of time before residents are duped into parting with vast sums of cash.

Council Leader Ali Thomas said, "We are encouraging everyone to be vigilant. Those that have been caught out by this scam are advised to contact their bank or building society immediately".

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Christmas comes to Port Talbot

A huge gathering enjoyed the festivities at the switching on of Port Talbot Christmas lights and Santa's parade















Photograph: Neath Port Talbot Mayor Pam Thomas switches on Port Talbot Christmas lights

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Discovery Centre scoops top award

The State of the Art Discovery Centre at Margam Park has scooped the Local Authority 'Building of the Year' in Wales 2009 at an awards ceremony held in Neath Port Talbot last week.

The Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales (CLAW) made their choice after top architectural experts assessed buildings from across Wales with Neath Port Talbot Council picking up the award for the second year running.

The award was presented to Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council and Gareth Nutt, Head of Property and Regeneration by Welsh Assembly Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson.

Ali Thomas, said, 'I am delighted with this prestigious award that we have won for the second year running. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the council's team on their success as the award is in recognition of the building that has been produced in collaboration with the Welsh School of Architecture.

"The Margam Discovery Centre has opened up a whole new world for Neath Port Talbot. It has become a centre for heritage and conservation training, job creation and environmental understanding. It has also been an example of reducing the carbon footprint and attracting more visitors to the historic Margam Park."

The exemplar building was also commended for its sustainability. The eco-friendly operation which includes a bio-mass energy supply, rainwater harvesting, solar power and sustainable materials in the construction was also built in a unique style.

The building was mainly constructed offsite and brought to Margam as a series of completed pods which were slotted together on the pre-prepared site.

It has been built to have the minimum impact on the existing park landscape for the benefits of everyone.

The £5.6million project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Local Regeneration Fund. It is a multi purpose complex with conference facilities, study rooms, a library and computer room, a restaurant and community facilities.

The on-site residential facilities also accommodate up to 120 people giving them an opportunity to study and encompass the historic surroundings of the Park.

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Joy at Swansea bus link

Residents of Crymlyn Parc Estate will enjoy a direct bus service to and from Swansea from 4th January 2010.

First were approached by Neath Port Talbot Council to see if service 156 (Swansea to Tonna Hospital via Neath) had enough spare time in the schedule to provide three journeys each way via the new estate.

Head of Engineering & Transport, John Flower, said he was pleased that a solution had been found to the problem, particularly in view of the current economic situation that had forced First to make a number of cuts to services in December.

Tony McNiff from First said he looked forward to welcoming the many concessionary bus pass holders who live along the route, but warned it was very much a case of "use it or lose it" as no subsidy would be received by the company for the diversion.

The new timetable for service 156 will be available in due course from traveline cymru by logging on to www.travelinecymru.info or by telephoning 0871 200 22 33

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Sunday bus services saved

Residents of Sandfields West, Port Talbot and Brynbryddan will continue to enjoy a Sunday bus service after First withdraw Sunday commercial services 1 and 8 after 29 November.

Port Talbot bus firm Ridgways were approached by Neath Port Talbot Council to see if they were willing to provide a replacement bus service at the same times as First are currently operating.

Head of Engineering & Transport, John Flower, said he was very pleased that a solution had been found to the problem, particularly in the current economic climate, following the system-wide review of First's services across south west Wales.

Darren Ridgway from the company said he looked forward to welcoming the many concessionary bus pass holders who live along the route, but warned it was very much a case of "use it or lose it" as no subsidy would be received by the company.

The new timetable for Ridgways Sunday services 1 and 8 will be available in due course from traveline cymru by logging on to www.travelinecymru.info or by telephoning 0871 200 22 33

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Community centres up for prestigious awards

Three Neath Port Talbot community centres have been short listed for prestigious awards.

The Council run Aberavon, Mozart Drive and Baglan community centres have been selected as finalists for the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.

Aberavon Community Centre has been selected as a finalist for the Overall Best Performer and Overall Most Improved Performer awards with Mozart Drive Community Centre and Baglan Community Centre being nominated as finalists for the Overall Most Improved Performer

The community centres had to complete a stringent validation process, including user numbers and cost effectiveness, to qualify for the awards.

Leader of council Ali Thomas said Neath Port Talbot Council will compete against more than 90 community venues all over the UK.

He said: "It is a privilege to be recognised as finalists. The Community Development and Projects Section have been awarded these titles twice previously.

"I am excited at the prospect of the award being brought back to Neath Port Talbot for a third time whilst at the same time promoting the good work which goes on in our community centres throughout Neath Port Talbot."

The award ceremony will take place on the December 3rd and 4th at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.

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Bills delight for winner of the Latest Rent Bonanza

A lady from Cwmavon is £250 better off - thanks to paying her bills on time.

Patricia Woods won the latest cash prize in Neath Port Talbot Council's rent bonanza prize draw. The draw takes place every three months as a thank you to council tenants who pay their rent and water bills on time.

Patricia Woods received her prize from Councillors Peter Rees, David Williams and Brin Roblin. Also present was Area Housing Officer Kathy Roberts.

Tenants who'd like to be in with a chance of winning a £250 prize in future draws should keep their rent and water accounts clear. Those with a bank account may wish to pay by direct debit. For further information on Direct Debit payments please call: 01639 764650.

Photograph: left to right is: Cllr. David Williams; Housing Officer Kathy Roberts; Mrs Patricia Thomas; Cllr. Peter Rees & Cllr. Brin Roblin).

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In the swing of it.

Young golfers from Cilfrew Primary School in the Neath Valley have enjoyed free golfing lessons thanks to a grant from the Sports Council for Wales.

Aberdulais golf range was awarded £1000 of National Lottery funding from the Community Chest fund.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Ali Thomas and Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones visited the sporting project yesterday (Wednesday) to watch the pupils swing into action.

The money meant the range could buy junior golf clubs to offer pupils from local schools a 20 week block of free lessons.

The project, facilitated by the Council's Physical Activity and Sports Service, has now been extended to primary schools and every school in Neath Port Talbot has been invited to visit the range and have free lessons.

Plans in the pipeline will see a golf teacher from the range going into schools for golf sessions and a school festival planned for the near future.

Teeing off with the pupils, Council Leader Ali Thomas, says, "Sporting projects like this help to keep young people active and take up exercise that, in turn, will bring them better health in the future.

"This golf facility gives them the chance to take up a different sport bringing many happy hours of enjoyment and may even inspire them to make a career from golf.

"I would like to thank the Minister for visiting today and the Sports Council for Wales for the grant which enables this project to flourish in the community."

Sports Council for Wales Chair, Philip Carling, added, "These excellent projects are extremely successful examples of how sport and physical recreation can bring communities together and play a vital role in boosting the health and wellbeing of young people and adults alike in Wales. With the ongoing support of the Welsh Assembly Government, the National Lottery and Local Authorities, we will continue to encourage schemes such as these across the country in our bid to help more people to become more active."

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Care to Make a Difference

A DVD promoting health and social care as the pathway to a life changing career for young people has been launched in Neath Port Talbot.

The promotional film has been produced by the Council's Training and Development Section in partnership with Neath Port Talbot College, the Neath Port Talbot 14-19 Network and the Regional Social Care in Partnership.

The film features a number of interviews with people working across the social care sector including Homecare, Residential Care, Social Work, volunteering, anti-social behaviour outreach work and tutors and students from the Neath Port Talbot College School of Health and Social Care where, they are studying on a National Diploma in Health & Social Care [Health Studies]. This is a 2 year programme which has 400 hours of work experience working with the elderly, children and individuals with specific needs. The interviewees included were chosen to appeal to a younger audience and each delivers a key message.

In addition to looking at the service areas provided the film covers topics such as career choices and prospects, enabling and helping vulnerable people, care in the home environment, as well as issues relating to maintaining dignity and empowerment. The film aims to promote the variety and training available in the care sector.

The DVD will be circulated to members of the Neath Port Talbot Social Care Workforce Development Partnership and will be made available as a recruitment resource to other local partnerships across Wales.

Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council said:

"Neath Port Talbot has a proud tradition of providing high quality care to people of all ages.

"In order to maintain this level of provision it is essential that we support the recruitment to and retention of staff within the sector. To do this we need to promote a positive image of social care and position the sector as one which offers excellent career paths and opportunities.

"This DVD will be an excellent resource in helping to achieve this."

Copies of the DVD are available by contacting the Training & Development Section on 01792 510701 or email training.admin@npt.gov.uk

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Fine for not meeting duty of care when disposing of waste

A man has been hit with a bill of more than £1,110 for failing to meet his duty of care to ensure that waste from a property he had been renovating had been disposed of legally.

David John Fuge, of Longview Road, Clase, had originally pleaded not guilty to the offence before a District Judge at Neath Magistrates Court on Friday, October 30, but changed his plea to guilty half way through the trial.

The judge was told by Neath Port Talbot Council prosecutor Mike Shaw that had Mr Fuge checked that the person he had used to dispose of the waste was registered with the Environment Agency and obtained a waste carriers note, he would have demonstrated that he had complied with his duty of care.

Giving evidence in the trial Phillip Powell, Waste Enforcement Officer, told the court that in July 2008 waste, consisting of a large quantity of flat pack furniture, a three piece suite, a computer and worktops, cabinets and a sink, originating from a commercial property on Briton Ferry Road, Neath, which was being converted into a hairdressing salon had been found on the old road between Jersey Marine and Llandarcy.

Mr Leighton Case, Enforcement Supervisor also gave evidence to the court regarding the circumstances of interviewing Mr Fuge after the offence.

It was shortly after beginning his cross examination that Mr Fuge changed his plea.

After hearing the representations of Mr Shaw, and Mr Fuge's Solicitor, Mr Giles Hayes the District Judge fined Mr Fuge £675, and ordered him to pay the Councils costs of £421.79p with a victim surcharge of £15.

In his Judgement District Judge Williams said he did not think that Mr Fuge had intended the materials to be flytipped.

"Had I believed that then I would also have considered imposing a driving disqualification," he said.

The District Judge added however that Mr Fuge should have checked the certification of the person who took the waste away and retained a waste transfer note for his records.

Leader of the Council Ali Thomas said that anyone transferring waste to another person has a duty of care to ensure that the waste is removed by someone authorised to do so.

"Residents need to make sure that waste is only given to someone who is authorised to take it," he said. "This could be the holder of waste carriers licence or indeed someone authorised on behalf of the Council.

"If someone, other than a council representative is taking away your waste, you should make sure that they have a waste carriers licence and check with the Environment Agency that their licence is valid. You should also complete and sign with that person a waste transfer note and keep a copy."

"If the person does not have the correct documentation, which is issued by the Environment Agency, do not give them your waste. The production of these documents should not cause an authorised person any difficulty in producing them.

"If you do not make these checks you could be liable for prosecution if it is found to have been flytipped.

"I would encourage members of the public to use, wherever possible, local ad registered contractors as this will allow the Auhtoirty to check whether or not they hold a waste disposal licence. Furthermore, if you do have a problem, remember that our officers are always available to give you the correct advice. The reason for this advice is that i am a little bit concerned about the number of contractors being prosecuted who not not live in our county borough and who are obviously unaware of our zero tolerance policy on waste disposal."

Enforcement Supervisor Leighton Case said:

"I have a team of officers who are totally dedicated to improving the local environment.

"The duty of care obligation extends to both household waste and commercial waste and the public need to be mindful of their responsibilities in relation to waste disposal. In our experience 'cheap is nasty' and it usually follows that materials taken away at low cost end up being illegally dumped.

For more information on disposal of household waste contact Neath Port Talbot Council on 01639 686868.

For checks on registered waste carriers in your area contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 or log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister

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Santa's got new wheels

Santa has been given new wheels to spread a little Christmas cheer in Neath Port Talbot this year.

And his old wheels will be rolling into scores of communities thanks to the Welsh Area Fire Engine Restoration Society (WAFERS).

Neath Port Talbot Council's special events team have recently bought a new sleigh and have donated the old one to WAFERS, who will be hiring out the vehicle to community groups throughout the county borough.

Mr Malcolm Evans, Company Secretary of WAFERS, said: "We are delighted take on ownership of the new sleigh.

"We have vehicles and skilled drivers available to tow the sleigh and enough room at our workshops to store and maintain it.

"We would be more than happy to pull the sleigh at locally arranged events for a small charge to cover the cost of our fuel and, if required, we can arrange for Santa to be in the sleigh as well."

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Ali Thomas said Santa can reach more communities as a result of the Council donating the sleigh to WAFERS.

He said: "The Council didn't want to scrap the old sleigh and felt that it could benefit local community groups.

"I am overjoyed that WAFERS have taken receipt of the sleigh and will be bringing a little bit of Christmas magic to scores of local communities in Neath Port Talbot."

Any community groups wishing to use WAFERS to tow the sleigh with, or without their own Santa, at a forthcoming christmas event can contact call Malcolm Evans on 01639 635761 or leave a message on the following answerphone: 01792 321933.

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Remember Remember the 5th November

Six local community groups held spectacular firework displays this week thanks to grants from Neath Port Talbot Council.

Seven Sisters RFC, Glyncorrwg Village People, Baglan Community Church, Ystalyfera RFC, Banwen RFC and Coed Hirwaun Primary School PTFA were all successful in their bids for grants from the Council this year.

Hundreds of happy youngsters and their families watched the colourful celebrations.

The grant scheme was set up to encourage organisations to hold small displays throughout the county borough giving residents an opportunity to celebrate Bonfire Night safely within walking distance from their own homes.

Every year people commemorate the capture of notorious traitor Guy Fawkes who conspired to hatch a gunpowder plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

His attempt failed and he was captured so celebrations are held every year on November 5th with bonfires and fireworks and by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes.

All the displays were a tremendous success and communities were extremely grateful to the Council for their help and advice.

Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, "The Council is pleased to support these local groups, many of whom are volunteers who give freely of their time into putting on these great family events which can be enjoyed in safety and in their own locality."

read more... “Remember Remember the 5th November”

Shops Praised On No Sales

Neath Port Talbot shopkeepers have proved to be bright sparks this year when it comes to selling fireworks.

Council Trading Standards officers have been undercover testing shops throughout the county borough to ensure they don't sell fireworks to under 18's.

Council Leader Ali Thomas said, "Officers regularly visit shops to ensure they don't break the law.

Everyone that was visited asked trained child volunteers for identification, messages are hitting home, as those who break the law could face a fine of up to £5,000.

He added, "Retailers are to be congratulated as it is vital that fireworks do not end up in the hands of children."

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