Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Harry Andrews has outlined some of the keys projects the local authority is working on.
Cllr Andrews was speaking at the council’s annual general meeting on Thursday, which also saw the election of Crosskeys councillor Michael Gray as Caerphilly County Borough’s new Mayor.
Improvements to Aberbargoed Library, a new library for Caerphilly town, the opening of Morrisons supermarket in Bargoed and a new cinema for the town were some of the schemes highlighted by the leader.
Cllr Andrews also spoke about a new Welsh school and leisure centre in Caerphilly town on the site of the former St Ilan school and the council’s work in refurbishing its housing stock.
However Cllr Andrews warned of tough financial conditions.
He said: “By no means is this extensive list of projects exhaustive, but it most certainly gives some real perspective as to the sheer scale of the number of projects and initiatives undertaken and committed to by this council over the last year.
“I think it’s important that we now turn our attention to just some of the forthcoming projects which will come to fruition over the coming months.
“However, in doing so, it is vital that members acknowledge and fully understand that these projects are set against a backdrop whereby we, like all other local authorities across the country, must be proactive in meeting the financial challenges ahead, and look to find innovative and imaginative ways of making financial savings.”
New Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council
Crosskeys councillor Michael Gray has been announced the new Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Michael, aged 74, accepted the position of Civic Head and said: “Being named Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council is an honour that I am proud to accept. I am looking forward to my year in office and making the most of the opportunities that will undoubtedly arise.
“I am passionate about our wonderful county borough, the people who live here and the issues that they all face. I am looking forward to meeting with residents from communities across our county borough and providing them with a proactive and enthusiastic ambassador.”
Michael has been a county councillor for the Crosskeys ward for 28 years, representing his constituents in the Islwyn Borough Council before Caerphilly County Borough Council was formed in 1996.
Although born in Tredegar, Caerphilly County Borough has played host to Michael’s education and working life. He was educated at The Lawn Grammar School in Rhymney and went on to secure a five year apprenticeship with the South Wales Switchgear Company in Pontllanfraith. After another five years with the company, he then went on to work for 26 years at The Post Office Factory in Cwmcarn, as a British Telecom Technician.
Family and faith are incredibly important to Cllr Gray, who is a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and has played the organ for his church for 60 years. He and his wife Ruth, who has been appointed Consort to the Mayor during his time in office, have been married almost 52 years and have one son, who is a Methodist Church Minister, and one grandson who is studying Politics and International Affairs at University.
Michael also plays a major role in his community as the current Chairman of the Crosskeys Silver Band as well as holding the position of Chairman of the Wales Brass Band Association. He is also the secretary for the Crosskeys branch of the Royal British Legion.
Cllr Gray’s chosen charities for the forthcoming year are LATCH, the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, which provides support to children and their families during treatment for cancer and leukemia at the Children’s Hospital of Wales, and The The Alzheimer’s Society, a charity which works to improve the lives of people who suffer with dementia.
The Deputy Mayor has been named as Cllr David Carter, who represents the Bargoed ward.
Caerphilly Plaid Cymru group make changes
The 20-strong Plaid group on Caerphilly Council has made changes to its group officer structure.
Ystrad Mynach councillor Martin James takes over as chair of the group while Cllr John Taylor is vice chair.
Cllr Margaret Sargent becomes group secretary. Cllr Colin Mann continues as leader with Cllr James Fussell, as deputy leader, who is also acting treasurer. The group business managers remain Cllrs Mike Prew and Anne Collins