Nicholas Thomas - Local Democracy Reporting Service, Author at Caerphilly Observer

Council told to give residents more say in policies and decision-making

Residents should have more chances to scrutinise Caerphilly County Borough Council policies, national auditors have recommended.

Caerphilly County Borough Council is “acting like a dictatorship” by preventing further talks on the future of Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre.

A Caerphilly brewery owner has alleged he is facing “prejudice” in his battle to open a rooftop terrace above his town-centre bar.

Members of Morgan Jones Bowling Club will be able to enjoy a drink inside the venue and on its veranda between midday and 9pm.

Plans for a new 630-place school in the Bettws area of Newport have drawn a mixed reaction from the community.

Cabinet members agreed earlier this month to shut ten libraries and develop “hubs” offering a wider range of services at fewer locations.

JM Fitness, a community interest company, will open the new gym after securing a Community Asset Transfer of the building from the council.

The council has approved a new programme of “cleaning and greening enhancements” backed by £1.3 million of funding from a UK Government policy.

The local authority argued the new move will make Meals Direct “a sustainable service” after it was saved from the axe last autumn.

Council ‘RATs’ will be rummaging through Caerphilly’s residents’ bins as part of a new scheme to boost recycling rates.