Thank you
I start this month’s report with a massive thank you and well done to everyone who organised, supported and took part in the local carnivals across the Rhymney valley during the summer months.
I had the great pleasure of attending a number of these events, and sometimes even faced the extra pressure of judging a competition!
Each of these events shows us that the community spirit is still strong and that we can come together and enjoy the opportunity to have fun some fun.
Likewise the weather has been kind for most of the school holiday break and can I thank those people who have run play schemes, sports events and fit and fed groups that are a great help for many local children and their families.
Planning
There has been quite a lot of discussion around a particular planning application on land at Rhymney bridge in the Upper Rhymney valley and, along with Cllr Carl Cuss and Gerald Jones MP, we have held community meetings.
My advice has been consistent from the start in that all development must be authorised by the council, and has to be considered in line with planning policies.
Planning applications are considered by Caerphilly County Borough Council and residents must submit their comments to council, as the local planning authority, on the planning application before Monday, September 9.
Family finances and fun
On August 1, I had the great joy of working with Gerald Jones MP in running a family finance and fun event in Fochriw community centre. Can we thank the many local organisations who came together to offer advice around money management and debt advice.
Community Star: Jaydee-Lee Dummett
We also had the chance to recognise a new ‘Community Star’, namely Jaydee-Lee Dummett of Fochriw, who recently saved the lives of her family after remembering school lessons about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. We presented Jaydee-Lee with our Community Star in recognition of her efforts.
Jaydee-Lee has also reminded us all of the simple, but vital task of ensuring we have carbon monoxide detectors in our homes.
Bryn Carno Estate
I was able to spend some time with residents of the Bryn Carno estate in Rhymney to look at various faults and problems affecting their properties. I met with the council’s senior officers and will update residents in due course.
Exam success
Can I congratulate local pupils on their success in GCSE and A-levels and offer my best wishes as you return to school, or move on to further studies or work.
If your exams did not turn out as hoped then please do not panic as there is plenty of advice available on other options and I know many people who have achieved success even though their exam results were not as they hoped.
STARTING AND RETURN TO SCHOOL
Other school pupils of course will start either local primary or secondary schools in the near future, or return for another year of learning. Best wishes to you all, your teachers and school governors.
It can be a testing time financially so remember that the Welsh Government do offer financial support for families facing difficult financial circumstances. People who are eligible for the Pupil Development grant should contact the local council.
“Get £125 to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child. Learners eligible for free school meals can apply for this grant for the 2019/20 school year, if they are:
- Entering reception class or Year 3 in primary school
- Entering Year 7 or Year 10 in secondary school
- Aged four, seven, 11 or 14 in special schools, special needs resource bases or pupil referral units.
- For Year 7 learners the grant is £200, recognising the increased costs associated with starting secondary school.
- Funding for looked-after children is available in every school year.”