Chief Executive Report
Direct Services and Regeneration – January 2016
MATTERS FOR INFORMATION
1.Safer Town Centres Group
Attached for Members information is a copy of minutes of a meeting held on 21st October 2015 together with an agenda for a meeting on the 16th December 2015.
REPORTS FOR DECISION
2.Pontypridd BID Meeting
For Members attention attached is a copy of the minutes of the 18th November 2015, of the BID team together with a report presented by the Merthyr BID team. The Steering Group meeting was held on Wednesday, 6th January 2016.
DECISION REQUIRED:
To note the report and decide what action, if any, to take.
3.Re: Incidents at Ynysangharad Park and Anti Social Behaviour Problems
The Mayor has had concerns expressed to her regarding anti social behaviour in the town and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The Mayor comments that feedback from families and new visitors who have “expressed real concerns” and suggests that the matter be considered at the meeting.
The Mayor will be in a position to provide further information.
DECISION REQUIRED:
What action to take regarding concerns raised regarding behaviour in Pontypridd Town and in the War Memorial Park.
4.Youth Council
In the Council’s reserves there is a sum of £1,500 earmarked for a “Youth Council”.
Members will recall that considerable effort had been made to involve the local secondary schools to become involved with the Youth Council but only one school, Pontypridd High who showed an interest in becoming an active member.
I received an e-mail from the Mayor suggesting that the Council consider holding a “Youth Event in the RCTCBC Council Chamber inviting students to engage in a debate before the Welsh Government election with representatives from each political party or if considered more appropriate to discuss issues – determined by consultation with the schools without any political focus – climate change for example...” The Mayor comments that “I am confident that this will achieve a strong response.... it links with the Welsh Bacc and has a curriculum advantage to schools.
DECISION REQUIRED:
What action to take regarding the Youth Council and whether to allocate the money in budget towards a Youth Event.
5.Wall of Fame/Ponty and Proud Board
Earlier this month Members had been requested to forward names for nomination on the board for 2016/17 and details will be provided at the meeting. Also attached below are names linked to Pontypridd on the “Wikipedia” site.
Notable people
SeeCategory:People from Pontypridd
- Robert James Bye, recipient of theVictoria CrossinWorld War I
- Opera singers,Stuart BurrowsandGeraint Evans, who were both born inCilfynydd
- John Evans, poet
- Harri Greville, rugby league footballer
- Evan JamesandJames James, writers ofHen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the national anthem of Wales
- Tom Jones, singer of such worldwide top 40 hits asDelilahandThe Green Green Grass of Home, born on 7 June 1940 at 57, Kingsland Terrace in village ofTrefforest
- Elaine Morgan, scriptwriter and anthropologist
- William Price, who carried out the first cremation in the UK in modern times onLlantrisantCommon.
- Freddie Welsh, world champion boxer
- Neil Jenkins,Michael Owen,Martyn Williams,Kevin Morgan,Ceri Sweeney,Gethin Jenkins,Geraint Lewis,Richard Parks,John GwilliamandGareth Wyatt, Welsh international rugby players
- Rock musiciansPhil Campbellof Motörhead, Gareth Davies and Darran Smith ex-members ofFuneral for a Friend.
- Owain Warlow,Jason Price,Ceri Hughes,Danny Canning,Richard Haig,Colin GaleandPat Mountain, footballers
- Kimberley Nixon, actress
- Chris Slade, drummer forAC/DCandAsia
- Sheila Laxonwas the first female horse trainer to win the Australiancups double,of theCaulfield CupandMelbourne Cup
- DrDavid Kelly, specialist in biological warfare, attendedPontypridd Boys’ Grammar School
- Major SirTasker WatkinsVC,Lord Justice of Appeal, deputy Lord Chief Justice, and President of theWelsh Rugby Unionwas educated atPontypridd Boys’ Grammar School
- Professional GolferJamie Donaldsoncurrently the holder of Abu Dhabi and Irish open champions.
- Catrin Collier, novelist. The Ty Catrin adult education centre in Pontypridd was named in her honour in 2002.[15]
- SirDavid Lloyd Jones, Judge of the High Court (QBD) (2005–12), Lord Justice of Appeal (2012- ) was educated atPontypridd Boys’ Grammar School
- Alternative metalbandLostprophetsformed in Pontypridd in 1997.
In advance of the request the Mayor, Councillor J. Brencher, has nominated:
(a)Catrin Collier (Karen Watkins) The Mayor points out that books based on our town has placed us on the map.
She has supported local schools over the years with workshops and the local library works frequently with her on talks etc.
She inspires local children and attends many charitable events around the town where she is well liked.
She has a film released and local schools have again been invited to participate – the timing would be excellent in promoting the town and engaging the young.
The board celebrates local achievement and not to add her would be a glaring omission.
(b)Rhys John Britton, a track cyclist from Cilfynydd and in the presence of Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and the British National Championships at Manchester last month he won 2 gold and 2 silver medals and broke the National record in individual pursuit which had been held by John Dibben for 5 years and who witnessed the achievement.
(c)Councillor Presse nominated Catrin Collier and Tom Jones.
(d)Councillor B. Watts has nominated Beverley Humphreys.
(e)Councillor C. Hull has nominated Catrin Collier.
Members will recall that the agreed criteria for the placement on the Ponty and Proud Boardis:
“A person to be nominated must either be born, brought up in, or with a significant connection to Pontypridd Town Council’s area AND must be proud of the connection with the area.”
DECISION REQUIRED:
1)To note the report.
2)Who to add to the “Ponty and Proud” Board for 2016/17.
6.Pontypridd Town Council Proposed 2016 Events
Attached is a list of proposed events for 2016.
DECISION REQUIRED:
To note the report.
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Chief Executive Report
Direct Services and Regeneration Committee
January 2016