Swansea Leader

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Newspaper of the City and County of Swansea

Issue 64

November 2009

Celebrate

Lifesavers

Our future

It’s Christmas in the city, oh yes it is

Rookies take the plunge at National Pool

Peek inside Improvement Plan

page 3

page 10

special supplement

BUSINESS leaders in Swansea are supporting multi-million pound plans to regenerate the city centre and waterfront.

Their backing comes in the wake of Swansea receiving £38m in Welsh Assembly Government and European Convergence Fund money to drive forward the City Centre Strategic Framework- a blueprint to regenerate the city centre and develop better links between the shops and the waterfront.

The funding means a Europeanstyle boulevard could be developed along Oystermouth Road that would see the route enhanced with better landscaping, footpaths, cycleways, street furniture and public art.

Other works could see further upgrades in the pedestrianised area and more grants being made available to businesses to improve the outside of their premises.

Carrie Mosley, The Wave and Swansea Sound’s Station Director, said: “We’re very fortunate to have been one of the cities that’s retained the ability to continue regenerating in these difficult economic times. While there will no doubt be challenges ahead it’s very important that the people of Swansea get behind these exciting regeneration plans so that we’re all moving in the same direction.

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Businesses hail city’s bright future PROJECTS in the pipeline include the development of an area of special character along the lines of The Lanes in Brighton in the west of the city centre towards Lower Oxford Street and West Way. Castle Lane will also be enhanced to generate better links between Parc Tawe and the city centre and an area of High Street will be regenerated into an Urban Village thanks to a Coastal Housing Scheme.

• FOR more details about what’s going on in the city centre turn to page 5 or go to www.swanseacitycentre.com

“The latest allocation of funding when combined with several innovative proposals means Swansea has a real opportunity to become one of the best destinations of its kind in Europe. Swansea benefits from an outstanding natural location but it’s time we made the most of it and developed a city that will be envied throughout the UK and beyond.”

Property developer Hammerson has also reaffirmed its commitment to leading the long-term regeneration of several key sites in the city centre and on the waterfront despite the current economic climate.

Detailed designs are now being put together that show how sites such as the St David’s/Quadrant area and Paxton Street car park could best be regenerated into a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, accommodation, offices and public squares.

Hammerson is the company behind the Cabot Circus development in Bristol that created 2,400 jobs and a new Swansea Council scheme called Beyond Bricks and Mortar makes it a requirement that future schemes here include local training and recruitment opportunities.

Rosemary Morgan, Chair of Swansea City Centre Partnership, said: “These projects will not only put Swansea on the map but will also be hugely beneficial to residents and traders because of the local jobs they’ll create and the further footfall and investment they’ll attract.

“It’s vital everyone works together to ensure the people of Swansea get a city centre and waterfront they deserve.”

Hywel Evans, Chair of the Swansea Business Forum, said: “These additional schemes are vital because they’ll help develop traditionally quieter parts of the city centre and will add vitality to a key gateway into the city.

“We need to ensure no stone is left unturned in the regeneration process if Swansea is to prosper.”

• Pupils enjoy a top quality education

Top of the class SWANSEA Council’s education services are among the best performing in Wales, according to education watchdog Estyn.

A report of an inspection carried out in June this year gives top marks to Swansea for its promotion of social inclusion and wellbeing in schools as well as for the support it makes available to children with additional learning needs.

The report describes the support on hand for vulnerable groups as excellent and points to the success of including targets in strategic planning to reduce the number of 16 and 17-year-olds not in

full-time education, employment or training.

This, the report says, has led to the number of people in full-time education in Swansea improving at a faster rate than the rest of Wales.

Mike Day, Cabinet Member for Education said: “Many aspects of the Estyn report make for very positive reading and everyone involved in Swansea’s education services should feel proud of the contribution they have made to this outcome.”

• Find out more about the Estyn report on page 4.

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November 2009

useful numbers

Leisure centres Penlan 01792 588079 Morriston 01792 797082 Penyrheol 01792 897039 Cefn Hengoed 01792 798484 Pentrehafod 01792 641935 Bishopston Sports Centre 01792 235040 Swansea Tennis Centre 01792 650484 Highways Sewers - 24 hours 0800 0855937 Drainage - Mon to Fri 01792 636121 Damage to roads etc 0800 132081

Housing Main number 01792 636000 Repairs (out of hrs tenants) 01792 521500 Social Services General Inquiries 01792 636110 Child, family access, investigation team 01792 635700 Elderly disabled intake team 01792 636519 Child disability, family support 01792 635700 Education Main number 01792 636560 Environment 01792 635600 Main council switchboard 01792 636000 Contact Swansea Leader To contact the news team call 01792 636092 The Swansea Leader is the newspaper of the Council of the City and County of Swansea To receive this newspaper in a different format ring 636226, text phone 636733

• Apprentices Glenn and Shaun working in the heart of the Grand Theatre

Picture by Andy Pearson

We’re making a difference TEENAGERS Glenn Sullivan and Shaun Richards are helping Swansea Council make a difference in people’s lives every day.

But it’s something of a two-way street for the local lads who, in return for their commitment, are taking the first step on a route that will set them up for a career in a sought-after trade in uncertain economic times.

For they’re two members of a small army of apprentices being trained by the Council in trades such as plumbing, carpentry and electrics who are out and about in people’s homes and council buildings helping keep essential services on the go.

And the Council’s investment in their futures and services they provide has helped the authority scoop a top UK award for delivering quality frontline services that make a difference in people’s lives.

Glenn Sullivan,18, a former pupil

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Other highways issues 01792 843330

Our APSE award winners in full APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority front line services, promoting and celebrating excellence in key services such as waste and refuse collection, environment and building maintenance.

Apart from picking up the top prize, the Council’s Corporate Building Services team won the Best Employee and Equality initiative and were finalists for best service team

at Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive School, said: “I love plumbing; it’s an enjoyable career to follow and it just seems to be a good fit for me.

“I’ve worked in all sorts of interesting places such as the Grand Theatre, the Mansion House and schools all over Swansea and I’m looking forward to getting on with the job.”

Shaun Richards, 16, a former pupil of Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive School, who has just started an

in construction and building and best service team for waste and refuse management.

The Council’s Programme and Project Management Team was a finalist for Best Information and Communication Technology initiative for putting together a project management tool which has helped equip staff with the knowledge and expertise to deliver major projects.

apprenticeship with Employment Training at Swansea, said that being an apprentice was the ideal start after leaving school He added: “I didn’t want to sit in an office – I wanted to get out, work with my hands and meet people.

Plumbing’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to my apprenticeship.”

The Council’s commitment to recruiting and training young people in trades like plumbing and carpentry

as well as managing successful projects like the building of the LC and the Liberty Stadium, helped Swansea secure the accolade of being the best Council in Britain for service delivery.

The award was given by the Association for Public Service Excellence and Chris Holley, Leader of the Council, said it was testament to the Council’s commitment to local communities.

He said: “The work the Council does touches lives every day whether that’s because we’re helping young people get on the jobs ladder in these challenging economic times or through providing important services like education or leisure facilities.

“What the award shows is that we are working hard to be the best we can be and that this effort is recognised by our peers in local government.”

events highlights Ends 24th January Gathering Light glass exhibition.

Venue: National Waterfront Museum Contact: 01792 638950 November 9 Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715 November 10 – November 13 Romeo and Juliet Venue: Arts Wing at Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715 November 11 – November 15 Lazytown Live! – Pirate Adventure Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715

November 15 Christmas Parade Venue: The Guildhall Contact: 01792 468321 November 15 – January 3 Waterfront Winterland Venue: Museum Green Contact: 01792 637300 November 18 On The Edge – Presented by Michael Kelligan Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre Contact: 01792 463980 November 20 Active Swansea Sports Awards Venue: Brangwyn Hall Contact: 01792 635432 November 29 2009 Swansea Santa Jog

Venue: SA1 Swansea Waterfront Contact: 08001 693 672 November 29 Swansea Ballet Russe present The Nutcracker Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715 December 1 A Family Christmas Concert Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715 December 3 – December 5 Bumbles of Mumbles 20th Children’s Spectacular Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715 December 5 Swansea Philharmonic Choir Venue: Brangwyn Hall

Contact: 01792 475715 December 6 Green Fayre Venue: National Waterfront Museum Contact: 01792 638950 December 8 Steeleye Span: 40th Anniversary World Tour Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715 December 12 BBC National Orchestra of Wales Venue: Brangwyn Hall Contact: 01792 475715 December 16 – January 17 Sleeping Beauty Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Contact: 01792 475715

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• Emmerdale star Malandra Burrows is starring alongside Kevin Johns in Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Theatre

IT’S that time of year again when people start thinking about turkey and tinsel and anyone crackers about Christmas will beam with news that Swansea’s set for extra sparkle.

Dazzling plans are in place to make Christmas 2009 one to remember thanks to a variety of events and activities that have been organised for the whole family.

The fun starts on Sunday November 15 with the Christmas Parade and the return of Waterfront Winterland.

And it continues right into the New Year with Sleeping Beauty starring Emmerdale’s Malandra Burrows and Swansea’s very own Kevin Johns taking centre stage at the Grand Theatre.

The annual Christmas Parade will

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It’s family fun time in our city - oh, yes it is FOR all the latest on the countdown to Christmas in Swansea there’s two fantastic websites to log on to.

For general information about events in Swansea go to www.swanseachristmas.com or www.swanseagrand.co.uk

see Santa Claus leading a variety of floats and a walking procession through the city centre from 5pm to celebrate the start of the festive season and the switch-on of the city centre’s Christmas lights.

Hundreds of thousands of lights are set to adorn trees, buildings and lampposts across the city centre and will dazzle areas such as Castle Square, The Kingsway, Wind Street, Swansea Market and Oxford Street.

Waterfront Winterland is also returning to the grounds of the

If you want to be first on the ice rink or book tickets for that special moment on the ice go to www.waterfrontwinterland.co m or by popping into either the Tourist Information Office on Plymouth Street or the Skate House at the attraction.

National Waterfront Museum from November 15 to January 3.

The Admiral ice-rink will again feature as well as the 44-metre high giant wheel, the traditional carousel, Santa’s Grotto, the Snow Storm ride and a range of stalls and refreshments. A Wales first mini icerink for children called Rocky’s Rink has also been added to this year’s line-up.

Live entertainment will take place at the attraction every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and other new

Waterfront Winterland features for 2009 include a covered spectator area for the ice-skating.

Frances Jenkins, Swansea Council’s Strategic Manager for Tourism, Marketing and Events, said: “The Christmas Parade and Waterfront Winterland have become key festive season events in the annual calendar.

“They generate a fabulous atmosphere in the build-up to Christmas and the New Year and ensure there’s fun for the whole family. It’s important we try to improve the Christmas experience in Swansea every year and we’re confident that 2009 will be a festive season to remember.

“These two events will combine with a variety of other activities and attractions taking place across the city over coming weeks to cater for all ages and tastes.”

And if you’re looking for something different.....

SOME of other events people can look forward to include a Christmas Market and a daily entertainment programme in the city centre from November 27 to December 13 as well as a French Market from December 10 to December 13.

Swansea’s annual Santa Jog is returning on November 29, the week after the Christmas parade where Father Christmas and friends have the chance to cut a dash to help raise money for

the British Heart Foundation.

The city’s Brangwyn Hall is also taking on a festive feel with a series of pre-Christmas concerts that will be a welcome diversion from the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the big day.

Among the highlights of the Brangwyn programme is the Christmas favourite The Messiah which returns to the hall on Saturday December 19 to mark the 250th anniversary of

Handel’s death.

And the Salvation Army Carol Concerts have been lined up for 3pm and 7pm on Sunday December 20.

There’s also an unmissable Christmas by Candlelight concert taking place on Wednesday December 23 from 7.30pm and will again feature the Chamber Orchestra of Wales, conductor Alwyn Humphreys and guest soprano Ros Evans.

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Council diary markers WELCOME to your guide to Council meetings.

Most meetings take place at the Civic Centre, but please note you may be excluded from attending all or any part of a meeting.

This list is correct at the time of going to press but if you are considering attending please call 01792 636000 before setting out to check the venue and time. You can also pick up agenda details by going to the Council website at www.swansea.gov.uk/index .cfm?articleid=23742 November 10 Area 1 Development Control, 2pm November 12 Planning Committee, 2pm November 17 Area 2 Development Control, 2pm November 19 Cabinet, 2pm November 30 Finance and Business Improvement Overview Board, 10am Environment, Regeneration and Culture Overview Board, 3pm December 1 Area 1 Development Control, 2pm Child and Family Services Overview and Scrutiny Board, 4.15pm December 2 Health, Social Care and Well-being Overview Board, 10.30am Children and Young People Overview Board, 2.30pm December 3 Full Council, 4pm December 4 Licensing, 10am December 8 Area 2 Development Control, 2pm December 10 Cabinet, 2pm December 14 Children and Young People Scrutiny Board, 9.30pm Environment, Regeneration and Culture Scrutiny Board, 2pm December 16 Finance and Business Improvement Scrutiny Board, 10am Health, Social Care and Well-being Overview Board, 4pm December 17 Planning Committee, 2pm

Your Leader SWANSEA Leader is delivered to your door by the Royal Mail. However, any mail that may be delivered at the same time as the Swansea Leader is not endorsed in any way by the City and County of Swansea.

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November 2009

Watchdog hails city’s top class education CHILDREN and thousands of other learners across Swansea are benefiting from one of Wales’s bestperforming education services.

The service has just received warm praise from watchdog Estyn whose experts recently completed a throrough inspection.

Highlights included applause for the way in which: • School pupils with additional learning needs are benefiting from a superb educational programme; • A specialist team provides education guidance for Swansea’s ethnic minorities; • Support services help drive school improvements; and • A visionary plan for education is being rolled out.

Other observations included the fact that there is strong support for vulnerable groups and success in reducing the number of 16 and 17year-olds not in full-time education, employment or training.

Links between schools and Fforestfach-based Employment Training were said to benefit pupils and policies in place to tackle racism and to promote racial harmony in schools were praised.

Additional areas of praise within the report include the allocation of £4.4m for improvements in school buildings, the high standard of relationships with partner bodies and the meeting of the demand for Welsh medium education.

Cllr Mike Day, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Many aspects of the Estyn report make for very positive reading and everyone involved in Swansea’s education services should feel proud of the contribution they have made to this outcome.

“The key now is not to rest on our laurels but to strive to maintain progress in all areas.

Richard Parry, Swansea Council’s Strategic Director for Education, said: “This is a hugely encouraging report for the local education

• Pupils at Grange Primary School enjoy a top class education authority and credit should go to the hard work of our education officers, teachers, support staff, pupils and partners.

“This summer’s A-level and GCSE results were yet again tremendous but this report shows our

commitment to pupils with additional learning needs is as unwavering as it is to the high-flyers.

“It’s our aim to give all pupils the best possible tools they need to succeed and these findings suggest we’re realising that goal in

Highlights from the Estyn report • SCHOOL pupils with additional learning needs have a superb programme which guides them through school.

Inspectors reported: “The service ensures that all pupils have access to full-time education that meets their individual learning needs.”

• THE specialist team which provides education guidance for Swansea’s ethnic minorities won high praise.

Inspectors stated: “The Swansea Ethnic Minority Language and Achievement Service (EMLAS) provides outstanding services for ethnic minority pupils to help them develop effective English language skills and achieve qualification aims.”

• SUPPORT services provided by the Local Education Authority to help drive school

improvements were applauded.

The inspectors said: “The Education Directorate has made good progress with schools and other providers in implementing the Foundation Phase, for those aged three to seven, and in improving choice and opportunity for 14 to 19-year-olds.

“There is good support for the development of pupils’ basic skills.”

• INSPECTORS highlighted the importance of a visionary plan for education across Swansea.

Inspectors said the Quality in Education (QEd) 2020 strategy “provides the foundation for the local authority’s approach to school reorganisation and to improving the condition of schools. The local authority makes good use of the data it has to inform its proposals.”

Secondary schools in the spotlight TEACHERS, governors and parents have been discussing ways to improve Swansea’s secondary schools at a meeting of Swansea’s Education Stakeholder Forum.

The group is part of Swansea Council’s QEd (Quality in Education) 2020 programme, designed to raise educational standards and improve the condition of school buildings and facilities. The group, which had previously considered primary school provision in Swansea, has been examining issues such as falling rolls, catchment areas, classroom standards and the condition of buildings in secondary schools.

Mike Day, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Education,

said, “We’ve looked at each secondary school and identified issues such as falling rolls, the condition of buildings and where standards need to be improved.

“At this stage no decisions have been made. Everything is out in the open and everyone has a chance to contribute ideas.

“Reviewing schools doesn’t mean closing schools. It means looking at the issues and finding the best solutions for bringing improvements. When we previously reviewed Morriston and Cefn Hengoed schools we decided they needed to be improved, not closed, and as a result a total of £13 million is being invested in these schools’ futures.”

many ways and that we’ve been successful in ensuring no pupils are left behind.”

• More details http://tinyurl.com/ngvxre, http://tinyurl.com/mqadtb

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• The LC has been a huge success for Swansea city centre since its offical opening last year

We’re delivering on our city centre promises MILLIONS of pounds have been spent over the last two and a half years to improve the appearance of Swansea city centre and enhance the experience available to residents and visitors.

Swansea Council and the Welsh

Assembly Government have worked closely in partnership on a series of exciting and innovative projects since the launch of the City Centre Strategic Framework in March 2007a document that will guide the longterm regeneration of the city centre and waterfront and develop better links between the two areas.

Among the success stories so far are the £32m LC, the retail development on Princess Way and the start of the transformation of the Quadrant Bus Station.

Phil Holmes, Swansea Council’s Head of Economic and Strategic Development, said: “Recent times have been extremely busy as we work

alongside our partners to regenerate Swansea city centre and attract more investment.

“The completion of many major schemes shows we’re delivering on our promises.”

• For more details on what’s going on in the city centre go to www.swanseacitycentre.com

The LC • Officially opened by The Queen on time and on budget the £32m refurbishment programme included a waterpark, a state-ofthe-art gym, a play zone and a sports hall.

The Civic Centre • A project giving County Hall back to the people of Swansea. More than 600,000 have visited to do business with the Council, have a coffee, research or borrow a book.

The City Centre Core • Close to £4m was spent improving the appearance of the pedestrianised area in the city centre. It boasts new street paving, street furniture and street trees.

The Princess Way retail scheme • The former David Evans site transformed into an iconic retail complex. Fashion giants Zara and Slater Menswear have already opened up stores with more to follow.

The Building Enhancement Programme The Quadrant Bus Station • Welsh Assembly Government funding is • Good progress is being made on the helping businesses revamp their shopfronts landmark public transport interchange. or the outside of their premises. The Monkey Completed next year it will feature modern Bar on Castle Street has already benefited. passenger facilities and waiting areas.

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Street lights testing time STREET lights at risk of collapse in residential areas in Swansea have been removed by the Council.

The Council has started the second phase of routine structural testing of some of its 19,000 steel lighting columns in the city to help develop a long-term replacement programme.

The latest phase is due to be completed in November and more than 1,000 columns have been tested. Around 50 have had to be removed immediately due to the severe deterioration to the column structures.

Carl Humphrey, Head of Highways in Swansea Council, said, “We are continuing our testing programme to get a better idea of the condition of street lights throughout Swansea.”

Residents can report any street lighting faults, including holes or cracks in the lighting column, by calling the Highways team on the freephone number, 0800 317990.

Unique treats our speciality THE streets of Swansea city centre could be transformed after plans were agreed to improve on-street trading.

A splash of colour and uniqueness will be injected into specific locations around the city centre with the introduction of purpose built barrows, offering shoppers a wide range of goods such as jewellery, arts and crafts, flowers, candles and some hot foods. Swansea Council’s Licensing Committee has approved the Street Trading Policy, which will enable these goods to be sold and will also help control the sale of on street goods more effectively.

Kingsway’s Hollywood HUNDREDS of budding movie-makers and music producers are following in the footsteps of Steven Spielberg and Mark Ronson right here in Swansea.

Figures from InfoNation’s annual report show over 220 young people are now registered users of their Digilab project - a scheme that provides access to a range of film-making and digital media opportunities.

Info-Nation is based on The Kingsway, phone number 01792-484010 and the website is at www.info-nation.org.uk

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November 2009

We all need to give a boost to city’s recycling efforts RESIDENTS in Swansea are being urged to use kerbside recycling services and help reduce the amount of rubbish currently being sent to landfill.

Green minded residents in the city have helped push the recycling rate up to just over 38% according to WAG statistics for the period from April to June 2009.

While this is a steady increase of around 5% on last year, it’s still below the average for Wales which is 4% and just falling short of the WAG target of 40% by next year. And the

increased effort in other towns and cities in Wales puts Swansea 16th in Wales in terms of performance.

Councils throughout the UK face tough challenges in terms of strict landfill allowances with the prospect of financial penalties for going over these allowances.

Swansea Council is doing everything it can to stay well within its set allowance but needs the help of local people if it is to succeed.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea, said: “Recycling in Swansea is increasing every year. I’m grateful to all those who take the time to recycle.

Swansea is no different to other towns and cities in the UK in terms of landfill space. We are running out of space and need to act to address the issue.

“We also have to realise that each year, the amount we are permitted to send to landfill sites is reducing and we face heavy financial penalties if we exceed these limits.”

The Council has steadily fulfilled its end of the bargain, making sure the proper infrastructure is in place to give residents all the opportunities they need to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Most schools in Swansea pass on

the message of recycling to their pupils with the help of the Council’s Recycling Team, who go in and take children through the range of services available to their families.

Trish Flint, Swansea Council’s Recycling Officer, said: “It’s really important for us to visit schools and educate children about the importance of recycling.

“These are the next generation of Swansea residents. Hopefully they can go home from school and pass on some of the tips to parents.”

Without even the need to leave the house, residents can now recycle a huge range of domestic waste

materials such as tin, glass, paper, cardboard, grass cuttings and even food waste.

These can all get picked up from the kerbside either weekly or fortnightly.

Other services for recycling materials such as plastic, electrical items, batteries and old cooking oil, can also be utilised at one of the many civic amenity sites operating in the city.

For more information on recycling and what you can do to help our environment, visit www.swansea.gov.uk/recycling or call 01792 635600.

Communities say thanks for NEAT and tidy streets SWANSEA’s clean teams have really got used to their regular pats on the back from satisfied residents.

Each week, without fail, the local postman delivers another ‘thank you’ letter to the depot in Clydach for the good work being done as part of the NEAT Team initiative.

The Neighbourhood Environment Action Team (NEAT) was set up in 2006 to help clean up communities.

Since then, nearly 800 tonnes of litter have been removed from parks, streets and other people friendly areas in local communities and residents are making sure they tell the Council how grateful they are for the extra help in the clean-up. The initiative has been life changing for some of the staff involved

who mostly have learning difficulties. The collaborative work between the Council’s Social Services and Environment Department means they have been given the chance to enter into a proper working environment and lead normal lives.

Six NEAT Teams work in communities in Swansea for three-week periods carrying out various duties such as litter picking and grass cutting. In November, the teams will be in Llansamlet, Loughor, Mawr, Mayals and Morriston.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea, said: “The NEAT initiative has been a huge success. Feedback from the public has been really positive.

“Long may it continue.”

• NEAT team members Gareth Cotton, left, and Paul Jones

Take a flight round your new bus station Wales’ friendliest place GOWER has been named one of the UK’s friendliest destinations.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Three Cliffs Bay (above) has added to its long list of media awards and recognition with inclusion in the 2009 Top 10 Friendliest Holiday Destinations in the UK. It’s the only destination in Wales to have

made the list.

Bournemouth, Brighton and Eastbourne are among the other destinations to have made the top ten.

A survey conducted by Virgin Money Travel Insurance rated 66 UK Holiday destinations on a number of different criteria including weather, hotel prices, restaurants, beaches and attractions.

PASSENGERS are able to get a glimpse into the future and wander around Swansea’s bus station redevelopment before it’s even built.

A special three-minute fly-through of the multi-million pound redevelopment has been produced to give people a better idea of how the new bus station will look when it’s completed next year.

The specially-commissioned, virtual bus station is available, free to view, on a dedicated website and allows people to see for themselves what all the fuss is about.

Swansea Council’s contractor, Willmott Dixon, has recently finished the demolition of the old Quadrant bus station and is taking on the task of re-developing the site to create a modern transportation hub serving bus passengers in the city centre.

While the work goes on temporary bus stops have been put up around the city centre along with street signs giving people directions to the

shops. Most services have dedicated bus stops, but there are also ‘hopper’ services to help people get around the city as well.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea, said: "The redevelopment of the city’s main bus station is vital to revitalise the city centre and improve public transport.

"Modern technology has now given us the ability to show passengers exactly what the new station will look like when it is complete."

When completed, the new station will house 20 bus bays, three coach stands, a modern passenger waiting area, ticketing services and Shopmobility facilities. The project has received significant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Wales European Funding Office.

• To view the flythrough and to find out more about the Quadrant bus station plans visit www.swanseacitycentre.com/busstation

November 2009

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• Danielle Williams says there’s tremendous job satisfaction in being a social worker in Swansea’s communities

SOCIAL workers from all different backgrounds are making a positive difference to people’s lives in Swansea.

As the city and county continues its recruitment drive to add to its family of social workers some of the city’s finest have spoken about why they love what they do.

Cate Richards, aged 27, is a senior social work practitioner in Child and Family Services and has been working with Swansea Council for two years. She always wanted to work with children and saw social work as the way she could make positive changes to children’s lives.

Cate is based in the core assessment team which takes child protection referrals. Her job includes assessing a child’s needs, and looking at how the service can support families to meet that child’s needs but also being prepared to

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How I’m helping turn young lives around QUALIFIED social workers interested in joining the team at Swansea Council have an opportunity to apply for jobs in the Social Services directorate now.

Candidates should be registered with the Care Council for Wales and should be able to demonstrate a personal commitment to the goals and values of the

support the child through the process if those needs cannot be met at home and they need to enter care.

“Every day is different. It can be a roller coaster ride. A good day is when a family has support and able to turn their lives around. I trained in Chichester but came to Swansea because of the team here. There is nowhere quite like it. They are so supportive.

“I love my job. To do it you have to be committed and not afraid of

Directorate and, have a clear understanding of the needs of service users.

Apply at www.swansea.gov.uk or at www.swanseachildrenandfamili es.com, request an application form by calling 01792 636875 or call in in person to the Contact Centre at the Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN.

hard work but it is a wonderful opportunity to make a real positive difference to people’s lives.”

Social worker Danielle Williams works within the Child and Family Services team in the North of Swansea.

Her job is varied and includes child protection work, conferencing, reviews, court work, assessment and adoption work. She took up her post in April last year.

She said: “Social work was always

something I was interested in. It is completely different from any other job.

“You meet such a variety of people in a whole array of different circumstances that you need to respond to in a whole variety of ways.

“No two days are the same. It is a brilliant feeling when things go well for a child because of action you take.

“I would encourage people to consider social work if they are willing to put everything in to make a difference to children’s lives. It is not an easy ride and it is challenging but that is why people like me love it.

“Swansea is a different place to be a child and family social worker because of the team spirit here.

Having a supportive team around you makes all the difference – I could not do what I do alone.”

City hailed an oasis for people facing mental health issues SWANSEA Council is being hailed a leader in its field at meeting the housing and support needs of people with mental health issues living in the community.

The Welsh Assembly’s Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee said others should follow Swansea’s example by adopting practices which had helped reduce the need for nursing care, residential homes, hospital admissions and repossession of tenancies.

Swansea has a long history of working with Health Services and local providers to develop community based accommodation for people with Mental Health needs.

The Council also has a specialised referral system – known as OASIS – which better enables a range of services to be more easily accessed to help meet people’s needs and allows better planning.

And it works to enable people who had to be

placed outside Swansea in the past for their care to be ‘repatriated’ to the area with support towards independent living.

These achievements have come about through partnership working between Swansea Council, ABMU NHS Trust and voluntary agencies.

Chris Maggs, Corporate Director for Social Services, said: “We are committed to developing and promoting further opportunities for independent living.”

7

Our UN goals SWANSEA is doing its bit to deliver UN Millennium Development Goals designed to improve the quality of life for future generations at home and abroad.

Council workers have sworn to stand up and take action to reach goals such as gender equality, environmental sustainability and ending poverty and hunger.

And Swansea Council is putting together a Social Inclusion Strategy to help all services and departments tackle poverty and social exclusion.

A great deal of work is also ongoing to tackle poverty in Swansea. This includes raising over £1m of additional welfare benefits during 2008/09 for those in need and a current campaign to raise awareness of child disability living allowance.

The Millennium Development Goals are supported by the United Cities and Local Government Network, and the City and County of Swansea is a member of this organisation.

To find out more about the goals go to www.un.org/millenniumgo als

Protecting children CHILDREN’S organisations have come together to improve the welfare of young people in Swansea.

Swansea Council, the police, the local health board and the probation service are among the partners putting extra resources into the Swansea Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB).

The board will be working to protect children from abuse and neglect, prevent impairment of their health or development and ensure they receive safe and effective care.

A new website has also been set up for the SSCB which includes what to do if a member of the public suspects a child is at risk of harm. The web address is http://www.swansea.gov.u k/safeguardingchildren Chris Maggs, Chair of the SSCB, said: “Our main responsibility is to ensure that we work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Senior officers from the partners will be working together to ensure the welfare of children is a top priority for the board and each organisation in it.”

8

Swansea

www.swansea.gov.uk

Leader

November 2009

‘Unser lehrer ist sehr gut’

*

(*Quick translation for pupils not at Pontlliw School: ‘Our teacher is very good’) CHILDREN at a Swansea school have revealed what it means to them to have an inspirational teacher.

After Pontlliw Primary’s Ben Ford won a national award for his work with the German language and culture, his young students quickly offered their praise.

Lateisha Johnson, aged 10, said: “When Mr Ford teaches us German it’s fun. He does things like take a tune we know and put German words to it – that makes us learn the words really well because all the tunes are really catchy.

“We’ve learnt a lot about Germany and I love the way they speak their language.”

Classmate Ryan Davies said: “Mr Ford makes it easy for us to learn. In German we have a passport which we put new things in. In German they have some simple things with complicated words – and I like that!”

Pupils at Pontlliw celebrated when Mr Ford was named one of the UK's

German teachers of the year.

Judges included representatives of the Department for Children, Schools and Families and prestigious cultural institution the Goethe-Institut.

Mr Ford, age 27, said: "I'm not in teaching for recognition but am delighted that my efforts have been highlighted in this way. The real credit goes to our whole school community for being so supportive of us making pupils from Years Five and Six aware of the German language and culture."

Mike Day, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I was delighted to hear about Ben Ford's award. He has my warmest congratulations. He is clearly an inspiration to his pupils as well as an inspiration to everyone who works in Swansea's schools."

Swansea-born Mr Ford graduated from Swansea Institute, now Swansea Metropolitan University, and has been at Pontlliw since 2005.

At that time, staff and pupils were

• Award-winning Swansea teacher Ben Ford with 10-year-old Pontlliw pupils Lateisha Johnson and Ryan Davies. already working hard on European studies.

Mr Ford called on his own German knowledge gleaned as a schoolboy to further strengthen Pontlliw's links with Germany.

He visited Pontlliw's partner school in the River Rhine city of Speyer and began taking German lessons at Pontlliw, integrating some elements of the language and culture into other lessons. Pupils have held video-conferencing sessions with friends in Speyer and plan more this year.

Mr Ford said: "There are some differences between Welsh and

German pupils but there are great similarities too - they're inquisitive, share interests in areas such as sport and computer games and are eager to communicate.

"Pupils at Pontlliw get on really well with their contemporaries in Speyer and we're keen for this working relationship to grow.

"Developing these links has helped build self-confidence and belief. It also means they are embracing new learning skills which will come in useful as they progress through school life.

"With German business being so innovative and influential, our

studies may also help pupils when they enter the world of work."

Pontlliw headteacher Wynford Harris said: "Ben delivers many subjects across the primary agerange. He only has a short time each week in which to deliver German but the progress has been exceptional.

"His achievements include a German taster course for Year Six pupils, the creation of interactive class resources and the promotion of collaborative learning. He has other ideas to develop German within our school and locality, including creating online safe-chatrooms and blogs.”

‘Don’t wait until you’re homeless’ SWANSEA Council’s Housing Options has teamed up with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Shelter Cymru and the councils of Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire to encourage families at risk of homelessness to get advice now.

A campaign using radio advertising, city centre advertising facilities, leaflets and other media is planned.

The move comes amid fears of a rise in potentially homeless households due to the economic downturn.

Housing Options is part of Swansea Council’s Housing Services and has a team of trained advisers to tackle and prevent homelessness.

Services available include specialist money advice teams who can negotiate with lenders, represent in court, and even in some circumstances arrange for the purchase and rent back of the home through a housing association.

Peter May, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We hope that the partnership approach to homelessness prevention in the city will minimise the effects of the economic downturn.

“Shelter and the Citizens Advice Bureau have a long standing partnership with the Council, and a commitment to preventing homelessness and improving the housing circumstances of those in need of help.

“Working with them and our neighbouring local authorities, our message is don’t let your housing problems get out of hand.

“If you get in touch soon enough there is help available for either finding somewhere to live or if possible staying in your home.”

Anyone experiencing housing difficulties and would like free advice on how the Council may be able to help should contact Housing Options on 01792 533100 or log on to www.sheltercymru.org.uk

Electoral Registration forms have been delivered to every household in the City and County of Swansea.

The information provided from this annual canvass will form the basis of the Register of Electors which will be published on 1st December 2009. If your name is not included on this register, you will not be able to vote in the General Election which must be called before June 2010.

If you have not already done so please return your form as soon as possible in order to save the City and County of Swansea – and therefore council tax payer’s money. If you have returned your form, it saves the Council having to deliver a reminder or a visit to your property, therefore saving numerous costs.

It is a legal requirement to complete the form, failure to do so could lead to a fine of up to £1000.00. You are also likely to experience difficulties in obtaining a loan, mortgage or opening a bank account if you are not registered as the register is used by credit agencies for verification.

If you have any queries regarding the annual canvass, or need help with completing the form, please contact the Election Services Officer on 01792 636719 / 636681 or elections@swansea.gov.uk

November 2009

Swansea

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news

Leader

• ‘The Red Lady’ of Paviland could be a 30,000-year-old tribal chieftan

Picture by Jason Rogers

IT sounds like something out of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park but history hunters could soon apply for funds to extract DNA from some of Swansea Museum’s bones collection to see if they could be among the oldest of their kind in the UK. Experts from the British Museum visited the Victoria Road attraction over the summer to inspect the bones in storage there and were thrilled with what they discovered.

Examination of some of the bones not only suggests they’re among the most historic in Britain but also shows evidence of creatures resembling bears and hyenas that may once have roamed Gower’s countryside.

Swansea Museum is home to

info

Pick through bones of an historic collection OTHER famous artefacts on show at Swansea Museum include an Egyptian Mummy that dates back to 250BC as well as the city’s famous Mumbles Train, a relic of the first passenger railway in the world.

Also on show at the moment

hundreds of bones from the area donated in the wake of its opening in 1841. Many bones lay dormant for years but they’re now being photographed and catalogued by Swansea-based archaeologist Dr Nicholas Riall as research into their origin and historical importance continues.

Dr Riall’s studies have meant the Fangtastic display in the museum’s archaeological gallery that features a selection of Ice Age animal teeth has

is the Crime and Punishment Exhibition that gives you an insight into the horrible history of Swansea.

For full details of what’s on at the museum go to www.swansea.gov.uk/swansea museum or call 01792 653763.

now been updated and a case containing the replica skeleton of the Red Lady is once again available for public viewing.

The Red Lady of Paviland is a human male skeleton dyed in red ochre that was discovered in 1823 by Reverend William Buckland.

Buckland originally believed the skeleton to be that of a prostitute or witch because of the red dye and decorative items including necklaces and jewellery found along with it but

tests have since identified it was a male. Scholars also now believe the skeleton could be 30,000 years old and that he may have been a tribal chieftain.

Garethe El-Tawab, Swansea Museum Curator, said: “We have a rich and varied collection of historical artefacts at Swansea Museum but the arrival of Dr Riall has allowed us the opportunity and expertise needed to review and catalogue the bones that we have in storage.

“His work has already led to some fascinating discoveries and means we can further improve what’s already an insightful, entertaining and informative visitor experience.

“These are exciting times for Swansea Museum as we look to make the attraction more popular than ever.”

999 or 101, it’s your call Taking the plunge COMMUNITIES across Swansea have a new number if they want to make a non-emergency call to police.

It’s the biggest change to the way people contact the police since the famous digits 999 were introduced in the 1940s and police are hoping the new 101 number will become just as familiar.

The well-known 999 is still to be used for an immediate blue light

response but the new 101 is there to deal with non-urgent issues.

South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Cliff Filer said the single non emergency number for Wales was a step towards making services more accessible to residents.

He added: “101 is the single, non emergency, point of contact for residents across South Wales. The response so far has been fantastic.”

MARINE industry experts have joined forces with Swansea Council to help local companies navigate the stormy seas of these difficult economic times.

The Bridge Marine Science Group has now set up base at Business Centre Swansea in St Mary's Square and is looking to offer help to hundreds of companies working in the marine sector over the coming

months and years.

Their assistance will include guidance for small and medium sized marine businesses, help with applying for funds and the organisation of regular networking events.

Contact the Bridge Marine Science Group for more information on info@bridgemarinescience.co.uk or call 01792 545080.

9

Businesses at your fingertips COMPANIES in Swansea are increasing their profile with the latest edition of the Swansea Business Directory.

It provides a practical reference guide to the products and services of more than 2,000 companies trading in Swansea. It is available as a hard copy publication, on CD Rom and online.

Swansea Council is behind the publication and hopes it will promote the development of stronger local business links.

The directory showcases what Swansea businesses have to offer to other companies across Wales, the UK and overseas.

Stuart Taylor, president of the West Wales Chamber of Commerce, commended the directory.

He said:“Not only does it provide an excellent guide to the wide range of goods and services available from businesses in Swansea, but it also showcases the many benefits the area has to offer investors.”

Copies are available by calling 01792-635713.

Easy ww-ways to cut carbon A WEBSITE has been launched to help encourage businesses and other organisations to use renewable energy sources and cut their carbon footprints.

Swansea Council has joined forces with The Carbon Trust to put www.swansearenewables.c om together.

The website provides information on renewable energy sources and low carbon technologies. It also gives examples of places in Swansea where such technologies can be seen in action.

Funding for the website comes from The Carbon Trust which aims to promote a cleaner and more sustainable world.

Putting the Mr X into Xmas MR X, Swansea’s bestknown man-with-no-name, is hoping this year’s festive appeal for gifts for the children of the city will be the best ever.

He’s celebrating 50 years of helping collect presents for distribution to local children whose Christmases would be grey without him.

Mr X’s work in the community is supported by Swansea’s Social Services and if you want to get involved in this year’s appeal ring Mr X on 01792-776233.

10

Swansea

www.swansea.gov.uk

Leader

November 2009

Adventurers’ lessons that last a lifetime WATCHING the sun set over Morocco from the summit of North Africa’s tallest peak may sound like a far-flung dream to many but that’s exactly what a group of Swansea young people has just experienced thanks to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

The adventure saw 16 young people undertake a 10-day expedition to Morocco that included the sights and smells of Marrakech and a trek to the summit of the Atlas Mountains (pictured right).

Ten of the young people were on the trip to get the expedition experience needed for the award under their belts while the other six made the journey to boost their leadership and organisational skills.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is aimed at 14 to 25-yearolds and is split into three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Award Scheme is managed by Swansea Youth Service.

Participants follow a personal programme of activities according to their aspirations and goals that could lead to a qualification that’s internationally recognised as evidence of a young person’s willingness to take up a challenge, to persevere and to achieve.

Young people who follow the award programme could find themselves helping in the

community, getting fitter, developing skills, forging friendships or going on an expedition overseas.

Swansea Council runs the scheme locally and welcomes about 700 new enrolments every year across the three award levels.

The awards are facilitated by comprehensive schools, colleges, Swansea University, youth clubs and youth groups.

Seb Haley, Swansea Council’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Development Officer, said: “The award programme is a real adventure from beginning to end and it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from.

“You just need to meet the age requirement and realise that there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa.

“The best bit is that young people get to pick what they’d like to do as part of their programme and many will make lifelong friends and learn new skills that stay with them for

Swap roadshow a hit with pupils HUNDREDS of school pupils could be swapping video games for their favourite CDs or going home with gifts for the family without spending a penny.

A new swap shop roadshow is visiting local comprehensive schools to give pupils the chance to swap their unwanted possessions. The new roadshow was piloted at Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive School and Swansea Council is now

hoping to extend the event and take it to a number of comprehensive schools in November. The travelling swap extravaganza is part of the Council’s web-based Swap Shop, set up to give residents the opportunity to swap unwanted items instead of simply throwing them away and adding to the waste that goes to landfill.

• To swap something check out the website at www.swansea.gov.uk/swaps hop

years to come.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme offers opportunities that some young people may otherwise never have access to.”

All those who travelled to Morocco for the 10-day expedition were pursuing a Gold Award as part of their tailor-made programmes.

One adult volunteer and two expedition leaders made the trip.

Seb said: “There were many highlights during the adventure but the ones that stick out are the atmosphere in the Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech and the scree slopes of Toubkal- North Africa’s highest mountain at over 4,100 feet.

“Everyone who took part will also have many recollections that will live long in the memory.

“We hope these experiences will impact positively upon the lives of everybody who took part and the lives of others in future.”

An expedition last year saw a group of young people travel to Kathmandu to distribute clothes and toys to Nepalese orphans before trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest.

• The Award Scheme is managed and supported by the Council’s Youth Service. Young people interested in finding out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can contact Seb on seb.haley@swansea.gov.uk or take a peek at www.dofe.org for more information.

• Jac, Max and uncle Jonathan

Our lifesavers SWANSEA cousins Max Harries and Jac Hopkins, who were rescued from the sea after being caught in a rip tide, are training to be lifeguards themselves in the hope of saving others.

The 12-year-olds enrolled in the Wales National Pool Rookie Lifeguards programme after the seaside drama at Three Cliffs Bay made them want to learn more about looking after themselves and others in the water.

The pair were on a family day out and were rescued by Max’s uncle Jonathan who happened to be a former lifeguard himself.

Jac’s mum Emma Hopkins said: “We were unbelievably lucky. The boys were fine in the end but the incident still affects me today.

“I am delighted the boys have the opportunity to have life saving lessons at Wales National Pool.

“If Max’s Uncle Jonathan didn’t have his training they would have been lost.”

Details of Rookie Lifeguards and other swimming programmes for children and adults at Wales National Pool Swansea are available at www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk or by calling 01792 513513.

Youngsters’ jobs boost ALMOST 1,400 new jobs will be created in Swansea thanks to the successful bids of two local organisations for money from a £1-billion Government initiative aimed at helping young people into work.

The Future Jobs Fund – a Department for Work and Pensions initiative – is now in its third round of bids, and will create 150,000 new jobs across the UK for 1824 year-olds, as well as people in unemployment hotspots.

The latest successful bids come from the City and County of Swansea (CCOS) Employment Training, who will create 1,320 jobs, and Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS), who are set to provide 75 jobs.

This brings the total number of

successful bids from organisations in Wales to 13, with almost 4,000 jobs being created between them.

Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, launched the Future Jobs Fund back in July and believes the initiative is vital in helping to secure the future of a generation of young people.

Peter Hain said: “The latest successful Welsh bids are great news for young people out of work in the Swansea area.

They’ll be able to take advantage of almost 1,400 new jobs, in areas such as youth work, retail and construction – not to mention community focused roles and ‘green’ jobs.

“Through the Future Jobs Fund, Government is proving its commitment to

backing the next generation of workers by creating new jobs that otherwise wouldn’t exist.”

Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “This is wonderful news. Many young people are finding it hard to access employment opportunities at the moment, so this funding will arrive at an important time and will give them the chance to learn key skills that will prove crucial in future.

“This scheme complements a range of ongoing efforts in Swansea to ensure young people have access to as many educational and employment opportunities as possible and I’m sure it will have a hugely positive impact on those who benefit.”

PUBLIC NOTICES THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (REVOCATIONS) (PROHIBITION OF WAITING)(PROHIBITION OF WAITING “ AT ANY TIME”) (PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY “AT ANY TIME”) (FACTORY ROAD, OAKWOOD DRIVE, TWYNBEDW ROAD, CLYDACH SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea intend to make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

A copy of the proposed Order, Statement of Reasons and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any objections to the proposals should be submitted in writing setting out the reasons therefore to reach the Director of Environment at the Civic Centre Swansea by Friday 11th December, 2009.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS 1. The existing Orders are revoked insofar as they are inconsistent with the provisions contained in the Schedules below and insofar as they relate to the length or lengths of road or roads referred to in the Schedules below 2. The following provision is revoked insofar as it relates to the length or lengths of the road or roads hereinafter mentioned:PROHIBITION OF WAITING Factory Road North Side From a point 7 metres west of its junction with Twynbedw Road for a distance of 8 metres west of that point.

SCHEDULE 2 PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” Heol Y Ffin South West Side From the southern kerb line of Oakwood Drive to a point 15 metres south east thereof.

Oakwood Drive North West side From a point 15 metres south west of its junction with Heol Y Ffin to a point 20 metres north east of that point.

South West Side From the junction with Heol Y Ffin to a point 15 metres south west thereof.

SCHEDULE 3 PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY “AT ANY TIME” TWYNBEDW ROAD West Side From a point 25 metres north of the northern kerb line of View Road to a point 35 metres north thereof.

East Side i) From a point 36 metres south of the southern kerb line of Heol Eithrim to a point 16 metres south thereof. ii) From a point 76 metres south of the southern kerb line of Heol Eithrim to a point 16 metres south thereof.

Dated this Sixth day of November, 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (REVOCATION OF PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” ORDER) (GLANMOR CRESCENT AND PARK DRIVE UPLANDS SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea did on the Third day of November, 2009 make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Traffic Management Act

2004 the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

The Order shall come into operation on Friday, 27th November, 2009.

A copy of the Order, and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any person wishing to challenge the Order on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the Act or that any requirements thereof, or of any instrument made thereunder have not been complied with may apply to the High Court at the Cardiff District Registry 2 Park Street Cardiff CF1 1ET within six weeks of the making of the Order for that purpose.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS The following provisions are revoked insofar as they relate to the length or lengths of the road or roads hereinafter mentioned:PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” GLANMOR CRESCENT North side From its junction with the eastern kerb line of Park Drive to a point 20 metres east thereof East side From the northern most boundary line of the property known as No.34/36 Glanmor Road, for a distance of 40 metres in a north easterly direction PARK DRIVE West side From a point 10 metres north of the north eastern kerb line of Glanmor Road to a point 19 metres north of the north eastern kerb line of Glanmor Road, a distance of 9 metres East side From its junction with the northern kerb line of Glanmor Crescent to a point 15 metres north thereof From a point 96 metres north of the northern kerb line of Glanmor Crescent to a point 111 metres north of the northern kerb line of Glanmor Crescent, a distance of 15 metres GLANMOR CRESCENT AND PARK DRIVE At the junction of Glanmor Crescent and Park Drive the circumference of the refuge island a distance of 34 metres Dated this Sixth day of November 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (REVOCATIONS) (PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” ORDER) (LLANGYFELACH ROAD AND BRYNGELLI DRIVE MYNNYDDBACH SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea did on the Third day of November, 2009 make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Traffic Management Act 2004 the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

The Order shall come into operation on Friday, 27th November, 2009.

A copy of the Order, and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any person wishing to challenge the Order on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the Act or that any requirements thereof, or of any instrument made thereunder have not been complied with may apply to the High Court at the Cardiff District Registry 2 Park Street Cardiff CF1 1ET within six weeks of the making of the Order for that purpose.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 Revocation The existing Orders are revoked insofar as they relate to the length or lengths of the road or roads referred to in the schedule below

SCHEDULE 2 Prohibition of Waiting “At Any Time" LLANGYFELACH ROAD East side From its junction with the northern kerb line of Bryngelli Drive for a distance of 24 metres north thereof From its junction with the southern kerb line of Bryngelli Drive for a distance of 10 metres south thereof BRYNGELLI DRIVE Both sides From its junction with the eastern kerb line of Llangyfelach Road for a distance of 10 metres east thereof Dated this Sixth day of November 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (ONE HOUR LIMITED WAITING (NO RETURN WITHIN TWO HOURS) PERMIT HOLDERS EXEMPT) (EDEN AVENUE AND GLANMOR ROAD UPLANDS SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea intend to make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (the Act) the effect of which is as set out in the Schedule below.

A copy of the proposed Order, Statement of Reasons and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea.

Any objections to the proposals should be submitted in writing setting out the reasons therefor to reach the Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea SA1 3SN by Friday, 11th December 2009.

SCHEDULE ONE HOUR LIMITED WAITING (NO RETURN WITHIN TWO HOURS) PERMIT HOLDERS EXEMPT EDEN AVENUE West Side i) From a point outside the common party wall of No’s 1 and 3 Eden Avenue to a point 24 metres north thereof. ii) From a point outside the boundary between No’s 9 and 11 Eden Avenue to a point 32 metres north thereof.

GLANMOR ROAD North Side From a point 35 metres north west on the western kerb line of Park Drive to a point 25 metres north west of that point.

Dated this sixth day of November 2009.

David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (REVOCATIONS) (PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME”) (GWALIA TERRACE GORSEINON SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea intend to make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (the Act) the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

A copy of the proposed Order, Statement of Reasons and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea.

Any objections to the proposals should be submitted in writing setting out the reasons therefor to reach the Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre

We value equality because quality services need people from the whole community

Oystermouth Road Swansea SA1 3SN by Friday, 11th December 2009.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS The existing Orders are revoked insofar as they are inconsistent with the Schedules hereto and insofar as they relate to the length or lengths of the road or roads referred to in the Schedules below.

SCHEDULE 2 PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” GWALIA TERRACE Both Sides From its junction with Gorseinon Road to a point 10 metres north thereof.

Dated this sixth day of November 2009.

David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME”) (VARIOUS ROADS MYNYDDBACH SWANSEA ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea intend to make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (the Act) the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

A copy of the proposed Order, Statement of Reasons and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea.

Any objections to the proposals should be submitted in writing setting out the reasons therefor to reach the Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea SA1 3SN by Friday, 11th December 2009.

SCHEDULE PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” BRYNAWEL CRESCENT Both Sides From its junction with Heol Y Cnap to a point 10 metres south west thereof.

CLIFTON COURT Both Sides From its junction with Llangyfelach Road to a point 10 metres west thereof.

HEOL FACH Both Sides From its junction with Llangyfelach Road to a point 10 metres north east thereof.

HEOL GERRIG North Side From its junction with Llangyfelach Road to a point 18 metres east therof.

South Side From its junction with Llangyfelach Road to a point 18 metres east then south thereof.

HEOL Y CNAP South Side From a point 16 metres east of the eastern kerb line of Brynawel Crescent to a point 16 metres west of the western kerb line of Brynawel Crescent.

LLANGYFELACH ROAD East Side i) From the northern kerb line of Heol Fach to a point 16 metres north Thereof. ii) From a point 14 metres south of the southern kerb line of Heol Gerrig to a point 16 metres north of the northern kerb line of Heol Gerrig.

Dated this sixth day of November 2009.

David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea

PUBLIC NOTICES THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (REVOCATIONS) (NO WAITING “AT ANY TIME”) (HEOL PENTREFELEN LLANGYFELACH SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea did on the third day of November 2009 make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Traffic Management Act 2004 the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

The Order shall come into operation on Friday, 27th November 2009.

A copy of the Order, and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any person wishing to challenge the Order on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the Act or that any requirements thereof, or of any instrument made thereunder have not been complied with may apply to the High Court at the Cardiff District Registry 2 Park Street Cardiff CF1 1ET within six weeks of the making of the Order for that purpose.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS The existing Orders are revoked insofar as they are inconsistent with and insofar as they relate to the length or lengths of road or roads referred to in the Schedules hereto.

SCHEDULE 2 NO WAITING “AT ANY TIME” CAE MELYN Both Sides From the eastern kerb line of Heol Pentre Felen for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction FFORDD DEWI Both Sides From the western kerb line of Heol Pentre Felen for a distance of 10 metres in a north westerly direction.

HEOL PENTREFELEN Eastern Side i. From a point 36 metres south west of and opposite the northern kerb line of Y Llwyni to a point opposite the northern building line of No 36 Heol Pentre Felen a distance of 69 metres in a southerly direction ii. From a point 10 metres north east of the north western kerb line of Cae Melyn to a point 10 metres south west of the south western kerb line of Cae Melyn iii. From a point opposite the southernmost building line No 52 Heol Pentre Felen to a point 43 metres south of that point Western Side From a point 10 metres north east of the north eastern kerb line of Ffordd Dewi to a point 10 metres south of the south eastern kerb line of Ffordd Dewi.

Dated this 6th day of November 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (STEPNEY STREET AND ROBERT STREET CWMBWRLA SWANSEA) (PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY “AT ANY TIME”) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea did on the third day of November 2009 make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Traffic Management Act 2004 the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

The Order shall come into operation on Friday, 27th November 2009.

A copy of the Order, and an appropriate plan may be

inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any person wishing to challenge the Order on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the Act or that any requirements thereof, or of any instrument made thereunder have not been complied with may apply to the High Court at the Cardiff District Registry 2 Park Street Cardiff CF1 1ET within six weeks of the making of the Order for that purpose.

SCHEDULES PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY “AT ANY TIME” STEPNEY STREET North East Side From a point 8 metres south east of its junction with the south east kerb line of Lynn Street to a point 11 metres east of that point.

ROBERT STREET North Side From a point 20 metres east of its junction with Millwood Street to a point 3 metres east of that point.

Dated this 6th day of November 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME”) (LANE BETWEEN ST HELENS CRESCENT AND ST HELEN’S ROAD SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea intend to make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (the Act) the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

A copy of the proposed Order, Statement of Reasons and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea.

Any objections to the proposals should be submitted in writing setting out the reasons therefor to reach the Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Oystermouth Road Swansea SA1 3SN by Friday, 11th December 2009.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 REVOCATIONS The existing Orders are revoked insofar as they are inconsistent with the proposals herein after contained which relate to the length or lengths of the road or roads referred to in the Schedule hereto.

SCHEDULE 2 PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” LANE BETWEEN ST HELENS CRESCENT AND ST HELEN’S ROAD Both Sides From its junction with the northern kerb line of St Helen’s Crescent to its junction with the western kerb line of St Helen’s Road a distance of 178 metres, except where the highway is painted with white H bar markings as prescribed in The Traffic Signs and General Directions 2002 Diagram 1026.1.

Dated this sixth day of November 2009.

David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (MANSEL STREET AND MOUNT STREET GOWERTON) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea did on the third day of November 2009 make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Traffic Management Act 2004 the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

The Order shall come into operation on Friday, 27th November 2009.

A copy of the Order, and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any person wishing to challenge the Order on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the Act or that any requirements thereof, or of any instrument made thereunder have not been complied with may apply to the High Court at the Cardiff District Registry 2 Park Street Cardiff CF1 1ET within six weeks of the making of the Order for that purpose.

SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY “AT ANY TIME” MANSEL STREET South Side i. From a point 31 metres east its junction with the eastern kerb line of Heol y Gog to a point 40 metres east of that junction. ii. From a point 30 metres west if its junction with the western kerb line of Heol y Gog to a point 46 metres west of that junction.

SCHEDULE 2 PROHIBITION OF WAITING LOADING AND UNLOADING MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8-00AM TO 9-00AM AND 3-00PM TO 4-00PM MOUNT STREET East Side From a point 52 metres south of its junction with the southern kerb line of Mansel Street to a point 18 metres south of that point.

Dated this 6th day of November 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea NOTICE OF CONFIRMATION OF PUBLIC PATH ORDER HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PUBLIC FOOTPATH 4 COMMUNITY OF LLANGENNITH On 21st August 2009, the Welsh Ministers confirmed the above order made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980.

The effect of the order as confirmed is to divert a part of footpath 4 commencing alongside the property known as Geranium Cottage, Reynoldston in a generally westerly direction for approximately 39 metres before proceeding in a north westerly direction for 53 metres, to a line commencing some 31 metres north of its current commencement point and proceeding in a west south westerly direction for approximately 25 metres before proceeding in a predominantly north westerly direction for 33 metres thence in a south westerly direction for 30 metres to rejoin footpath No. 4 as shown on the Order map.

A copy of the order and the order map have been placed and may be seen free of charge at the offices of the City and County of Swansea, Civic Centre, Swansea, SA1 3SN from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays) and between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Friday. Copies of the order and map may be bought there at the price of £1.00.

The order comes into force on 31st August 2009, but if a person aggrieved by the order wants to question its validity, or that of any provision contained in it, on the ground that it is not within the power of the Highways Act 1980, as amended, or on the ground that any requirement of the Act, as amended, or of any regulation made under the Act has not been complied with in relation to the Order, he or she may under Paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Act as applied by Paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 to the Act, within 6 weeks from the date this notice was first published, make an application to the High Court.

Dated the 6th Day of November 2009.

David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea

We value equality because quality services need people from the whole community

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (PROHIBITION OF WAITING “ AT ANY TIME”) (TUDOR WAY AND MANSELFIELD ROAD BISHOPSTON SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea intend to make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) the effect of which is as set out in the Schedule below.

A copy of the proposed Order, Statement of Reasons and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any objections to the proposals should be submitted in writing setting out the reasons therefore to reach the Director of Environment at the Civic Centre Swansea by Friday 11th December, 2009.

SCHEDULE PROHIBITION OF WAITING “AT ANY TIME” TUDOR WAY North West Side From its junction with Manselfield Road to a point 26 metres south west thereof North East Side From its junction with Manselfield Road to a point 10 metres south west thereof MANSELFIELD ROAD South Side From a point 10 metres east of the eastern kerb line of Tudor Way to a point 18 metres west of the western kerb line of Tudor Way Dated this Sixth day of November, 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (DISABLED PERSONS PARKING PLACES) (HEOL GWYROSYDD PENDERRY SWANSEA) ORDER 2009 NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the City and County of Swansea did on the third day of November 2009 make an Order in pursuance of its powers as contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Traffic Management Act 2004 the effect of which is as set out in the Schedules below.

The Order shall come into operation on Friday, 27th November 2009.

A copy of the Order, and an appropriate plan may be inspected during normal office hours in the Legal and Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre Swansea (via application to main reception).

Any person wishing to challenge the Order on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the Act or that any requirements thereof, or of any instrument made thereunder have not been complied with may apply to the High Court at the Cardiff District Registry 2 Park Street Cardiff CF1 1ET within six weeks of the making of the Order for that purpose.

SCHEDULE DISABLED PERSONS BADGE HOLDERS ONLY “AT ANY TIME” HEOL GWYROSYDD North East Side From a point 105 metres south east of the eastern kerb line of Mynydd-Newydd Road for a distance of 20 metres south east of that point.

Dated this 6th day of November 2009 David Martyn Daycock Head of Legal and Democratic Services Civic Centre Swansea

Corporate

Improvement Plan November, 2009

Touching lives A summary of the City and County of Swansea Improvement Plan 2009/12 • A mum and her son enjoy breakfast at Swansea Council’s Children’s Centre WELCOME to the Summary of City & County of Swansea’s Corporate Improvement Plan 2009-12.

We recognise Swansea Council touches the lives of our city’s people every single day through the services we provide.

At their heart, our services are about people.

Our services are about the people we serve and the people, including our partners, who help provide services on which our communities depend.

We want to deliver quality services for a greener, safer and more prosperous Swansea and the Corporate Improvement Plan is a route map to help us achieve this.

Along with other local authorities the City & County of Swansea is facing significant challenges in the years ahead. The current economic climate and reduced local government funding means budgets are under strain.

Maintaining services with reduced resources will be a key challenge for us and other public organisations like us.

At Swansea Council we must prioritise our

Summary of Performance 2008/09 12%

Performance has improved since 2007/08 or is at best performance.

Performance is the same as 2007/08.

30%

58% resources. These key priorities have been identified and outlined in the Corporate Improvement Plan.

The Council intends to work together to: • Improve and protect our environment and make communities safer.

• Improve Swansea’s economic potential.

• Improve services for children and young people.

Performance has declined since 2007/08.

• Improve health and social care services for all.

• Make the best use of our resources.

Our services to children and young people in particular must be prioritised. What we do now to safeguard and support children will have an effect on our city’s social and economic vitality for decades to come.

Protecting children in need is a vital

responsibility of this and every local authority.

That is why there is co-ordinated effort across the whole Council to improve Child & Family Services following the re-inspection during 2008 and the subsequent intervention in early 2009 by the Deputy Minister for Social Services.

Corporate arrangements have been put in place to focus the efforts of the entire Council on improving Child & Family Services.

Weekly leadership meetings led by the Council’s Leader and Chief Executive are helping to drive forward improvements.

The Corporate Management Team is leading a review of the Council’s Children and Young People’s Plan, closely involving Child & Family Services. Councillors are giving crossparty support to improved involvement in Child and Family Services as part of their corporate parenting role.

The Council has also strengthened scrutiny arrangements by creating a dedicated Child and Family Services Overview and Scrutiny Board.

Progress has been made, but there is still much more work to do.

If you want to find out more about performance or require this information in an alternative format, please contact the Business Performance Team on: www.swansea.gov.uk telephone 01792 636852, textphone 01792 636733, e-mail improvement@swansea.gov.uk

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City and County of Swansea Corporate Improvement Plan 2009/12

Health, Social Care and Well-Being

We can all play part in healthy lives

• The Victoria Park kiosk is a popular lunchtime destination that offers local people with learning disabilities or mental health problems the chance to learn about the world of work.

How we have worked together to improve services

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homes or to move into sheltered accommodation or residential homes if that’s necessary.

There are already a number of strategies in place to support the partnership between local people, the Council and the health services. This includes the Health, Social Care and Well-Being Strategy which has been agreed by Swansea Council and Swansea Local Health Board.

The strategy has been put in place to support healthy lifestyles and tackle health inequalities in communities in our city such as obesity, long-term illness, mental health, disability and substance misuse. The strategy sets out how partners aim to work to improve health and well-being in Swansea by tackling the causes of ill-health and delivering effective health and social care to consistently high standards.

The Council is also addressing these issues through its key priorities to implement the wider health, social care and well-being agenda to reshape and reconfigure health and related services in Swansea. These priorities cannot be achieved in isolation and requires Council departments to work together with their partners in Health Challenge Swansea.

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SEIZING opportunities to live a healthy life is an ambition everyone can aspire to and part of Swansea Council’s vision for our city in 2020 is to deliver services that support and promote good health.

Everyone can play their part by looking after themselves by eating well and getting enough exercise, but also by avoiding activities like smoking or excessive drinking.

What Swansea Council and its partners are aiming to do is to work together to support people in adopting healthy lifestyles and improve health and social care services. The research shows that people want to live healthy lives and continue to live at home as they grow older.

Council services that touch people’s lives, ranging from social care services to lifestyle services such as leisure centres, parks and Network 50+ are all there to serve the healthy lifestyle agenda.

And, as people grow older, social and social care services along with the Council’s housing services work in partnership with health services to support them to live in their own

• Developed a new placement strategy for looked after children • Put in place a Section 33 agreement to improve joint working across Health and Social Services • Established a Telecare service • Launched the Swansea Climbing Higher Physical Activity Strategy

What we intend to do • Work with partners to redesign Social and Respite Care Services for Older People • Work with partners to reshape Mental Health Services, Acute (Hospital) and Community Based Care • Implement the Older People Strategy Development Plan for 2009/10 • Implement the Climbing Higher Strategy and Action Plan 2009/10 for physical activity across the City & County

Economy & Skills

Investment in future is key to prosperity • Plumbers Shaun Richards and Glenn Sullivan have been learning their trade as part of an innovative apprenticeship scheme run by Swansea Council.

How we have worked together to improve services • Targeted low-attaining teenagers to improve essential skill levels and support them to ensure they do not become not in education, employment or training • Developed Building Enterprise Education in Swansea (BEES) supporting the development of innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship for young people • Improved outcomes of leavers completing Employment Training courses • Worked in partnership with First to deliver the Swansea Metro

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The partners have signed up to an Economic Regeneration Strategy that includes an ambition to equip people with the skills and motivation to make the most of their own lives and be part of a quality workforce that can deliver.

By tackling economic inactivity and by supporting young people not in education, employment or training, the partners hope to be able to help people make the most of improving economic conditions.

The delivery of Swansea 2020 the Economic Regeneration Strategy, the Knowledge Economy Strategy and the Children and Young People Plan is vital to ensure that skills are improved for adults and young people to give them a better start in life.

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OUR CITY’S prosperity is founded on people and the skills they can bring to help make the most of economic opportunities in the years to come.

The Council is working with its partners to bring forward improvements to the city’s infrastructure, such as upgrading the public transport network and the Swansea Bus Station, that will help lay the foundations for increasing prosperity.

At the same time the Council and partners such as the Local Service Board, the Swansea Economic Regeneration Partnership and the Children and Young People Partnership are working together to touch lives and improve people’s skills for learning, work and life.

What we intend to do • Work with partners to deliver the Knowledge Economy Strategy to improve skills appropriate to economic needs • Target low attaining seven-year-olds to improve reading levels • Focus specifically on deprived areas to deliver Basic Skills & Family Learning opportunities as part of an integrated Return to Learn programme • Complete a Regional Transport Plan for South West Wales

City and County of Swansea Corporate Improvement Plan 2009/12

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• It’s story time at St Helen’s Primary School in Swansea while (below) a youngster at the Children’s Centre learns about hand printing.

Improving life prospects for young people is our priority

help young people to grow up to make their own contribution to communities that are safe, prosperous and healthy.

Projects such as Quality in Education 2020 are part of the Council’s commitment over the next

decade to deliver improvements in school buildings, attendance and pupil attainment.

The recent Estyn report on the performance of Swansea Council’s education department, coupled with improving exam results at A-Level

How we have worked together to improve services • Improved GCSE and A-Level results for the 2007/08 academic year.

• Developed the next stage of the Communities First programme.

• Prioritised resources to enhance the staffing levels within

Child & Family Services, including the establishment of a peripatetic social work team.

• Initiated a programme to take an area approach to address the impact of poverty in the most deprived areas in Swansea.

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CHILDREN and young people are a top priority for Swansea Council and its partners, who are working together to give them the best possible start in life.

Services provided by the Council and a range of organisations in the public and voluntary sector are designed to protect and offer practical support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

They are working together so that the focus of attention is on children and helping to develop an environment at home and in the community in which they can thrive and fulfill their potential.

Investment in Child and Family Services, education and training can

and GCSE, suggest that progress is being made.

However, there is still much to do in the short term, particularly to improve Child and Family services .

Protecting children in need is a vital responsibility of this and every local authority. That is why there is co-ordinated effort across the whole Council to improve Child & Family Services following the re-inspection during 2008 and the subsequent intervention in early 2009 by the Deputy Minister for Social Services.

The Council is also working in partnership with the Local Service Board, a partnership that cuts across the private, voluntary and public sector to identify and tackle some of the key challenges that face the city over the coming years.

The partnership has identified the

need for early intervention to support those young people in our communities who are at risk of being overlooked or not fulfilling their own aspirations because they are not in education, employment or training.

To help deliver this priority, Council departments are working together and with partners to focus effort on safeguarding children as well as tackling the poverty and substance misuse that can sometimes undermine their hopes for the future.

Agencies involved such as the NHS, South Wales Police and voluntary organisations are sharing information so it’s easier to identify practical problems earlier and put in place a mix of the right services to intervene to tackle issues or prevent them developing in the first place.

What we intend to do • Ensure a close fit between preventative services provided across the Council to the community and those provided by Child & Family Services.

• Have a clear focus on Family Support Services that are directed to prevent harm, children

becoming looked after and children becoming long-term looked after.

• Establish a coherent service for children from family support through accommodation to permanence through the Permanence and Placement Strategy.

to view the Improvement Plan on the web go to www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1422

City and County of Swansea Corporate Improvement Plan 2009/12 further information

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Environment and Community

Let’s take pride in city streets

Links • Local Service Board: www.swansea.gov.uk/LSB • Equality & Diversity: http://www.swansea.gov.u k/equalityscheme • Sustainable Development: http://www.swansea.gov.u k/index.cfm?articleid=427 5

• We can all now participate in recycling kitchen waste

How we are working together to improve services • Developed the programme for the implementation of the Tidy Town Initiative.

• Introduced weekly kerbside collections of kitchen waste and fortnightly kerbside collections of green waste to the City and County.

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of that is to aim to improve and protect our environment.

The Council is, for example, developing cross-departmental projects, such as Streetscene, an innovative programme to improve the cleanliness and maintenance of streets and to help instil a sense of community pride, improve community confidence and reduce the prevalence of anti-social behaviour. At the same time the Council is working closely with its regional partners to minimise waste and increase recycling and composting to help improve the local environment and tackle climate change.

Action has already been taken with the introduction of the weekly kerbside collection of kitchen waste.

The Council is also planning to consider introducing fortnightly kerbside collections of plastics, cardboard and textiles.

Improvements to the Council housing stock is also about bringing wider economic benefits and contributing towards the regeneration of the estates.

IF you would like to view the full Corporate Improvement Plan on our website, go to: http://www.swansea.go v.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1 55

THE following links may be useful for more information about the Council and other organisations with which the Council has contact: • Community Plan www.swansea.gov.uk/in dex.cfm?articleid=11050 • Relationship Managers Annual Letter: http://www.wao.gov.uk/re portsandpublications/local government_687.asp

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EVERYONE has a stake in their own local environment.

Whether it’s an issue of not littering the street with cigarette ends or chewing gum or tackling abandoned cars and graffiti, the standard of the local environment touches people’s lives on a daily basis.

The quality of life for people in the community is clearly linked with the standard of the local environment. Grot spots can start off as overgrown and unkempt corners.

But they can attract litter, fly-tippers, graffiti and even abandoned cars.

And that can lead to the grot spot becoming an area where people feel unsafe or where anti-social behaviour takes place. Swansea Council, as part of its vision for 2020, is working with its partners through the Swansea Environmental Forum and Safer Swansea Partnership to improve the local environment and community.

The Council wants to deliver on its vision to support communities which are safe and feel safe and part

Do you want to know more?

What we intend to do • Finalise new Streetscene arrangements and introduce area cleansing and maintenance teams across the City and County.

• Agree a Programme Plan for the development of a strategy to enable affordable improvements to the Council housing stock.

• Working with others to ensure regular and effective Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings take place in communities.

Resources

funding pressures in areas like Child and Family Services and other frontline services alongside the importance of ensuring every pound of the budget is spent wisely and effectively. It has also established a Business Improvement Board which, among other issues, has been asked to look at how the Council can deliver efficiencies and savings by further improving cross-departmental working.

As part of its efforts to ensure the Council is making the most of its staff, it is also implementing a workforce programme. This will also help plan for future workforce requirements.

How we have worked together to improve services • Commenced the Workforce Programme • Developed a Customer Services Strategy and Action Plan • Developed a Medium Term Financial Plan

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THE most significant resource available to the Council is its frontline staff, the people who touch the lives of the communities they serve every day.

In the current economic climate it is inevitable that financial resources will face significant pressures in the years ahead and the Council is responding by improving efficiency to maintain frontline services.

The Council has developed a Medium Term Financial Plan, which it is implementing to deliver savings and efficiencies.

The plan aims to balance significant extra

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Frontline staff at the heart of our services What we intend to do • Deliver the Medium Term Financial Plan through the Business Improvement Board • Complete the Workforce Programme

If you would like to get involved with any aspect of performance please contact us (see page 1 for details).