New jobs as part of homes makeover
AROUND 10,000 homes across......

Let youth workers out on street
SEASONED youth workers should be.......

Sick of bad treatment
PEOPLE suffering with lung problems..........

Raising awareness on bullying
PARENTS and children will get......

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Signs cause accident fear

"THIS road is an accident waiting to happen."

That's the view of locals in Cross Inn who are furious that the main road remains obstructed by signs.

A drain on Cross Inn Road has become flooded with water cascading off the adjacent field which has lifted the cover and damaged the highway surface.

But it's been more than six months since warning signs were first put in place and the problem still hasn't been fixed - with cars having to swerve in and out as they travel along the busy road.
The hazard also lies directly opposite the junction into Summerfield Drive, which is causing even more danger for motorists.

Phil Dewhurst, who lives on Fairland Close, said: "You can't get two cars past and if one car is turning into Summerfield Drive it's really dangerous.
"I have seen one or two near misses and during the night I've heard some commotion when cars have actually run into the sign.
"People coming back from the pub steal the signs and put them in people's garden so drivers don't even know the hazard is there sometimes."

Chris Latus, of Yr Allt, Llantrisant, added: "When I drove past there in the pouring rain a few days ago the sign was on the wrong side of the road pointing in the wrong direction.

"Despite residents' repeated requests for the repair to be made this must be one of the longest works in progress on record.
"This is a busy, narrow road and it's a wonder this obstacle hasn't been the cause of a major incident.
"It's ridiculous that this simple job should take so long.

Llantrisant councillor Glynne Holmes said that he had reported the incident some time ago and doesn't understand why the problem hasn't been solved.
He said: "No one can condone a metal sign sited on the highway causing traffic to swerve into oncoming traffic.
"I was informed that contact was being made with Welsh Water to ascertain when it would be fixed.
"It's quite obvious that someone is dragging their heels within Welsh Water and I feel that someone at RCT has not been firm enough.
"RCT officers are going back to Welsh Water with the view of getting some working co-operation to rectify this dangerous situation.

"If that fails I will be referring the matter to the Welsh Assembly minister Jane Davidson."
Despite this, Welsh Water says it has not been contacted by the council.
A spokeswoman said: "We have not been made aware of any incidents in Cross Inn Road, Llantrisant."

Fayre was a traffic-stopper

TRAFFIC in Pontyclun came to a standstill when parents and pupils from the local school opened their school fayre with a parade through the village.

All the children from Pontyclun Primary School were all in fancy dress as they danced their way from the rugby club to the school.

Organised by the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), the parade and the school fair brought together local businesses, the community and the school to raise money for much-needed outdoor play equipment.
The family day attracted hundreds of visitors who braved the weather to sample a range of activities and join the fun.
The children enjoyed face painting, junior manicures, crazy hair spraying and tucked into home cooked cream teas.
Local retailers set up stalls selling everything from homemade cards to photography services alongside the usual cakes, bottles, bric-a-brac and toy stalls, all of which had been donated by the parents of the school.
Scarlett Lewis, four, said: "I loved watching the bigger children folk dance and listening to the orchestra play too. It was funny to see my teacher dressed up.
"
The children also had the opportunity to experience what it would be like to be a fireman as watch manager O'Donoghue brought along a fire engine from Pontyclun Fire Station.

Ceri Robson, parent and chair of the PTA, said: "Our parents, volunteers and the local community have all worked tirelessly this year to raise funds in support of our much loved school and of course, have fun along the way."

It's play time

CHILDREN have been learning circus skills as part of a free summer play scheme.

The Play Pod scheme, which also offers water games, arts and crafts, and building games to children aged five to 14, was launched by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's equality, diversity and social justice team two years ago.

Play Pods sessions will run until August 28 at Tynewydd Recreation Ground between 10.30am and noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Trefelin Green between 10.30am and noon on Wednesdays and 1.30pm to 3pm on Thursdays, Graig Park, Pontypridd, between 10.30am and noon on Mondays and Wednesdays, Fairview Play Area, Tyn Y Nant, between 1.30pm and 3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and Dan Y Cribyn Play Area, Ynysybwl, from 10.30am to noon on Tuesdays and 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesdays.

Grant to fund rebuild for community centre

GLYNCOCH'S run-down community centre is to be replaced with an up-to-date building thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).

The centre has been awarded £300,000 from WAG's Community Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP) - a grant aimed a regenerating communities by helping community and voluntary organisations provide facilities or carry out activities.

This money will contribute to the £1.66m needed to rebuild the centre, which when completed will include a library, IT and training facilities, a community cafe and business start up units.
It will also provide a base for agencies, such as Sure Start and Flying Start.

Deputy Minister for Regeneration Leighton Andrews said: "These grants are not solely about improving buildings. They enable citizens from all communities, young and old, to form new friendships and help tackle social exclusion. This contributes to the regeneration and vitality of our communities."

The centre's committee chair Jackie Mansfield was thrilled and said: "This funding is the first significant building block on the road to raising the funds needed to develop the community centre building that Glyncoch deserves.
"We have been working towards this for many years and this grant has given us a huge boost in morale.
"There's a strong sense of community spirit and the people are pulling together to make a difference. This is a remarkable village with huge potential."

Chair of the Glyncoch Community Partnership Mary Harvey added: "The existing community centre is extremely well used but we do not have the space to accommodate all the activities and projects that are in demand. The new facility will open opportunities to dramatically expand our provision for the benefit of the community."
Local AM Leanne Wood said the new facilities would "provide support for families with young children who sometimes find things difficult, particularly if they are single-parent or young families".

Splashing time on the lake

RIDING the crest of a wave is second nature to Tonyrefail's out of hours adventurers.

A group of 50 pupils enjoyed a five-day visit to Glyn Neath Lakes and enjoyed an exciting fun-packed series of classes including kayaking, canoeing and banana boat rides.

Quest Marine in Neath supplied the equipment and training for the large group of enthusiastic water sport fanatics and everyone agreed that they had an unforgettable time.

The young people learned a whole host of new skills on the lake and also enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends.
Qualified coaches from Quest Marine said they were very impressed with the E3+ youngsters and their commitment to mastering so many different varieties of water sports. As a special treat, the trainers organised for a helicopter to fly over the lake as a last-day surprise.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council's cabinet member, Coun Eudine Hanagan, said: "The E3+ program in Tonyrefail has been another outstanding project introduced by the local authority and we've had a great deal of positive feedback from pupils, staff and parents alike about how successful it has been."
Youngsters have also enjoyed surfing classes in Porthcawl and plans are ongoing to even further develop the water sports theme next term.

Co-op cash to help subway makeover

ARTISTIC youngsters are regenerating Treforest thanks to funding from the Co-Operative Group.

Glamorgan Blended Learning, which gives young people in South Wales the opportunity to use their academic knowledge to good use in their communities, has received a £500 grant to a create mural in St Dyfrig’s pedestrian subway.

Director Jonathan Bishop said: “We aim to contribute to developing the community economically, socially and culturally.

“By involving young people, we give them the chance to consider what needs to change for the better in their own community – and the chance to make these changes.

“This is an exciting project and will bring art into the public eye as well as brighten up a shabby subway. We would like to thank the Co-operative for its support.”

The donation has come from the Co-Operative Group’s Community Fund, which allows members to donate all or part of their twice-yearly pay-outs to worthy causes.

This fund offers £100,000 to charities and community groups in Wales each year, with grants ranging from £100 to £500, which are awarded by Co-operative members’ committees.

Chairman of the Co-operative’s South Wales Area Committee Gareth Lewis said: “The Community Fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and we are delighted to have made this award to Glamorgan Blended Learning. Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award, and we would certainly welcome their applications.”

Puppy power

AN APPEAL is being made for people to look after guide dog puppies during the first year of their life.

The Guide Dog for the Blind Association is looking for volunteers in Pontypridd who are willing to care for the pups from the ages of six weeks to 12 to 14 months, before they are returned to the charity to begin specialist guide dog training.

The volunteer’s role, which has been dubbed by the charity as a “puppy walker”, will involve teaching the puppy basic obedience and helping it get used to the home environment, all of which will prepare the puppy for its working life as a guide dog.

Mel Wharmby, Guide Dogs’ puppy walking supervisor, explains: “We’re looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who can care for the pups full time because, at the end of the day, if we don’t have puppy walkers we don’t have guide dogs.

“Puppy walking is challenging and it is a real commitment to take a puppy into your home for a year but with the support of Guide Dogs staff, our volunteers find it extremely rewarding and worthwhile.”

To become a puppy walker, volunteers will need to have access to a car and will need to be able to take their puppy to many varied environments – some of which will be busy and difficult.

They are also required to be in a position where they are able to be home most of the day and must have a garden secured with a fence, so that the puppy is able to roam around safely.

If you would like to request more information about volunteering for the charity as a puppy walker, call Guide Dogs on 0845 371 7771 or email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk. You can also visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking

Borough boxing club gets a boost

YOUNG boxers at Gilfach Goch Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) had stars in their eyes during a charity concert that was put on to raise funds for their club.

The event, which was arranged by staff at the local Co-op, raised £720 and thanks to an additional £400 that was provided by the Co-operative Group’s Booster fund, the total came to £1,120.

The show started with youngsters from Gilfach Goch ABC (Nathan Carey, Jack Parry, Sam Parry, and Drew Priday) singing a song they dedicated to former Welsh boxing coach Ken McCann, who was ill in hospital at the time. Mr McCann, who was the founder of Gilfach Goch ABC, died on June 14.

Co-op duty manager Anne Smallman said: “Sadly the day after the show Ken McCann past away but I know he would have been very proud to see what we had done for the club.”

The evening consisted of Co-op staff, which included Ann Smallman, Gillian James, Melanie Cook, Lisa Edwards, Angela Phillips, Carol Priddle, joining the young boxers to perform boxing-themed classics, such as the Rocky theme tune, the Going Gets Tough, The Final Countdown, The World’s Greatest, and the theme song of Billy Elliot.

Ken McCann’s son, Justin McCann, who now runs Gilfach Goch ABC will use the money that was raised to buy new boxing equipment for the club.

Dummy run for training medics

THIS ain’t no ordinary dummy – it is Europe’s first human patient simulator and it’s helping to train Taff Ely medics.

The University of Glamorgan is home to the‘iStan’, which is helping trainee medical professionals gain as close to real-life experience of treating a patient as possible without working on the real thing.

Based at the Faculty of Health, Sport and Science at the University, iStan is a revolutionary development.

Designed from the inside out, iStan has a human-like skeletal structure that provides true-to-life articulated motion. Spine, neck, arms and hips all move with life-like accuracy.

Modelled from a unique cast of a real person, the skin acts, looks and feels like real human skin.

Students at Glamorgan will be the first in the UK to have access to this form of training, which will prepare them in a unique way for their careers in the medical profession.

iStan is located in the Glamorgan Clinical Simulation Centre.

In 2005 the centre became the first in Wales to acquire the highly-sophisticated Human Patient Simulator or HPS from US based Medical Education Technologies Inc (METI).

The HPS is one of the world’s most advanced tools for teaching and hands on training for health professionals. The iStan is the latest version of this impressive technology.

Professor Donna Mead, Dean of Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, said: “iStan will be a key resource for our centre and will take simulation training for health professionals to a new and exciting level of realism.”

Community given a bright new look

YOUNGSTERS from Llantrisant Parish Church pulled out furniture and electrical goods when they got knee deep in muck during a clean-up of the River Ely.

With the help of Llantrisant Community Council, members of Tonyrefail Environment Association, two local PCSOs, and Ben Williams of Keep Wales Tidy, a group of young people from the church filled 25 bags with rubbish from the river section at Ynysddu, Pontyclun.

They also retrieved a number of large items from the river, such as two bicycles, two railway bogeys an artificial Christmas tree, a rotary washing line, old patio furniture, a lawn mower, a sink, and hosepipes.

The river clean was part of a Church initiative called Hope 2008, which aims to get the church into the community and to demonstrate the Christian faith in action in villages, towns and cities throughout the UK and Ireland.

Jacob Hodgers, of Dan Y Graig Heights, was one the youngsters who enjoyed cleaning up the river.

The nine year-old Tonysguboriau Primary School pupil said: “It was good because it was fun, you get to be with your friends and you get to do something for the community.”

“It was funny because my feet felt squidgy and when we stopped for lunch, I emptied my wellies and they were filled to the brim!”

Vicki Blyth from Llantrisant Church commented: “It was fantastic to serve the community by rolling our sleeves up and getting rather wet.”

Mags Griffiths from Llantrisant Community Council, added: “It was lovely to see the young people so enthusiastic.”

On June 7 the young people were busy on their second project, which saw them painting the equipment at the children’s playground at Gwaun Ruperra, Llantrisant and giving the area a makeover.

The youngest helpers were brothers Timothy and Michael Hodges, aged just six and five. The community activity was again supported by Llantrisant Community Council, as well as councillors Ceri Harris and Jonathon Gilmore, along and WPCSOs Jen Huish and Jitka Tomkova.

Matt Evans, aged 18, who took part, said: “It was a very enjoyable experience because I felt I could give something back to the community.”

Llantrisant Parish Church wishes to thank the local children who use the park and were inspired to help out when they saw what was going on.

These included: Lee Marden, aged 9; Hugh Ritchens, aged 12; Ieuan Booth-Jones, aged 10; Andrew Jones, aged 12; James Bull, age 10; and Joseph Pearse, age 9.