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June 2021

Welsh labour ministers must address large GP shortfall in Wales
Wales needs to have a strategy to tackle GP shortages according to the British Medical Association (BMA). The BMA said they have anecdotal evidence to suggest that there is a large increase in the number of GPs working part-time in Wales rather than full-time due to increased workplace pressures. A

Medal for inspirational man who's lived with diabetes for 70 years
Diabetes UK Cymru has Awarded a medal to Reverend Dr John Dann, 88 from Cardiff. The Baptist preacher and retired lecturer was diagnosed when he was 17 in 19XX just before going to university when he fell into a diabetic coma.

Mountain Ash Comprehensive School raise £450 for Tenovus Cancer Care Together Stronger
Tenovus Cancer Care, Wales’ leading cancer charity, partnered with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and launched two limited-edition wristbands for this summer’s European Championship.

Abercynon leads the way with Community Pharmacy
New MS Joel James has visited Sheppard’s Pharmacy in Abercynon to meet with Gareth Hughes, the superintendent of the practice, to hear about all the benefits of community pharmacist consultations for residents with minor illnesses.Community pharmacist consultations were first introduced in Wales in

Cwmdar pupils shout for safe parking

Year 6 pupils from Cwmdar Primary School have launched a road safety campaign, aimed at positively changing the behaviour of parents and those who drop off and pick up children from school – in a bid to improve pupil wellbeing.

800,000 tax relief claims for working from home
Since April, almost 800,000 employees who have been working from home during the pandemic, have already claimed tax relief on household related costs, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. The saving is worth up to £125 per year for each employee, and eligible workers can claim the full year’s

A response to the Labour Government’s Covid-safety education announcements
Responding to comments made by Labour’s education minister at the latest government press briefing, Welsh Conservative shadow education minister, Laura Anne Jones MS said:
 “Our children have been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic and it’s clear we will have to learn to live with this v

Law firm, Hugh James, helps finance new project to support people in Wales with asbestos-related cancer
“SUPPORT LIKE THIS WOULD HAVE HELPED MY DAD” The welsh-headquartered law firm, Hugh

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council propose reinstating new footbridge over the River Cynon but not over Aberdare Bypass
The photograph shows a footbridge crossing the River Cynon next to Aberdare Swiming Pool the Bridge that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council demolished to make way for the Aberdare bypass  now with taxpayers money the council plan on reinstating the bridge.This is half a job council a bridge over the river bu

Phases Two and Three of Tylorstown landslip project now complete
The Council has reached an important landmark in its remediation of the Tylorstown landslip, by completing two major phases of work which have enabled local walking and cycling routes to reopen to the public. The landslip occurred on the Llanwonno hillside at Tylorstown during Storm Dennis in Februa

The Education Programme for Patients saved my life
When Julie Jackson agreed to take part in the Education Programme for Patients (EPP) she was in a dark place and was sceptical that it would help. Her marriage was in difficulty, she had lost her job and her mother had died, closely followed by her father. 

Update on 21st Century Schools investment for Greater Pontypridd
The Council has provided an update on the progress made towards delivering significant 21st Century Schools investment for the Greater Pontypridd area, following recent consideration by Cabinet Members.At their meeting on June 17, Cabinet received a report in relation to the future education investm

The two residents, aged 50 and 29, are both from the Penrhiwceiber area fined for Selling Counterfeit Goods
Two Rhondda Cynon Taf residents have been successfully prosecuted by the Council’s Trading Standards Department for operating a fraudulent business and selling or having in their possession counterfeit goods. The two residents, aged 50 and 29, are both from the Penrhiwceiber area and both pleaded gu

Diabetes UK Cymru invites residents in South Wales to sign up to summer steps challenge
People in South Wales are being invited to step it up this summer and raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.The One Million Step Challenge is ideal for anyone who rediscovered their love of walking in the great outdoors during the pandemic, or anyone looking for a way to get more active as lockdown rest

How clean is our river? Over development?Lack of new infrastructure?
Combined Sewer Flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf Area Dwr Cymru drainage has a combined storm overflows system, which means it is allowed to discharge sewage direct in to our rivers so just how clean are our rivers in Cynon Valley?

MACS CODY – OUR YOUNG SPORTING WONDER!

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Proposed Senior Management restructure agreed by RCTC Cabinet
Is it also time to cut the number of local councillors in Rhondda Cynon Taf?A proposed restructure of senior management considered by Cabinet today would reduce current senior management costs by over £250,000 a year, on top of the £3.19m reduction achieved in this area since 2014.A

Calls for Drakeford to apologise after 'inaccurate and irresponsible' Bovine TB claims
Welsh Conservatives have called on the First Minister to apologise after making 'misleading' claims regarding Bovine TB in the Senedd.  Last week, Mark Drakeford - in response to a question on TB from Janet-Finch Saunders - claimed 'the reason why low area statuses have moved up is because of the im

The consistent failures of the Welsh Labour Government are having a devastating impact on bus services in Wales
Welsh Conservative response to Wales' bus service closures leaving people 'isolated'Responding to a BBC Wales report on bus service closures, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS said:  
“The consistent failures of the Welsh Labour Government are having a de

CTM holds first dose vaccination walk-in clinics
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB is holding its first COVID-19 vaccine walk-in clinics.This week’s walk-ins are for any adult who lives in the Health Board area and is yet to have their first dose.They are being held at Mountain Ash community vaccination centre based at the Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre.Thi

Many roads across Wales are not fit for purpose a response to Labour Government freeze on all new road building projects
Commenting on the Labour Government’s decision to freeze all new road building projects, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, Natasha Asghar MS said: 
"At such a delicate economic time, this decision could prove a significant blow for our recovery.

Upcoming works to Ynysmeurig Bridge in Abercynon this summer
The Council is giving advanced notice of disruptive works to Ynysmeurig Bridge in Abercynon which will take place later this summer – requiring a road closure of the main road and a significant diversion for motorists and bus users. The structure supports the B4275 near River Row, and requires a maj

CTM signs Memorandum of Understanding with BAPIO
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BAPIO (formally known as the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin).At a special online event representatives of the Health Board and BAPIO were joined by Health Minister Eluned Morg

TWO RHONDDA MEN BEAT AND LEFT A MAN FOR DEAD BY THE ROADSIDE
Two Rhondda men who left a man for dead on a pavement after beating him with a metal bat have been jailed.Callum Thomas, 23, of Porth and Nathan Emery, 26, of Tonypandy, beat their victim so hard that he was in a coma and hospitalised for months before being released from hospital on Christmas Eve w

Welsh Conservative response to announcement of Estyn review into sexual harassment and abuse
The Welsh Government has announced Estyn will conduct a review into culture and processes in schools to help protect and support young people better, following a call by the Welsh Conservatives. Last week, Laura Anne Jones called for an Estyn investigation after publication of an Ofsted review in En

Ordeal of Long Covid for mum of three with type 1 diabetes
Dianne Bain, 47 from Powys was healthy and fit until COVID19 struck and left her barely able to work and enjoy life. 

Standard petrol is changing to E10 will your vehicle run on the new standard?
This summer the standard petrol grade in the UK will become E10. Currently, UK petrol is E5, meaning it contains up to 5% bioethanol. E10 petrol will see the amount of bioethanol increase to 10%.Petrol cars manufactured after 2011 and most modern motorcycles are E10 compatible.

Identity Verification (IDV) checks
Changes to the way Care Inspectorate Wales  process Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Identity Verification (IDV) checksWe are changing the process for undertaking DBS Identification (IDV) checks from 1 July 2021.From this date, we will no longer require you to attend a virtual or face-to-face ID

Planning to grant a green? In Wales such spaces are under threat from outdated and inadequate planning guidance.
Grant a GreenOn 26 April we launched our Grant a Green campaign, calling on local councils in England and Wales voluntarily to register their open spaces as town or vill

Clear South Wales Coal Tips

Below taken from Clear South Wales Coal Tips on Facebook Hi all, I've been working on some observations of the Ynyshir Tips above Llanwonno Road in the Rhondda Fach Valley.I've put the observations below in an email to the Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Authority a little earlier today.

Driving lessons and learning to drive
Update on private practiceThe guidance on private practice in England, Scotland and Wales has changed.

HMRC can help towards the cost of children’s summer holiday activities
Today, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working families in Wales that they can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for their childcare costs over the summer. Tax-Free Childcare – a childcare top-up f

Oxford Buildings Mountain Ash redevelopment complete
A scheme to redevelop 1-4 Oxford Buildings in Mountain Ash has now been completed, after the Council worked with partners to bring the prominent vacant buildings back in to use. 1-4 Oxford buildings have been a key feature to the south-east entrance to Mountain Ash town Centre for over 100 years, al

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board launches new website
A new website for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM) Regional Partnership Board (RPB) is live today.The CTM RPB brings together partners from health, social care, the third sector, education, housing and the private sector to tackle health inequalities and improve health, social care and wellbeing services

Tragically, nearly 8,000 people have died in Wales over the past 18 months – the highest rate of any nation in the UK – and we owe it to their families to ensure they have answers,
Russell George writes, as we move out of the pandemic, Wales faces huge challenges, and none more so in our treasured National Health Service. It’s been an incredibly challenging 18 months, but it’s been humbling to witness the commitment, work and bravery of our heroic frontline st

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic diabetic eye screening was paused but the service in Wales resumed delivering clinics in September 2020.
Letter to the Editor, sent on behalf of Diabetic Eye Screening Wales’ (DESW) Head of Programme Jude Kay and Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) Cymru’s Director Ansley Workman and Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams: This diabetes week (14 to 20 June) we’re urging Aberdare Online read

Rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales
The COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales has been delivered at significant pace with local, national and UK partners working together to vaccinate a significant proportion of the Welsh population.Whilst immediate vaccine milestones have been achieved, a longer-term plan is needed that keeps pace

Outcome of the recent consultation on Active Travel provision
A summary of responses to the Council’s recent Active Travel consultation will be shared with Cabinet – with several changes to future walking and cycling provision now being considered following the feedback from 695 participants. In collaboration with Welsh Government, the Council held the engagem

The public are urged to be vigilant following reports of two distraction burglaries
The public are urged to be vigilant following reports of two distraction burglaries which happened on Friday, 4th June, 2021.On each occasion, two men targeted elderly residents and they called at the addresses claiming they were checking the water.The first incident occurred in

Serious concerns following a report that Wales has the highest proportion of children in the UK being cared for by the state.
The Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Services has raised serious concerns following a report that Wales has the highest proportion of children in the UK being cared for by the state.Commenting, Gareth Davies MS said:“This shocking report is a damning indictment of Labour’s misma

Ty Gwyn Education Centre in Aberdare has been shortlisted in the TES Schools Awards 2021
Ty Gwyn Education Centre in Aberdare has been shortlisted in the TES Schools Awards 2021, which recognises the most outstanding individuals and institutions within the UK’s education sector.All at Ty Gwyn Education Centre are delighted at being recognised in the well-being and mental health award ca

Call for expressions of interest for CTM UHB Partnership Panel
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB is currently looking for expressions of interest from people living in Rhondda Cynon Taf to join its Partnership Panel.The Panel is designed create opportunities for members of the Health Board and local community to come together to look at models of care for emergency, minor

Answers needed for shocking images showing passengers commuting with Transport for Wales ‘cramped like sardines’
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS, has demanded immediate answers after shocking images emerged of commuters being cramped, and unable to social distance, on trains across the Welsh rail network over the weekend.Commenting, she said:“Thanks to the UK’s fantastic vac

Brother And Sister Become Mensa Members
Two learners from Rhondda Cynon Taf have been accepted into Mensa due to them having IQ higher than the projected scores of the late Albert Einstein and Sir Stephen Hawking.Jessica Casey, 13, of Aberdare, is delighted to have become a member of the elite society, of which her 15-year-old brother Har

Getting on your goat: Llŷn Peninsula mountain goat project highlighted on BBC Countryfile
Tracking feral mountain goats up the craggy cliffs of the Llŷn Peninsula is no easy challenge, as the BBC’s Matt Baker found out when he visited a new project that is monitoring the local population.Lee Oliver, project manager for the national conservation charity Game & Wildlife Conservation Tr

Scams warning for tax credits customers
Tax credits customers should be vigilant and alert to potential scams, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned, as the remaining annual renewal packs will arrive in the post this week. In the 12 months to 30 April 2021, HMRC responded to more than 1,154,300 referrals of suspicious contact from the

52 year-old man has been charged with three residential burglaries in Llwynypia
After an appeal we posted yesterday about residential burglaries in Llwynypia, a 52 year-old man has been charged with three residential burglaries and one other theft offence, and a 37 year-old woman was charged with one residential burglary and two other theft offences.

Digital Transformation and the Power of Youth
Written by Nigel Oanea‑Cram, Development Officer ‑ Care experienced children, Children in WalesYou are reading this article on our new website.

When told to wear a mask, a man pulled out an imitation firearm and threatened takeaway staff.
A Rhondda man who pointed an imitation firearm at a kebab shop owner after he was told to wait outside the shop because he refused to wear a mask has been jailed.Paul Griffiths, 57, of Penrhys Road, Ystrad, walked into the ‘Rhondda Takeaway’ on Gelligaled Road at around 10.15pm on November 5th, 2020

Let's Talk Electric Vehicle Charging in Narrow Valley Terrace Streets?

As part of our new and exciting Climate Conversation - ‘Let’s Talk Climate Change RCT’ the Council would like your help in shaping the future development of Electric Vehicle Charging across the County Borough.The use of electric vehicles is increasing year-on-year and it is important that the Counci