Blackwood Independent Councillor Nigel Dix

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1032458/wales-councillor-kevin-etheridge-calls-for-council-election-changes/

Calls for 'full and frank debate' on changing council election voting system Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge has proposed abolishing the traditional voting system for local government elections.

As of March 31, 2022, the council has £233.308m in reserves – this figure is expected to be updated as the financial accounts for 2022/23 are published later this month.
What are reserves ? Reserves are monies that were allocated to various departments but not spent, which raises more questions?

'Disappointing' local government settlement is one of lowest rises in Wales Caerphilly will receive one of the lowest increases in council funding from the Welsh Government next year.

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1031624/blackwood-homelessness-charity-hct-wants-easier-access-to-help/

"We are in a crisis": Homelessness charity shares struggles of rough sleepers in winter Hayley Thomas, founder of homelessness charity HCT, wants the council to make it easier for people in need to ask for help.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year's.

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/23989148.caerphilly-council-tenants-pay-7-rent-week/

Council house tenants to pay £7 more rent each week Council house tenants in Caerphilly County Borough will pay nearly £7 more in rent each week from April 2024.

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1032076/blackwood-libanus-lifestyle-going-from-strength-to-strength/

Libanus Lifestyle: Community hub going from strength-to-strength Work converting the former chapel into the strong community asset it is today began in 2015, with the building modernised and its churchyard converted into a vibrant garden.

Update re Barclay Bank Closure.

Residents will be aware that Barclay Bank intend to close their Blackwood branch in March 2024.

Your Independent Councillors have met with Barclay management to discuss the closure.
The lease on the building is coming up for renewal, sadly Barclay are not going to renew the lease, as they say that few of their customers now use the bank/ building is no longer fit for purpose.

Your Independent Councillors have asked that Barclay continue to have a presence in Blackwood.

Barclay are looking to provide a facility where customers can access information and advise, that would be delivered from a shared community building such as Blackwood library. Cash deposit can be made via the post office.
Nigel

Public Notice.

Caerphilly County Borough Council Announce Changes to Household Recycling Centres

Caerphilly County Borough Council have announced changes to the way residents use their Household Recycling Centres (HRC), as part of their plans to boost recycling rates and minimise waste.

The new stipulations will come into effect from 12th February and will require all residents to pre-sort their waste and recycling at home, before visiting any of the Council’s HRCs.

Cllr. Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Waste, Leisure & Green spaces said: “We have a serious waste issue here in Caerphilly County Borough, and we need to be bold and ambitious in our approach to tackle this.

“The household waste deposited in the general waste skips at Household Recycling Centres in Caerphilly County Borough is currently the highest in Wales, and whilst we have introduced measures to try and combat this, such as the proof of residency requirement, more needs to be done.”

The new measure, which is in line with how other Councils throughout Wales operate, will instruct residents to separate recyclable and non-recyclable materials at home, so that when visiting Household Recycling Centres, everything can be easily organised into the correct containers.

Any waste brought to Household Recycling Centres in bags will also be monitored, with residents being asked to open the bags to ensure that no recyclable materials are inside.

Cllr. Chris Morgan added: “Recent compositional analysis revealed that approximately 50% of our general waste skips could have been recycled.

“The new pre-sort requirements are being introduced alongside a complete reconfiguring of our HRCs to ensure that our residents are able to waste less and recycle a wider range of materials.”

For more information about what can be recycled at Household Recycling Centres visit: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/household-waste-and-recycling/recycling-centres



CCBC are changing the way you use Household Recycling Centres, to help boost recycling rates and minimise waste.

Caerphilly - Caerphilly County Borough - Bins and Recycling Find out everything you need to know about reducing waste, recycling and disposing of unwanted household items.

I would like to thank the council Housing Department for agreeing to cut back over grown trees at Apollo Way, next to the playing field, following complaints from residents regarding falling branches.
Nigel

Labour planning law power grab.

New law to reform planning process for major projects passed A proposed law to reform the planning process for major infrastructure projects passed its first hurdle despite concerns it “undermines” the role of the Senedd.

Andrew and I would like to thank the Council highway dept for installing barriers to prevent parking on the grass Verge at the junction with Attlee Rd / Morrison St junction.
Hall St, to prevent vehicles parking on the pedestrian paved area .
Following concerns raised by resident.
Nigel

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1031370/caerphilly-council-leader-defends-2m-consultants-spend/

'Value for money' questioned as council spends £2m on consultants The council's leader said the “short-term” hiring of consultants for “essential” projects had helped the council save money and avoid making redundancies.

Caerphilly council in crisis.
An itv documentary on caerphilly Council , this Thursday ,ITV at 8:30 pm.

Labour leadership comments make a mockery of the public consultation process.

Council leader says keeping leisure centre open would be "absolute insanity" The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Sean Morgan, has said keeping Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre open would be "absolute insanity".

Labour increasing council housing rent.

Council house tenants could see rent rise by 6.7% next spring Failing to raise rents could have a "detrimental" effect on the council's ability to maintain its housing stock, a new report warns.

Public Notice/ renewal of residents parking permits.
Nigel.

All applicants for Season Tickets for all Car Parks including Gordon Road are directed to apply online. Terms and conditions and how to apply and pay for season tickets can be found on the following

linkhttps://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/transport-and-parking/parking-permits/season-tickets?lang=en-GB

Letters were issued 30 November 2022 to inform the residents that the reintroduction of charges would be applicable from 02 Jan 2023 (post covid).

We do not issue reminder letters to the residents to renew their Season tickets. An expiry date is included on the season ticket in order for the residents to check and manage themselves
Renewal forms have to be completed at least one week in advance of the current season ticket expiring to ensure that the new ticket is received before the current one expires.

Kind regards
Dean Smith

Caerphilly - Caerphilly County Borough The place to find services and information provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council and its partners.

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1030636/caerphilly-council-worrying-levels-of-staff-sickness/

Stress, depression, and fatigue among top reasons for council staff absence Stress, depression, and fatigue are among the top reasons for absence among council workers in Caerphilly this year.

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1030359/caerphilly-council-warned-over-blackwood-regeneration-plans/

Reliable public transport needed if town centres are to be transformed, council warned Ambitious plans to regenerate tired town centres will fall flat without reliable public transport, Caerphilly Council has been warned.

I would like to thank Council Parks Dept for cleaning back the grass on the footpath , Ladysmith Rd to Libanus jnr school.
Nigel

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1029894/blackwood-gwent-police-appeal-after-bins-set-on-fire/

Police appeal after three bins set on fire in Blackwood Gwent Police is appealing after three bins were set on fire in Blackwood between October 22 and October 23.

Very disappointing, labour have been determined to close it for years.

Council's push to close leisure centre "disappointing" Caerphilly County Borough Council has indicated this week it will push for the closure of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre.

Labour looking to introduce redundancy payments for Councillors who lose their seats.
I am opposed to such payments, there are far better ways to spend public money.
Nigel.

Councillors could receive 'redundancy' payments if they are voted out Under the Elections and Elected Bodies bill, councillors in Wales who lose their seats could receive a resettlement payment.

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1029612/changes-to-the-way-senedd-members-are-elected-risk-increasing-public-disaffection/

Changes to the way Senedd Members are elected risk "increasing public disaffection" Under the bill, future Senedd elections would use a “closed-list” system which would see the electorate voting for parties rather than people.

I would like to thank the Council parks dept for installing gates to the fields next to the car park on Blackwood Rd, to prevent further fly tipping.
Nigel

Public Notice
ALBION TERRACE, BLACKWOOD

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ORDER
MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2023

On behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council I give notice under section 14(2) of The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 of the following:

No one shall cause any vehicle to proceed along Albion Terrace between no.6 and no.14 Albion Terrace, Blackwood for a distance of approx. 57 metres

LOCATION Albion Terrace between no.6 and no.14 Albion Terrace, Blackwood for a distance of approx. 57 metres

DURATION From 09:00 until 17:00 on Monday 6 November 2023
FF
REASON To allow for poling works

ACCESS Access for residents, pedestrians and Emergency service vehicles will be maintained where possible.

INFORMATION More information can be obtained from ConeMasters Limited on 01446 781715 or via [email protected]

Signed _
Head of Infrastructure

19/10/2023
TM/23/1006/BA

I would like to thank the council Parks Dept for cutting back the tree that was blocking the access to libanus school from Ladysmith Rd .
Nigel

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1028307/cefn-fforest-gwent-police-introduce-dispersal-order/

Dispersal order in force in Cefn Fforest A dispersal order covering parts of Cefn Fforest has been introduced by Gwent Police in a bid to curb antisocial behaviour.

I have raised concerns with highways regarding the tree, as you enter Libanus field from Ladysmith Rd. The tree is laying at dangerous angle and could collapse. Highways have agreed to inspect the tree and make safe.
Nigel

Libanus field.
I would like to thank parks dept for responding quickly, and making the tree safe.
Nigel

Following concerns raised by resident regarding anti social behavior, and criminality at Blackwood bus station. I have requested the following information, (see bar graph) regarding recorded incidents at the bus station from the 1.1.23 . Your Independent Councillors will be meeting with the police to discuss what action has been taken to date to address the ongoing problems, if its working, and what needs to be implemented to ensure Blackwood bus is a safe place for all.
Nigel

A tree has fallen over in libanus field, I have reported it to park service who will attend and
make it safe. Please avoid, as it's only being held up by the neighbouring tree .
Nigel

Welsh Assembly Members allowance.
The cost will increase when an extra 39 members will be added to the taxpayers bill.

Council tax increase of 7,8 % , and labour are cutting the amount spent per head by £67.00, and making £ 50 million in cuts over the next two years, and job loses. Drakeford is making £900. Million in cuts.
Clearly Labour are incompetent.
Labour pay more get less .

Council workforce cuts not ruled out as financial pressures loom Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Sean Morgan has not ruled out a reduction in council workers as part of the local authority’s efforts to cope with looming financial pressures.

Community Empowerment Grants are available for community organisations based in Blackwood.

Blackwood Councillors have been allocated £10.630, we are keen that all monies are distributed to community groups .
Closing date for first round of application 1/12/23.
See link to application form. www.caerphilly.gov.uk/cef
Nigel

Caerphilly - Caerphilly County Borough The place to find services and information provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council and its partners.

Public Notice Cliff Rd .

Good afternoon Councillors,

Just to make you aware, some site investigation works will be commencing on a parcel of land at Cliff Road (see attached plan) next week. The work will comprise the excavation of trial and soil infiltration test pits along with the drilling of rotary bore holes. Works will commence on Monday 25th September and are scheduled to be completed on Thursday 5th October.

Should you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,
Steve

Steve Wilcox

Reducing hours at Minor Injury Units .

Have your say .

Following a recent evaluation of our Minor Injury Unit Services (MIU), an imbalance between opening hours and patient demand across the MIU’s was highlighted.

In recognition of low overnight patient demand at some sites, the Health Board is seeking to ensure that this valuable resource is used as effectively as possible.
It is important that the public consider any proposals we are making thoroughly and provide their feedback through a survey which can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/16ambYxmea We also have paper copies of the survey and post boxes at both Nevill Hall Hospital and Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr. These can be found in the Main Reception of each hospital and both Minor Injury Units.

Next week, we will be holding two more formal public engagement (drop-in any time during the times stated) sessions about the Provision of Minor Injury Unit Services.

Please take the opportunity to read our briefing document (available here https://bit.ly/3Pcsa9E) and consider any proposals we are making thoroughly. You will then be given the opportunity to ask us any questions at the following times.

• Wednesday 27th September, 5.30pm - 7.00pm On-line via Microsoft Teams (please email [email protected] to register)
• Friday 29th September, 10.00am – 12.00noon Abergavenny Market, 61 Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EH*
*Learning from our previous engagement sessions, we have booked an additional space for this session in the Community Room in Abergavenny Library above Abergavenny Market.

For information resources and to complete paper copies of the survey, please attend the session in Abergavenny Market. For informative, detailed and 1-1 conversations with the Senior Management Team about the proposals, please attend the session in the Community Room in Abergavenny Library.

It’s important to note that we are reviewing this public engagement regularly to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their feedback on the proposals. Therefore, we have extended the public engagement period for another four weeks until Friday 1st December.

We are currently in the process of organising more formal public engagement sessions across the Health Board area which will be publicised (online via our social pages, on our website, emailed to our stakeholders and via posters displayed at the venues where the engagement sessions will be taking place and the local surrounding area) as soon as they are confirmed. Please find attached a poster and social media graphic for next week’s session in Abergavenny, we would be most grateful if you could help us share this information with your networks.

Fill | Provision of Minor Injury Unit Services  Public Engagement Survey Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is seeking your views on the Health Board’s proposals for Minor Injury Unit (MIU) services.  Minor injury units are separate from emergency departments, and deal with less serious conditions such as wounds, grazes, small burns, minor fractures and insect ...

https://caerphilly.observer/news/1027601/health-board-wants-to-permanently-reduce-opening-hours-at-minor-injury-unit/

Health board wants to permanently reduce opening hours at minor injury unit Overnight opening hours at the minor injury unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr were temporality reduced during the pandemic, and the health board now wants to make the cut permanent.

Public Notice.
Cycle path Cwm Argoed.
A tree has fallen across the path, I have reported it to the Parks Dept. The tree will be removed tomorrow morning.
Nigel