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The title of Mayor will be re-introduced by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, it has been announced today.

The decision has been taken to remedy existing situation, introduced in 1999 by the previous Council administration. At present, the ‘Mayor’ of the Council is referred to as ‘Chairman’ even though they still wear the ‘Chain of Office’ with the title ‘Mayor’ engraved on it and undertakes the same role.

Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “It’s only right and proper that the ‘First Citizen’ of our Borough is given the same status as others in Wales. It was an unusual situation introduced by the previous administration where the ‘Office of Mayor’ and the role of ‘Mayor’, including the use of the Chain of Office were still all in use, under the name of ‘Chairman’ conducting exactly the same role. We are the second largest local authority in Wales and it is only fitting that the title of Mayor is restored. The Office of the Chairman will be renamed with immediate effect to the Office of the Mayor. There will be no cost or budget implications. Today’s move merely provides the role of First Citizen within Rhondda Cynon Taf with the appropriate status it rightly deserves.”

The Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, Councillor Albert Davies MBE, commented: “Since taking office as Chairman some four months ago, it has become increasingly apparent to me that role I undertake on behalf of the people of Rhondda Cynon Taf rightly deserves the appropriate status. On a daily basis, people question me as to why Wales second largest authority doesn’t have a Mayor. I am delighted that the Leadership of Rhondda Cynon Taff have taken the decision to replace the title of ‘Chairman’ with the title of ‘Mayor.’ The previous administration did not get rid of the Office of Mayor, they merely changed its title, and all we are doing re-introducing the appropriate title for the role. The introduction of Major will ensure that this instantly recognised title is used in our valued work to improve international links, as well as our charity work.”

In the early hours of yesterday morning (October 27) we suffered a serious technical failure. We are currently updating the system and in the meantime are running a limited service. We aim to get back to normal within 24 hours.

STELCO HARDY FACTORY TO CLOSE ...... Top
(Wednesday, September 22, 2004)

It has been announced that the Stelco Hardy factory will close next March with the loss of 40 jobs. Despite announcing in June 2003 they had secured £1.4million of business the company has said that this decision has been made against a background of ongoing loss-making and adverse market conditions. Kevin Morgan, Treherbert Councillor, said: "The company has had a long association with the Rhondda and this is very disappointing. It is a massive blow to the community."The company began trading in Treherbert 57 years ago in 1947 and during its time became known as one of the UK's largest suppliers of stainless steel tubing for automatic exhaust system manufacturers.

Leighton Andrews, Rhondda Assembly Member, expressed his disappointment at the news. "I am disappointed at the news and will be contacting the company to ask for an explanation for its decision. The factory has an extremely strong workforce and I will also be holding talks with union representatives."

A clear message went out to dog owners across Rhondda Cynon Taff last week when five dog owners became the first to be given fixed penalty notices for failing to clean up their dog’s mess. The fines were issued under new powers adopted by the Council this year to impose on-the-spot fines of £75 to owners if their pets foul pavements and public places, and they fail to clean up the mess.Rhondda Cynon Taff Council conducted an enforcement exercise at problematic areas across the County Borough, immediately punishing those people caught leaving their dog’s mess. Rhondda Cynon Taff Council have highlighted the need for positive action to be taken to tackle the problem of dog fouling.“The public support strong action against people who degrade our environment and Rhondda Cynon Taff’s new administration is adopting a zero-tolerance approach,” said Rhondda Cynon Taff Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Improvement, Councillor Anthony Christopher. “Regular surveillance of hot spots for a range of environmental crime has been stepped up in order to deal more speedily with problems such as dog mess. The Council has introduced more poop bins and is educating residents using promotional leaflets in our parks. However, those who continue to disregard public health will not be tolerated. The Council's playing fields are used by children for sports and by other residents for recreation purposes. Dog fouling presents a serious health hazard as well as being an environmental nuisance. We’re investing a lot of time, effort and resources into street cleansing, litter collection and recycling, not just from a remedial point of view but to encourage education and prevention – this is just one of a number of positive steps.”The areas targeted in the initial clampdown: Caerdrawnant Recreation Grounds, Mountain Ash; Michael Sobell Sports Centre Playing Fields, Aberdare; Playing Fields, Talbot Green and Ystradfechan Playing Fields, Treorchy.

It is an offence under the provisions of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 for the person in charge of a dog to fail to pick up that dog’s faeces. Fixed penalties for dog fouling must be paid within 14 days. Failure to pay can result in prosecution and a maximum fine of £2,500. It is not a reasonable excuse for owners to claim they are unaware their dog has messed or that no suitable facilities to remove it are available.

Is dog fouling a problem?
The British dog population is estimated to be around 6.8 million, producing 900 tonnes of excrement per day. Dog faeces can cause toxocariasis (which can lead to serious illness and blindness), food poisoning and other diseases. A Tidy Britain Group survey found that 80% of people questioned were "greatly concerned by dog mess".

For further information about responsible dog ownership contact the Council’s Public Health and Protection Division on 01443-442100.

TREHERBERT LABOUR OPPOSE SCHOOL CLOSURE 'IN PRINCIPLE' ...... Top
(Wednesday, October 6, 2004)

At their monthly meeting Treherbert Labour Party have agreed to 'oppose the closure [of Treherbert Infant School] in principle but would await further information as part of the consultation process'. The party will look at the educational and financial advantages of the Council's proposals before making a final decision.

TREHERBERT 'SAVE OUR SCHOOL' CAMPAIGN BEGINS ...... Top
(Monday, October 11, 2004)

On Tuesday there will be a meeting of the 'Save Our School' Campaign for Treherbert Infant School. The meeting will be held at the school (Stuart Street) commencing at 5pm. All local residents are welcomed.

Church Street in Treherbert will be closed from 6am until 6pm today to traffic. Cwmni will be staging the first Treherbert Food & Craft Fayre in the street.

LOCAL BREEDING HABITS ...... Top
(Saturday, October 16, 2004)

'Common Local Species, Breeding Habits and Hibernation' will be the subject of an illustrated talk on Tuesday October 19. The event will be held at Blaenrhondda Methodist Church on Brook Street (Blaenrhondda).

The talk will be given by Erica Colkett and the event is being organised by the Pen-y-Rhondda Trust. All residents are welcomed, the event promised to be an interesting and informative evening.

POLICE CIRCLE TREHERBERT WITH FLOODLIGHTS ..... Top
(Monday, October 18, 2004)

For over an hour a police helicopter used a search light over Treherbert and district from 1:55am. We have contacted South Wales Police but as yet are awaiting for a statement.

Click here to watch the helicopter, sent in by TOTW viewer Gareth of Tynewydd.

MODEL SHOW RETURNS TO RHONDDA ..... Top
(Wednesdayday, October 21, 2004)

The largest model show in South Wales will once again take place in Rhondda Cynon Taff. The 30th South Wales Model Show will see modellers and traders from across the UK descend on Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad early next year.

The South Wales Model Show will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 8th and 9th January, and will include exhibits and sales of model railways, military models, cranes, die cast models, radio controlled vehicles and slotcars. There will also be large-scale test-track and workshops.

South Wales Model Show organiser, Bernard Davies, commented: “It’s great to be back in Rhondda Cynon Taff for yet another model show. The event has proved extremely popular in the past and we’ve got more renowned exhibitors from across the country than ever before. The two halls of the Rhondda Sports Centre gives over 14,000 square foot of exhibition space for over 50 exhibitors. I’m sure local people, modellers or otherwise, will come out in their numbers.”

RHONDDA MP SURGERIES ..... Top
(Thursday, October 22, 2004)

Rhondda MP Chris Bryant will be holding the following surgeries over the coming months:

Friday 19 November, 3pm at 5 Cemetery Road, Porth; Saturday 27 November, 10am at Noddfa Day Centre; Friday 3 December, 3pm at 5 Cemetery Road, Porth; Friday 10 December, 2pm at Penygraig Labour Club; Saturday 11 December, 10am at Noddfa Davy Centre and Friday 17 December, 3pm at 5 Cemetery Road, Porth.

FREE SWIMMING THIS AUTUMN ..... Top
(Thursday, October 22, 2004)

The ‘Big Splash’ swimming initiative in Rhondda Cynon Taff will again be providing free swims for local kids during the half-term break. Rhondda Cynon Taff Council has once again organised one of the largest local authority sports and leisure projects in Wales. For the holiday period, there will be free swimming available from Monday to Friday for those aged 16 years and under, at Council-managed swimming pools.

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council’s Head of Community Leisure, Cyril Chivers, commented, "The Big Splash is all about free swimming and sports for children. We, as a local authority, are fully committed to maximising the impact of this important health and activity initiative. Hopefully, they will be encouraged to take part in more sporting and exercise activities after the scheme has ended. It is our aim to permanently encourage our children to feel comfortable in using the facilities and provide more access to these facilities so they have the confidence to enjoy a healthy and active life in the future."

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council's leisure centres and swimming pools are located at: Bronwydd Swimming Pool, Porth (01443) 682817; Rhondda Fach Sports Centre, Tylorstown (01443) 756242; Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad (01443) 434093; Maerdy Pool, Ferndale (01443) 755412; Treherbert Swimming Pool (01443) 771219; Aberdare Swimming Pool (01685) 874252; Abercynon Sports Centre (01443) 740141; Michael Sobell Sports Centre (01685) 874323; Llantrisant Leisure Centre (01443) 224616; Hawthorn Leisure Centre (01443) 843406; Lantwit Fardre Leisure Centre (01443) 201721; Hawthorn Swimming Pool (01443 841231; Tonyrefail Swimming Pool (01443) 670578.

The ‘Big Splash’ scheme will operate Monday to Friday between 25th-29th October. All pools will open for the first swims at 11am and the free sessions will end at 4.30pm. In times of high demand, timed sessions may need to be introduced. Entry to the swimming sessions and sports events will be on a 'first come, first served' basis. However, pre-registration will be available for sports activities by contacting the respective leisure centre reception. Usual terms and conditions will apply. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. The Council's health and safety policies for swimming pools will operate - these include a safety provision so there is a limit to the number of swimmers allowed access to any of the 10 pool areas at one time.

WEATHER WARNING ..... Top
(Tuesday, October 26, 2004)

Here is an ADVANCED WARNING of Severe Gales and Heavy Rain affecting South West Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West England, The Midlands, Wales, South West England, Central Southern England, South East England and East Anglia AND Lincolnshire.

The Met Office is forecasting an intense depression to move near to the southwest of England on Wednesday, bringing very strong winds to southern and western parts and sweeping rain across the whole of the British Isles. Winds will be strongest over parts of Wales and Southwest England, gusts of 70 to 80 mph possible. The southeast coast of Northern Ireland is also at risk from 70 mph gusts. Trees may be damaged or brought down and some disruption to road, rail and sea transport is possible. The maximum gusts are expected to occur in Southwest England, south and southwest Wales later on Wednesday, transferring northwest into the Irish Sea during Wednesday night.

Local flooding is also likely as outbreaks of rain sweep north into areas already affected by recent flooding events, particularly Wales and the Midlands, but the southwest of England will also be at risk.