logo
Delayed grass cutting service to begin across Bridgend County

Delayed grass cutting service to begin across Bridgend County

Wales Online7 hours ago

Delayed grass cutting service to begin across Bridgend County
The authority made the decision to develop an in-house grass-cutting service in 2024
Coity Road Bridgend
(Image: Google Maps )
Grass cutting services across Bridgend county have begun after delays which residents said left grass up to knee height in some parts of the borough. The announcement was made by the council's leader Cllr John Spanswick at a full council meeting held by the authority on June 25, 2025.
At the meeting he said teams would now be starting the work after the completion of a training scheme which ensured all staff were qualified and ready for the job.

He added that the situation was one he couldn't go a day without mentioning in recent months, though noted that the teams were now making their way around urban parts of the borough.

Speaking outside of the meeting a council spokesperson said: "This year's grass cutting service started slightly later than usual as the council had to ensure that the new members of staff were qualified and ready to undertake the work.
"The service has started by prioritising driver and pedestrian safety and ensuring there are clear lines of sight at junctions and roundabouts.
"This part of the work has targeted a total of 48 locations around the county borough, including busy locations such as the A473 Waterton Lane junction and the Pyle to South Cornelly roundabout.
Article continues below
"The next phase will divide the county borough into two zones – North and South – to ensure they can be cut quickly and efficiently.
"Each zone will feature two grass cutting teams, one working in the east of that zone and the other covering the west.
"Both teams will follow established grass cutting routes, with each route designed to maximise cutting times while minimising travel."

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
The issues with the service began after the authority made the decision to develop an in-house grass-cutting service in 2024 as opposed to outsourcing the work to a private contractor as they had done since 2015.
The move came with the transfer of more than £300,000 worth of capital funding from the authority to put towards the cost of purchasing new plant and equipment such as mowers.
Article continues below
With the work now underway Cllr Paul Davies of Caerau added: "I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we have been tackling this issue, and getting the grass cutting schedule back on track."
A later motion put forward by councillor Martin Williams to consider contacting town and community councils in the borough with an offer to pay them to carry out the service in their areas as an interim measure was deffered to a later meeting.

Hashtags

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Get Ahead of 99% of People by Thinking Backwards : Inversion Theory Explained
Get Ahead of 99% of People by Thinking Backwards : Inversion Theory Explained

Geeky Gadgets

time25 minutes ago

  • Geeky Gadgets

Get Ahead of 99% of People by Thinking Backwards : Inversion Theory Explained

What if the secret to getting ahead wasn't about doing more, but about avoiding the wrong moves altogether? Imagine standing at the edge of a maze, not searching for the entrance but tracing your way backward from the exit. This is the essence of inversion, a mental model that flips conventional thinking on its head. Instead of asking how to succeed, it challenges you to ask: 'What could go wrong?' This counterintuitive approach has been used by some of history's greatest minds to solve complex problems, sidestep failure, and uncover hidden opportunities. It's not about pessimism—it's about clarity. And in a world obsessed with forward progress, thinking backwards might just be the edge you've been missing. In this guide by Value Catcher, you'll discover how inversion simplifies decision-making and helps you avoid costly mistakes in work, relationships, and even health. You'll learn how this mindset, rooted in both philosophy and history, can be applied to modern challenges—from improving your personal habits to tackling high-stakes professional dilemmas. Along the way, we'll explore compelling examples, like how a WWII statistician saved lives by focusing on what wasn't there, and practical steps to integrate inversion into your daily life. By the end, you might find yourself questioning not just how to succeed, but how to avoid failure—and that shift could change everything. Mastering Inversion Thinking What Is Inversion? Inversion is the process of reversing your usual way of thinking to gain a fresh perspective. Instead of asking, 'How can I succeed?' you ask, 'What could cause me to fail?' By focusing on potential pitfalls, you can uncover blind spots and anticipate challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed. This method forces you to think critically and approach problems from a new angle, often leading to more effective and innovative solutions. This mental model is not about negativity or pessimism. Instead, it is a proactive strategy that helps you identify and eliminate obstacles, making sure a clearer path toward your goals. By embracing inversion, you can make more informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of failure. Historical Example: Abraham Wald and WWII One of the most compelling examples of inversion comes from World War II. Statistician Abraham Wald was tasked with analyzing returning aircraft to determine where additional armor was needed. At first glance, it seemed logical to reinforce the areas with visible damage. However, Wald approached the problem differently. He realized that the planes that didn't return likely suffered fatal hits in the undamaged areas of the surviving aircraft. By focusing on what was missing—rather than what was visible—Wald identified the true vulnerabilities. His recommendation to reinforce the overlooked areas saved countless lives. This story demonstrates how thinking backwards can lead to new insights and solutions, even in high-stakes situations. Get Ahead of 99% of People by Thinking Backwards Watch this video on YouTube. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on thinking methods. How to Apply Inversion Inversion is a versatile tool that can be applied in various ways, depending on the problem you are addressing. Here are two primary approaches: Start with the End in Mind: Begin by visualizing your desired outcome and work backwards to identify the steps needed to achieve it. For example, solving a maze is often easier when you trace it from the finish line to the starting point. Begin by visualizing your desired outcome and work backwards to identify the steps needed to achieve it. For example, solving a maze is often easier when you trace it from the finish line to the starting point. Focus on the Opposite of Your Goal: Instead of asking how to succeed, ask what actions or decisions would lead to failure. By identifying and avoiding these pitfalls, you can improve your chances of success significantly. This dual approach allows you to tackle challenges from multiple angles, making sure a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and its potential solutions. Where Can You Use Inversion? Inversion is not limited to specific fields or situations. Its principles can be applied across various aspects of life to improve decision-making, strengthen relationships, and enhance overall well-being. Below are some practical examples of how inversion can be used effectively: 1. Work and Decision-Making In professional settings, inversion helps you anticipate risks and address them before they escalate into problems. For instance, conducting a 'failure premortem' involves imagining that a project has failed and then identifying the reasons why. This exercise allows teams to proactively address potential issues and refine their strategies. Similarly, some companies use a 'kill the company' exercise, where employees brainstorm scenarios that could lead to the organization's downfall. By identifying vulnerabilities, businesses can take preventive measures to strengthen their operations and long-term resilience. 2. Relationships In personal relationships, inversion encourages you to focus on avoiding harmful behaviors that could damage trust or respect. Instead of assuming that others share your preferences or values, consider what actions might create conflict or misunderstandings. For example, lying, neglect, or disrespect can erode the foundation of any relationship. By identifying and eliminating these negative behaviors, you can foster stronger, healthier connections built on mutual understanding and support. 3. Health When it comes to health, inversion shifts your focus from chasing perfection to eliminating harmful habits. Instead of obsessing over the perfect diet or exercise routine, start by identifying and cutting out behaviors that harm your physical or mental well-being. Examples include smoking, excessive junk food consumption, or neglecting sleep. Similarly, addressing mental health stressors—such as overcommitment, toxic relationships, or chronic stress—can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. By removing these obstacles, you create a healthier foundation for long-term success. Philosophical Roots of Inversion The concept of inversion has deep philosophical roots, particularly in Stoicism. The Stoics practiced a technique called 'premeditation of evils,' where they envisioned worst-case scenarios to prepare for potential challenges. This practice aligns closely with the principles of inversion, emphasizing the importance of forethought and risk management. By imagining what could go wrong, the Stoics aimed to reduce fear, increase resilience, and make more rational decisions. This ancient wisdom underscores the timeless value of thinking backwards to navigate life's uncertainties. Why Inversion Works Inversion is effective because it simplifies decision-making and clarifies priorities. Instead of being overwhelmed by endless possibilities, you focus on what to avoid. This approach helps you identify the most critical actions needed to achieve your goals while minimizing risks. It's not about being overly cautious or pessimistic—it's about being realistic and proactive. By addressing potential failures before they occur, you position yourself for greater success and reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes. Key Takeaway Success often stems not from extraordinary brilliance but from avoiding obvious mistakes. Inversion provides a practical framework to identify risks, sidestep failure, and make smarter decisions. Whether you're solving problems at work, nurturing relationships, or improving your health, thinking backwards can help you achieve your goals more effectively. By adopting this mindset, you gain a strategic advantage, allowing you to navigate challenges with greater confidence and clarity. In a world where many focus solely on forward progress, thinking backwards can set you apart and position you ahead of the majority. Media Credit: The Value Catcher Filed Under: Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Dunfermline employees team up to support good causes
Dunfermline employees team up to support good causes

Scotsman

time44 minutes ago

  • Scotsman

Dunfermline employees team up to support good causes

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. More than150 employees from Amazon's fulfilment centre in Dunfermline have teamed up to volunteer with charities that support individuals and families in the region. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital and Scot Baby Box Appeal were two of the charities recently supported by 157 employees at Amazon in Dunfermline. Amazon Dunfermline employees supported the volunteers at Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital at the charity's fundraising stall, raising awareness and event marshalling. The charity hosts fundraising events to raise money for the patients and staff at Queen Margaret Hospital. Funds raised provide extra amenities for these groups. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Amazon team also supported Scot Baby Box Appeal, a charity that supports families with newborn babies in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes, supplies for relief efforts and other necessities across the country. Amazon employees strengthened their relationship with the team through warehouse volunteering, providing space management support and donation processing. Scot Baby Box and Amazon teams Autumn Morton, an Amazon employee who has volunteered at Scot Baby Box Appeal, said: 'I had a great time volunteering with my team this month and to go back to Scot Baby Box Appeal to continue our support was the cherry on top! Scot Baby Box Appeal and Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital are two amazing charities and it's been a pleasure to get to know the staff and volunteers more and hear about all the amazing work they do.' Renee Stuart, from Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital, added: 'On behalf of our volunteers, the patients and staff, I would like to say thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline. The Amazon team played a big part in helping to deliver a successful fundraising event. They came with a great attitude, and we hope they all enjoyed their time with us. In addition, they have been pivotal in setting up our QR catalogue.' Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 8 million surplus goods to over 600,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

The best Scots words that are on the decline according to Scottish people
The best Scots words that are on the decline according to Scottish people

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

The best Scots words that are on the decline according to Scottish people

These favourite words from the Scots language include everything from 'moger' to 'skelf'. Scottish people have shared their picks for the best Scots words that are "on the decline". Everything from 'oxters' to 'clarty' was suggested. While Scotland is known for many things, our language is arguably the most iconic. We are lucky enough to have three national languages; English, Gaelic, and Scots. ‌ While most of us don't speak Scots - and some incorrectly just see it as a dialect - there are so many Scots words and phrases that are still commonly heard around the country to this day, that we will all know at least one or two. ‌ However, one Scot recently took to social media to ask others from the country which words are not used so much anymore. Posting on the Scotland community on online forum Reddit, they asked: "What are some of your favourite Scots words that are on the decline?" They added: "As someone who is from an area where Scots is widely spoken in day-to-day life, what are some of your favourite Scots words which you hardly hear spoken nowadays? "I've been in situations where someone who is Scottish might not understand the meaning of a word due to it being used by some areas or the older generation. One of these is 'moger' which means a mess/untidy or something that's been done badly." Since being shared on Sunday, June 22, the post has received almost 400 responses. Many have shared their suggestions for the top Scots words and phrases that are falling out of style. ‌ One of the top responses came from a Reddit user who suggested 'oxters' is among the best Scots words "on the decline". The word refers to a person's armpits. Another user replied: "I always feel stupid when someone doesn't know what an oxter is. It takes me ages to remember to reply with armpit." ‌ Meanwhile, a second response to the question reads: "Skoosh. I heard someone talking about skooshie cream recently (pressurised in a can) and thought it was hilarious." Many Scots use the word 'skoosh', which means 'squirt' or 'splash'. As the Reddit user stated, the most well-known example is skooshy cream—referring to whipped cream from a can. ‌ But it can also mean when something was easy; a skoosh, like a piece of cake. Or if you found something really easy, you skooshed it. Elsewhere, one Reddit user stated that they haven't heard the word 'skelf' in "a long time". A 'skelf' is a splinter of wood, usually one that is embedded in a person's skin. Another suggestion for the best "Scots words that are on the decline" was 'clarty'. It is an adjective that means 'filthy' or 'muddy', which is very appropriate given Scotland's famously unpredictable weather. ‌ One Scot proposed 'cludgie', adding that they "love that word." A 'cludgie' usually refers to a toilet or an outhouse. Other phrases that were named include 'are ye glaikit' and 'coorie in'. The former translates to 'are you stupid', while 'coorie in' refers to snuggling up or getting cosy. ‌ The full list of responses can be found on the Reddit website. As reported by the Daily Record, 13 Scottish words have just been added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Among the new additions is 'skooshy'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store