Latest news with #CaerphillyCountyBoroughCouncil
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly council to build net zero primary school
Caerphilly County Borough Council's cabinet has approved a replacement Plasyfelin Primary School on the existing site, with additional funding allocated from capital budgets to keep the project moving forward. Welsh Government will contribute £14.753 million through its Sustainable Communities for Learning (Band B) programme. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "This decision keeps us on course to deliver a modern, net zero carbon school that meets the demands of our learners, supports our decarbonisation ambitions and provides high‑quality facilities for the benefit of the wider community. "By committing this additional investment now, we will be able to move forward with this exciting development that will serve as a key resource for the community." The new school will be the authority's first net zero carbon school and will include integrated childcare facilities. The overall budget has been reprofiled to account for inflation, site investigations and the cost of meeting net zero standards. The larger school will accommodate up to 420 pupils, along with nursery provision, and will include multi-use sporting facilities for both the school and the community. Welsh Government has approved the full business case confirming its investment. The scheme will form part of the council's broader Place Shaping programme, which focuses on strategic capital investment in schools, housing, sports facilities, building improvements and infrastructure. Work on the new school is expected to progress in the coming months.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Parents worry about uncertainty for children after ALP unit closure
They argue the unit is essential for children with additional needs who need additional support. The decision to close the unit has led to concern among parents of children who have previously relied on the unit as an alternative to mainstream school. Katie Prosser is mum to Blake, who was enrolled at the unit. She said: "Blake, along with two other students in the class, have all passed the panel, and it was agreed they all need specialist provision 'For all of them, the mainstream environment is not safe,' she said. Ms Prosser said she was concerned for both her son and other children affected by the decision to close the unit, which she feels is necessary. She said: 'It's hard enough for an autistic child as it is, but it would be a lot harder for them to thrive and make any progress in an overwhelming environment. 'To lose the safe space they've all grown in and all love is awful.' She said the school staff at Ty Sign Primary were also advocating for appropriate provisions. She said: 'They know a specialist placement is needed and that mainstream is not a safe environment for the children.' The closure of the unit is believed, by parents, to be a result of the council's decision to cut funding. Ms Prosser said: 'The council should have more consideration for children with disabilities as autism is more common now than ever.' A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: 'The Additional Learning Needs Provision class at Ty Sign Primary was an initiative developed by the school with funding from the local authority. "This was a trial scheme, and when the funding came to an end, the school decided not to continue with the project. 'The school is now working with the council to ensure any ALN support for learners is provided through local specialist resource base provision. "We continue to provide ongoing support from our statutory and educational psychology teams which will enable schools to make appropriate provision for learners.'
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly school project costs increase nearly £3 million
The county borough council's leader who made the remark, Cllr Sean Morgan, said inflation rises in construction were 'certainly higher' than those faced by consumers. The redevelopment of Plasyfelin Primary School, in Caerphilly town, was initially estimated to cost £20.48 million, but has now risen to £23.25 million. Caerphilly County Borough Council, which is providing around a third of the overall funding for the rebuild, has seen its contribution increase by an extra £1.76 million. The authority's cabinet members approved the budget increase at a meeting on Wednesday July 23. Cllr Carol Andrews, the cabinet member for education, said 'further site investigations, design confirmations, and inflation in the construction sector' had all played a part in driving up the bill. Most of the council's extra spending will come from an unallocated capital grant, while the remainder will come from a separate education capital fund. The redevelopment of Plasyfelin Primary will begin this summer, and take place in phases – with some children learning in temporary classrooms during the construction period. Cllr Jamie Pritchard, the council's deputy leader, said the community was 'very much in favour' of the project, which is taking place in his Morgan Jones ward. Plasyfelin is being funded through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, and the Welsh Government will foot around two-thirds of the bill – as well as any contributions towards net-zero carbon elements of the project. Andrea West, the council's Sustainable Communities for Learning service manager, said the government had provided a 'verbal approval they are happy to proceed' with the increased budget. Cllr Morgan added the extra costs represented a 'slight uplift to pay for a brand-new school'.
South Wales Argus
24-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly Library gifted artwork from Ukrainian artist
The event at Caerphilly Library last week saw Olesia Miftahova, a Ukrainian artist and poet, donate the artwork as her exhibition at the library came to an end. Both the library and Caerphilly County Borough Council were thanked by Ms Miftahova for their 'welcome, care, and solidarity' towards the Ukrainian community. The library has become more than just a place to borrow books, with art clubs, conversation sessions, support groups, and cultural events helping Ukrainians to build new lives. Representing Ukrainians in Caerphilly, Yulia Bond said: "Today was more than just the closing of an art exhibition – it was a moment of connection, reflection, and heartfelt thanks. "The support we've received from Caerphilly Library and the council has helped so many of us feel seen, safe, and valued." Councillor Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "It's been a privilege to meet with members of our Ukrainian community and witness the incredible talent and resilience they bring to Caerphilly. "The artwork presented today is not just beautiful – it's a powerful symbol of gratitude, friendship, and hope." Caerphilly County Borough Council is 'proud to stand in solidarity with those who have sought safety and belonging' in the country.
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Councillors concern over Sirhowy Valley Country Park website
Despite repeated enquiries, Caerphilly County Borough Council has yet to receive a timeline from the external company responsible for hosting the site. This is particularly concerning given the imminent summer holidays, when families and tourists will seek information on this vital free community asset. Residents have also expressed fears that this lack of transparency may be linked to a controversial planning application from a private mining company to process and dump millions of tonnes of spoil and contaminated material within the park—on a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). We urge the council to clarify the situation and fully inform the public about any proposals affecting this cherished green space. Cllrs Janine Reed and Jan Jones Independent ward councillors for Ynysddu
