Latest news with #CarolAndrews
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly libraries heading for closure may be saved
But a series of imminent closures risks sending parts of the borough 'back to Victorian times', a critic has warned. The council plans to shut down ten of its smaller libraries at the end of August as part of cost-cutting plans to make the service 'sustainable and resilient'. The local authority will instead 'focus resources on an improved offer at seven library 'hubs'', Cllr Carol Andrews, the cabinet member for education, told a committee on Tuesday July 15. Committee members heard there is local interest in Community Asset Transfers of the council libraries in Aberbargoed, Abertridwr, Llanbradach and Nelson. Meanwhile, the library buildings in Deri and Pengam have been 'identified as good locations' for the expansion of the Welsh Government's Flying Start childcare programme. This could involve some 'minor building work' at both sites, but the council's early years service has also confirmed it would 'be able to support an independent community library offer from each location'. Library closures will also be mitigated by a new Community Outreach Service, including order-and-collect options and digital offers. Council figures are keen to paint these potential developments as a success. Recently, Cllr Sean Morgan, who leads the authority, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the closures were 'something we have to do because of finances, and I see the opportunity there for communities'. The council has argued it would save £507,000 annually by shutting the libraries, and develop the 'hubs' into places where visitors can access local authority and third-sector services, as well as the usual book-borrowing. But there remains a vocal opposition to the library closures across the county borough. Campaigners have warned the council will isolate smaller communities by taking away important community spaces, to the detriment of their youngest, oldest or lowest-income residents. This week, Caerphilly Trades Union Council called libraries 'so much more than book depositories' and urged the local authority to rethink the closures. Its secretary, Mariam Kamish, told the committee that despite the council's optimism for community handovers and an outreach service, 'nothing in your plans can in any way replace bricks-and-mortar libraries with dedicated staff'. 'We don't want to go back to Victorian times when people had to run their own libraries,' she added. Senior council officer Rob Hartshorn defended the Community Asset Transfers, however, telling the committee it would offer a 'social return, instead of a financial return' to the local authority. The meeting also heard from Cllr Brenda Miles, who was a member of the committee until a recent row over the council's handling of the libraries issue ended in her being 'removed from all internal and external appointments'. Cllr Miles told the committee the imminent closures would mean a 'great loss' to the borough, and she expected 'by now' there to be a 'clear picture' of what comes next. The council report on the next steps 'raises more questions than answers', she added.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New 3G all-weather pitch opens in Caerphilly borough town
The new 3G pitch at Risca Leisure Centre is available to the public in the evenings and on weekends (Image: Caerphilly County Borough Council) A new 3G all-weather pitch has officially opened in Risca. Located at Risca School and Leisure Centre, the facility will serve both Risca Community Comprehensive School students during the day and the wider community in the evenings and on weekends. Advertisement Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, said: "This development reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible facilities that support both education and lifelong participation in sport. "The 3G pitch enhances our ability to deliver the aims of the sport and active recreation strategy, ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity close to home." The floodlit pitch replaces the previous AstroTurf surface and is designed to accommodate both football and rugby. Its durable artificial surface allows for year-round use by schools, clubs, and community groups. Advertisement The project supports Caerphilly County Borough Council's Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029 and forms part of the authority's wider Place Shaping programme. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "This facility is an excellent example of how we can maximise the use of school sites for the benefit of both learners and the wider community. "It is a clear demonstration of our Place Shaping principles in action, creating shared spaces that improve education, health, and community wellbeing." The pitch was funded through the Welsh Government's Community Focused Schools capital grant programme. Advertisement It is part of a broader investment in modern, accessible sports infrastructure across the borough. The 3G surface is designed to handle frequent use and provide a safe environment for a range of sports and activities. Bookings for the facility are now being taken in line with the council's pitch allocation policy. For more information or to check availability, contact Risca Leisure Centre at lcrisca@ or call 01633 600940.
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
New 3G pitch officially opened at Risca Leisure Centre
Located at Risca School and Leisure Centre, the facility will serve both Risca Community Comprehensive School students during the day and the wider community in the evenings and on weekends. Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, said: "This development reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible facilities that support both education and lifelong participation in sport. "The 3G pitch enhances our ability to deliver the aims of the sport and active recreation strategy, ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity close to home." The floodlit pitch replaces the previous AstroTurf surface and is designed to accommodate both football and rugby. Its durable artificial surface allows for year-round use by schools, clubs, and community groups. The project supports Caerphilly County Borough Council's Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029 and forms part of the authority's wider Place Shaping programme. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "This facility is an excellent example of how we can maximise the use of school sites for the benefit of both learners and the wider community. "It is a clear demonstration of our Place Shaping principles in action, creating shared spaces that improve education, health, and community wellbeing." The pitch was funded through the Welsh Government's Community Focused Schools capital grant programme. It is part of a broader investment in modern, accessible sports infrastructure across the borough. The 3G surface is designed to handle frequent use and provide a safe environment for a range of sports and activities. Bookings for the facility are now being taken in line with the council's pitch allocation policy. For more information or to check availability, contact Risca Leisure Centre at lcrisca@ or call 01633 600940.
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Free activities to take place at Rhymney Library Hub
Organised for National Wellbeing Week, the events will focus on the 'five ways to wellbeing': connect, get active, take notice, keep learning and give. The programme, running from Monday to Friday, will offer a variety of themed events and support services daily, promoting mental and physical health within the community. Attendees can look forward to diverse activities like seated yoga, dog rescue demonstrations, Spanish taster sessions, craft sessions, healthy eating talks, and even a community plant swap. The week will conclude with an outdoor event on Friday, June 27, from 3pm to 5pm, featuring a silent disco, stalls, foodbank collections, and more. The initiative is a collaboration between Caerphilly Cares, Public Health Wales, and Cwtsh, with contributions from several local services and organisations. Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education andcommunities, said: 'National Wellbeing Week is a fantastic opportunity for people to connect with their community and discover the wide range of support services available through Rhymney Library Hub. "It's a welcoming space where residents can access advice, take part in fun activities, and feel supported.' On Monday the theme is 'connect' with support services on site, arts and crafts, and a coffee morning. Tuesday is 'get active' with a seated yoga taster, dog rescue demonstration and litter picking. Wednesday is 'take notice' with gaming and fire home safety advice among the activities on the schedule. 'Keep learning' is on Thursday with a heritage talk, crochet with multiply and a Spanish taster session. Friday is 'give' with an outdoor celebration featuring a silent disco, craft stalls, ToyBox Project, foodbank support and donations plus a plant buy and swap. Contact Caerphilly Cares for more information or to support.
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
The Rhymney Pantry opens to provide affordable food
The Rhymney Pantry, based at St David's Community Centre, officially launched on Monday following a soft opening earlier in the month. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "The Rhymney Pantry is a fantastic example of how our communities can come together to create something truly meaningful. "It's not just about helping people access affordable food. It's about giving them choice, dignity and the chance to be part of something positive. "I'm proud to see this kind of support being delivered here in Rhymney." Part of a growing network of community pantries, the Rhymney Pantry operates like a small shop. Members pay a small weekly fee and can select at least 10 grocery items, including fresh fruit and vegetables. The scheme is designed to address food insecurity while fostering community connections, boosting confidence and offering access to volunteering and support services. The project is funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund via the Food4Growth Sustainable Food Network, with additional support from the Welsh Government's Direct Food Support scheme. The pantry aims strengthen the community through connection, support and opportunity.
