Latest news with #Torfaen
BBC News
23-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Pontypool homeowner uses Google Earth to win decking planning row
A homeowner has used Google Earth to keep decking he built in his garden after a planning permission dispute with a council. Gareth William Leek, from Pontypool, Torfaen, had been told a planning application was required for his decking years after it was built because it was about 50cm (20in) too far off the ground. Decking more than 30cm (12in) requires planning permission, but local authorities must take action within four years for most developments. A planning officer concluded there was no reason to doubt the decking had not been "substantially completed" for less than four years and Mr Leek's certificate of lawful development was granted. The application stated the decking had been completed in October 2017 and a statement from a neighbour supported Mr Leek's claim it had been built since at least 2019, when they moved to St Augustine Road in Griffithstown, Pontypool. As part of his evidence, Mr Leek also dug out old photographs dating back to August 2017, when the raised wooden platform was constructed. The council planning department said the 4.84m wide, and 3.82m long, light grey composite decking was 83cm from the ground level, meaning it is just over half a metre over the height that requires planning approval, which is 30cm. Planning officer Simon Pritchard said the council accepted the evidence put forward by Mr Leek which included a Google Earth aerial photograph from June Pritchard said the council did not have any evidence itself, or from anyone else, to contradict the information provided.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Road closures announced for 10K race in Torfaen
Several roads in Torfaen will be closed on July 13 for the Mic Morris Torfaen 10K. Residents and motorists are warned of the closures to ensure the safety of race participants. More than 1,000 runners have signed up for the 10K race, starting in Blaenavon at 9am. The finish line will be in Pontypool Park and runners are expected to complete the race by 11am. All participants will receive a medal and merchandise, with proceeds going to the Mic Morris Memorial Sporting Trust Fund, which supports young athletes in Torfaen. Road sections to be closed at specified times are: Blaenavon to Abersychan (junction of A4043 and B4246), from 8am to 10am; Abersychan Old Road to Hospital Road, from 9am to 10.30am; and Hospital Road to Park Road (Salvation Army), from 9.15am to 10.45am. A full list of affected roads includes: A4043 Cwmavon Road (from Prince Street/New William Street in Blaenavon to Old Road in Abersychan), Old Road, Limekiln Road, Freeholdland Road, George Street, Mill Road, Hospital Road, the northern section of Osbourne Road (up to Riverside), Riverside, and Park Road leading up to Penygarn Road. Side roads will remain open, but no vehicles will be allowed on the race route during the event. The emergency services will have access at all times. Ben Jeffries, event organiser from Torfaen Council, said: "Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, there's still time to sign up and be part of one of the fastest 10Ks around. "We appreciate the public's patience with the temporary road closures. "This year, we've worked to stagger the closure times to help reduce disruption for residents and road users. "Roads will reopen as soon as it's safe—thank you for your continued support." Residents living on the affected roads will be informed in advance, and each section will reopen when safe. If the road closures affect your travel or caregiving responsibilities, contact Torfaen Council on 01633 628936 as early as possible.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport legend Parselle recognised in King's Birthday Honours
Newport County have congratulated club legend Norman Parselle for being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's Birthday Honours list for his outstanding service to sport and the local community.A former player and lifelong County fan, Pill-born Parselle has led the club's County in the Community charity since it began in 2013. He is currently its chief charity delivers sport projects and schemes for people in Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen with a staff of more than 20. "Norman has worked tirelessly to deliver and increase sports participation, improve health and education, social inclusion and the environment," said Newport on their official website. "His work makes a huge difference to the local community, and he is regarded by the club and those in the community he serves as a tremendous ambassador for the football club."If anyone deserves recognition for his tireless and selfless work in the community then it is Norman Parselle." Known affectionately as 'Norm', Parselle has been involved with County for more than 30 years and was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2015.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire and Torfaen could use AI Welsh translations
Councils, and other public bodies, are legally required to produce documents and provide services in Welsh. Monmouthshire County Council looked at alternatives to its current use of external translators as part of its budget setting process due to increased demand which has seen spending on translations exceed the allocated budget. Its performance and overview scrutiny committee was told total costs, to the council of providing Welsh language services, was £226,940 last year. But it wasn't clear if that figure only covered translations or also the cost of two officers after equalities and Welsh language manager Pennie Walker described the 'major costs' as translations and her salary and that of the Welsh language officer while ensuring compliance with Welsh language standards is the 'day to day responsibility of all officers'. Nia Roberts, the Welsh language officer, said closer working with neighbouring Torfaen Borough Council is currently 'the most desired option' to save on translation costs and it is already using AI, also known as artificial intelligence. Ms Roberts said Monmouthshire currently uses external translators, who may already be using AI systems, but that wouldn't produce a saving for the council as it currently pays by the word. She said AI would 'never produce 100 per cent accurate translations' and added: 'It will need to have some kind of proof reading to make sure the translation is accurate.' Rogiet Labour member Peter Strong had asked if a favoured option had emerged from the ongoing review that has also considered continuing with external translators and setting up its own in-house translation team. Ms Roberts said joining with Torfaen 'looks the more desirable' and said: 'Torfaen is similar to Monmouthshire in the type of documents to be translated.' She also said Torfaen uses technology that memorises words it has previously translated which would help with the consistency of documents. Torfaen councillors, who were presented with their annual report on how their council is complying with Welsh language standards at their June meeting, were told AI, has helped with increasing translations by 24 per cent on the previous year. Torfaen's Welsh language officer Alan Vernon-Jones cautioned: 'Everything needs to be proof read by a competent Welsh speaker.' Monmouthshire's review of translations has also given 'careful consideration' to the potential impact on small Welsh businesses, quality and timeliness, and the need to maintain full compliance with the Welsh language standards. Conservative councillor for Gobion Fawr Alistair Neill asked Ms Roberts if consideration had been given to working with other public services such as the police and NHS. The officer said Welsh language officers in public services across South East Wales have a working group to share best practice which was 'more broad than just translations.' On AI Cllr Neill, who chairs the committee, said: 'It sounds like AI doesn't speak Welsh very well. The 'tech bros' are going to have to do some more work on it.'
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Wanderlust exhibition by West Monmouth School pupils
The Wanderlust exhibition, currently on display in Cardiff Bay, features photographs and poems created by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils from West Monmouth School in Pontypool. The exhibition is sponsored by Torfaen MS Lynne Neagle, a long-time supporter of the school's Traveller Unit. Ms Neagle said: "I understand this exhibition first came about following discussions with Torfaen Museum that highlighted that the Traveller community were not among visitors to the museum, so they came up with the idea of doing an exhibition of the traveller community. "Art has to speak to people's lives otherwise it is not relevant." The exhibition, held at The Futures Gallery in the Pierhead, will be open until Thursday, August 28. Ms Neagle said: "I was really proud to sponsor the amazing display of photographs and poems by the pupils and to support the excellent work of the Traveller Education Service at West Mon school." The exhibition uses portraits, documentary-style photographs and poetry to explore and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in Torfaen. The project aims to challenge stereotypes and promote greater understanding through creative expression. Pupils developed their work in collaboration with photographer Jon Pountney, photography graduate David Harrhy, and poet Patrick Jones. The Pierhead will also open on Sundays during the summer holidays, starting from July 20.
