Latest news with #TorfaenCouncil
South Wales Argus
14 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds praises armed forces
Nick Thomas-Symonds, who represents Torfaen, attended the national flag-raising ceremony at New Palace Yard in Westminster to mark the start of Armed Forces Week. The ceremony, held on Monday, June 23, marked the beginning of a week of national events. Mr Thomas-Symonds said: "It was a solemn privilege to represent Torfaen at the Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony in Parliament. "We're incredibly proud of our Armed Forces community here in Torfaen, so during Armed Forces Week, it's important to show our support and thank those who protect our nation." The event was attended by MPs, military personnel, and Ukrainian defence minister Rustem Umerov. Speeches were given by Air Commodore Philip Wadlow and defence secretary John Healey. A similar ceremony took place at Pontypool's Civic Centre. Councillor Gaynor James, Torfaen's Armed Forces champion, said: "It was an honour to speak at Torfaen Council's flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week. "Our Armed Forces community – both those currently serving and have served previously – have given so much to our country, and it's incredibly important we provide them the support necessary." She said she would continue working to ensure the armed forces community is supported across the borough.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Members of Pontypool armed forces honoured with flag raising event
A flag raising ceremony to commemorate and pay respects to Torfaen locals in the armed forces was held outside Pontypool Civic Centre. The ceremony took place on June 23 and was part of the Torfaen's Armed Forces Week events. Armed Forces week is a national event running from June 22 to June 28. Gaynor James with Dave Poulsom Standard Bearer for royal British Legion Pontypool Branch at a flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Week (Image: Gaynor James) The event is a chance to show support for people who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets. The event took take place at 9:30am and was attended by local dignitaries and veterans. Speaking at the event councillor Gaynor James Armed Forces Champion read aloud the following: 'Unlike the opportunities we're given to mourn out fallen soldiers, this is a time we show appreciation and support for our Armed Forces personnel, past present and future and the work that goes into our Armed Forces Community.' Gaynor James with Anthony Hunt leader of Torfaen Council at a flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Week (Image: Gaynor James) According to the Welsh Government approximately 3,230 military and civilian personnel are based in Wales, with the Army having the largest presence at over 1,400 personnel. In addition, over 115,000 people in Wales reported having previously served in the armed forces, representing about 4.5% of the Welsh population aged 16 and older. The event was held ahead of Armed Forces Day which is taking place on June 28. More information about Armed Forces Day in Gwent can be found here.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Call for defibrillator at Keepers Pond near drowning
Local Torfaen councillor Janet Jones is calling for a defibrillator to be installed at the popular tourist spot. Janet believes this is imperative before a 'fatality' occurs and that last week's incident involving a 27-year-old man who nearly drowned to death should be the wakeup call needed to spur this into motion. Torfaen councillor Janet Jones who thinks a defibrillator should be installed near the pond (Image: Torfaen Council) Addressing the subject Janet said: 'Greater action regarding safety needs to be taken now before there is a fatality. 'May I thank everyone involved in the recent incident for their prompt response, their actions saved this man's life.' Welsh Tourist Spot Keepers Pond where a man nearly drowned (Image: NQ) She continued: 'Over the past few year's leisure activities in and around the Keepers Pond have increased significantly, but with that comes concerns for public safety. 'During two meeting with Management partners and commoners at the Keepers Pond, the last one in April, also attended by my fellow councillor Nick Horler, I reiterated my concerns and again asked that a defibrillator be installed. Some present, were worried about possible vandalism of a defibrillator. 'I also raised my concerns at a steering committee meeting of the World Heritage Group held 12th June, and I was led to understand that my concerns would once again be brought to the attention of relevant officers.' Welsh Tourist Spot Keepers Pond where a man nearly drowned (Image: NQ) Currently there are defibrillators at Blaenavon Fire Station and the Blaenavon Blues Football Club however are situated a fair bit away from the Keepers Pond. Janet said: 'Unless you are a local resident, and know where these are situated, this could be costly when trying to save a life.' Monmouthshire Council responsible for the upkeep of the site were contacted for comment.
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.
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
New competition launched in Torfaen by county council
The scheme, launched by Torfaen Council, invites pupils to design banners, posters, and digital images that celebrate what they enjoy about school, as part of a campaign to promote regular attendance. The Not In Miss Out campaign, which began in 2022, highlights the positive experiences and opportunities that come from being in school. Councillor Richard Clark, executive member for children, families and education, said: "The Not In Miss Out campaign launched in 2022 and since then it's featured more than 20 schools and had a social media reach of more than 1,100,000. "Pupils are at the heart of the campaign and I look forward to seeing their designs celebrating the reasons they love going to school." The competition is open to individual, class, or year group entries, and schools may submit multiple designs. Winners will be announced in September. Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, July 16.
