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South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool explores sustainable options for VE Day benches
Pontypool Community Council is investigating the possibility of using recycled or UK steel for the VE80 Bench Project, which commemorates VE Day. These benches are set to be installed on November 11, the council confirmed in its June meeting. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. The council has also approved a live trees maintenance plan, which will include collapsible trollies for watering. The council is also promoting the use of digital tools over paper, including QR code-enabled surveys. The council meeting, which took place across multiple locations on June 25, was marked by a strong commitment to community engagement and support. A presentation was given by Cwmpas, a not-for-profit organisation that supports co-operative and social enterprise housing. The organisation, backed by the Welsh Government and charitable foundations, offers comprehensive guidance for community-led housing initiatives in Pontypool. Councillors also approved funding of £500 each for two local events: the 130th Anniversary of Pontypool Indoor Market and the Pontypool Food Festival. The funds will support marketing and promotion efforts for these events. The council members noted preparations for the upcoming Youth Festival and Twinning Conference, set to take place from August 20 to 24. These events aim to strengthen international links and increase youth participation. The meeting also saw a series of formal approvals, including the adoption of the Annual Report 2024/25 and the approval of the Final Accounts and Governance Statement for the year ending March 31, 2025. The council also confirmed minutes from recent council and committee meetings and ratified updated constitutional changes and a suite of reviewed and new council policies. These policies include Internet Banking, Data Protection, and a Multi-location Meeting Policy. In terms of technology and civic engagement, councillors approved the purchase of three new laptops due to ongoing equipment issues. Plans were also reviewed for rolling out new official email addresses to members. The council discussed improving community engagement, with a training session hosted by One Voice Wales scheduled for October 15. Councillors were also invited to participate in Party in the Park on July 12, where a community survey will be launched to gather feedback on key local issues such as youth provision and public amenities. The council also reviewed plans for a future "Away Afternoon" to reflect on strengths and strategic improvements within both council operations and community services. This will be discussed further at the next meeting. The council moved into a confidential session at the end of the meeting to consider sensitive matters.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
AA launches road safety week
In celebration of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week beginning on May 12, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is initiating a special Road Safety Week campaign centred on creating safer environments for vulnerable road users, especially children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The flagship event will be a high-level panel discussion supported by the FIA Foundation, designed to shed light on the critical issues faced by these groups and explore practical solutions to improve safety on South African roads. Read more: Nedbank cyclists represented at annual Youth Festival The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Pedestrians account for nearly 40% of annual road fatalities in South Africa, with children aged five to 14 being among the most vulnerable. Road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of death within this age group. Cyclists, often navigating roads lacking dedicated infrastructure and proper visibility, face heightened risks of injury and fatalities. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted safety interventions and infrastructure investments to protect those most at risk. A central feature of the event will be a presentation of the 'Walking Safely to School' (WATCH) project in Mamelodi, Tshwane. This community-driven initiative, developed through a partnership between AA South Africa, ChildSafe South Africa, and supported by the FIA Foundation, demonstrates how simple yet effective infrastructure improvements can significantly reduce risks for schoolchildren. By creating safer walking routes, this project aims to promote safer, healthier, and more accessible means of travel for children heading to school. Also read: Volvo Trucks' new safety system aims to protect cyclists, pedestrians Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of AA South Africa, emphasised the importance of listening to communities' needs: 'The fact that so many children walk to school without suitable infrastructure is unacceptable. We need urgent, long-term investments in road safety – and that starts with engaging directly with those most affected.' The event will also feature discussions on road safety data and trends in South Africa, the existing gaps in infrastructure, and proven safety measures that can be implemented to reduce accidents involving children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The panel will explore the lived experiences of vulnerable road users, highlighting the importance of civil society's role in shaping policies that foster safer transport environments. Lessons learned from local projects, including the Mamelodi initiative, will be shared to inspire further action. To complement the event, a digital campaign will be launched encouraging South Africans to share their walking routes, identify unsafe areas, and advocate for municipal action using hashtags such as #MakeWalkingSafe, #MakeCyclingSafe, and #SafeStreetsSA. Through these efforts, the AA aims to raise awareness and galvanise support for safer, more inclusive streets that protect the most vulnerable. By fostering community engagement, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and promoting a culture of safety, the organisation hopes to create a lasting impact that ensures every child, pedestrian, and cyclist can navigate South African roads safely and confidently. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: A warning that help drivers from dooring cyclists At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
