Agenda and draft minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.    Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.    Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, there were no declarations pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the report of the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services, which provides Members with an update on the work currently being undertaken in collaboration with National Eisteddfod officers in preparation for the 2024 Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf, specifically in relation to community engagement and fundraising.

The Head of Community and Welsh Language Services provided Members with an update on the Community Engagement being taken forward by Council Officers in collaboration with National Eisteddfod officers in preparation for the 2024 Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Members were advised of the significant progress made to date, with preparation work undertaken with the Eisteddfod’s National Lottery Heritage Fund community engagement project, which was continuing to be delivered successfully, providing opportunities to engage with a small number of targeted groups to inform and pilot a new approach to National Eisteddfod engagement in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Two Committees have been established which are seen as the driving force that brings people from across the County together and as a committed group of volunteers, they work closely with the Eisteddfod team, local communities and the Council to organise awareness-raising and fundraising events. Details of the fund-raising Committees were also provided to Members.

The Head of Community and Welsh Language Services continued to advise of the Community Engagement and events established to date.  The Officer also stressed the Key messages that the National Eisteddfod needed to be inclusive for everyone in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the importance of ensuring that people understand there is something for everyone at the National Eisteddfod and that it is not just for people who can speak Welsh.

The Committee were advised that Council Officers in partnership with Eisteddfod Officers, have developed a school strategy, highlighting opportunities for Welsh and English medium schools to engage with Eisteddfod preparations. The strategy continues to be developed as new opportunities become available, which in turn will be shared with all primary and secondary schools.

The Officer informed Members that Council Officers working with key partners such as Menter Iaith, Helo Blod (Welsh Gov) and Town Centre BIDS, have begun work developing a business toolkit. Included in the toolkit will be further information about the Eisteddfod, resources from Helo Blod and a pamphlet to help local businesses and town users to develop their conversational Welsh skills.

It was confirmed that the National Eisteddfod is a charitable organisation and its funding model requires that a contribution to the operating costs of the festival is raised by community fundraising activities in the host local authority area. Members learnt that there is already lots of effort being made by the National Eisteddfod, local communities supported by local members, voluntary groups, to fundraise across the County Borough.

The Officer concluded her report by commenting on the National Eisteddfod’s aims in relation to legacy for Rhondda Cynon Taf, which focused on aspects such promotion and increase in the Welsh language and an increase and interest in local culture and heritage.

The Chair thanked the Officer for the report and the work and efforts taken forward to date in respect of the community engagement, with local communities taking forward a sense of ownership in respect of the event.  The Chair commented on the opportunities for all with this National event, commenting on the opportunities for businesses, schools,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To receive the report of the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services, which updates Members on the infrastructure and spatial planning for The National Eisteddfod of Wales 2024.

The Head of Sports, Leisure and Parks provided Members with an update in relation to the infrastructure and spatial planning for The RCT National Eisteddfod of Wales 2024. 

Members were advised that under the direction of a Council Senior Leadership Oversight Board, two Workstream groups, made up of RCT officers and partners, have been established to work directly with the National Eisteddfod to deliver the comprehensive infrastructure and community engagement aspects of the Eisteddfod, which is to be held in Ynysangharad Park on the 3^rd August for 5 days. 

The Committee were informed that the Infrastructure Group meets monthly to discuss:

•         Highway/Traffic Infrastructure.

•         Transport.

•         Car Parks/Park and Ride.

•         Hospitality.

•         Camping, Tourism.

•         Licensing.

•         Town Centre liaison.

The Officer provided Members with further detail in relation to each of the above mentioned aspects, providing current position statements. 

Such information included the positioning of the main Eisteddfod Site (Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Maes B (the National Eisteddfod Youth Fringe Festival - Pontypridd High School Fields) and key park and ride sites such as Hawthorn School site.  For Committee awareness, other non-council locations that are subject to separate private agreements between the National Eisteddfod and the relevant third party were also highlighted within the meeting, which included:

•         Private Land off Berw Road (Caravan and Camping Site)

•         The Muni (Performance and Competition Venue)

•         YMa (Performance and Rehearsal venue)

•         University of South Wales Sites at Glyntaff and Treforest

(Trader   and Staff parking, Park and Ride and Accommodation Offer)

Due to the location of the event, and the good public transport links available the RCT Eisteddfod will therefore promote a greener travel message to visitors, and a number of initiatives to promote use of the train network and wider park and ride facilities will be in place.

Reference was made to the Pontypridd Spatial Plan and the Officer provided detail of the phased release of parts of the Park in the lead up to the event to provide minimum disruption to service users.

It was confirmed that the arrangements put in place for the National Eisteddfod would be subject to further scrutiny and approval in due course by the Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG).

The Leader of the Council spoke of the localised disruption that would be witnessed by the event, however spoke of the longer term benefits that would also be witnessed through the hosting of this National Event, commenting on the positive historical and economic impact for the whole of the County Borough.  The Leader referenced the positive engagement with Traders within the Town Centre and surrounding areas, although noted the traffic implications. The Leader commented on the importance to emphasise the use of public transport to access the event, although advised of the ongoing work with highways and traffic control.

The Deputy Leader reiterated the positive impact that the event would bring to the County Borough and referenced her disappointment to the negative comments that had been received by some.  The Deputy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.