Agenda item

To receive Members questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.2.

 

(N.B a maximum of 20 minutes shall be allowed for questions on notice.)

Council was advised that question 3 would fall due to the absence of the Member asking the question:

 

1.      Question from County Borough Councillor R. Evans to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:

 

    “Can the Leader give an update on the Britannia Bridge scheme?”

     Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:

 

The Leader commented that this question relates to the Eirw Road / Imperial Bridge   scheme in Britannia which is now progressing to its conclusion.  All the bearings which had seized have been replaced, the parapets and structural steel have been repaired with corroded sections also replaced. The whole bridge, at just under 3,000 square metres of surface, has been stripped and repainted. 

The Leader added that the road surfacing has now been removed to re-waterproof the bridge deck and repairs will need to be made to the concrete infill first, and this will add a few weeks onto the programme. He commented that major schemes such as this one and other structural maintenance or replacement schemes can cause disruption locally and therefore the Council is grateful to residents for their patience and cooperation.

 

Supplementary Question from County Borough Councillor R Evans:

“Can the Leader explain the importance of having a structural repairs and maintenance programme in RCT?”

Response from County Borough Councillor A Morgan:

 

The Leader commented that it is hugely important and the Council is currently replacing many bridges across the County Borough alongside the capital programme. The Leader acknowledged the disruption this involves but without investing in the structures, they would close which has long term implications for local residents until they are replaced.

The Leader explained that continued investment following Storm Dennis is inevitable and needed and four bridges will shortly be listed into placed. He added that structures will continue to be replaced as they age or else they will fail.

 

2.       Question from County Borough Councillor H. Gronow to the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure County Borough Councillor A Crimmings:

 

“Could the relevant Cabinet Member please give us an update on fly tipping across the county borough”.

 

Response from County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings:

 

 

Councillor Crimmings responded that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council adopts a zero-tolerance approach to tackling fly-tipping, and we use all available powers to catch those responsible for illegally blighting own towns and countryside and holding them accountable for their actions.

Councillor Crimmings advised that the removal of fly-tipping in the County Borough costs hundreds of thousands of pounds which should be spent on key front-line services, which is obviously vital in the current financial climate. She added that the most frustrating thing is that many of the items recovered on the streets, towns and mountains could have been taken to a Community Recycling Centre or collected from the kerbside at no extra cost. Therefore, there is absolutely no excuse for this behaviour in our communities.

Councillor Crimmings confirmed that once again, Rhondda Cynon Taf has achieved more successful fly-tipping prosecutions than any other Welsh Local Authority, cementing its place as the top performing Local Authority in Wales in this area for a 3^rd year in a row. This has resulted in 123 PACE interviews being undertaken, 64 Fixed Penalty Notices being issued, and 26 prosecutions administered to offenders across the County Borough in the last year.

Councillor Crimmings advised that as well as carrying out routine checks and responding to the reports they receive, the Council has a number of covert, roaming cameras placed in key locations to catch offenders red-handed. The Council’s Environmental Enforcement team remains committed to investigating every incident of fly tipping and prosecuting all offences where enough evidence is present. 

Councillor Crimmings recounted one example where an offender was ordered to pay costs of over £2,000 and also given a custodial sentence after fly-tipping 7 times across RCT. The individual had dumped almost 200 black bags of waste across 3 locations, with the waste consisting of large amounts of cannabis waste and related materials, including venting pipes, heat lamps, soil and other items. She added that the particular individual was also a licensed waste carrier at the time, and their vehicle – which contained more black bags and evidence - was seized as part of the investigation. This was a particularly complex case involving different agencies but was very much driven by our Officers and highlights some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each case.

There was no supplementary question

 

(As advised question 3 fell due to the absence of the Member asking the question)

 

4.   Question from County Borough Councillor R. Davis to the Cabinet Member for Social Services, County Borough Councillor G. Caple:

 

“Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the works to deliver an Extra Care scheme in Porth?”

Response from County Borough Councillor G. Caple:

 

Councillor Caple thanked the Member for the opportunity to provide an update on the Council’s £60M investment in modernising its residential care homes in order to ensure dignity and respect in old age with modern, state of the art extra care homes with provision for more complex needs such as dementia throughout the county borough. These changes will enhance the wellbeing and independence of older people in a modern-day setting. He added that the Council is able to provide real choice and quality care for the most vulnerable in its society against a background of budget cuts and a financial cost of living crisis together with economic turmoil.

 

Councillor Caple advised that last year, the Jehu Group, who were originally awarded the contract for the scheme, unfortunately entered into administration. Work on-site was temporarily paused and the site secured, consequently, the Council has been working closely with Linc – its partners for the scheme - to identify a contractor to take over and recommence the project.

 

Councillor Caple added that whilst there has been a delay, the scheme is still very much considered to be a priority project and the Council remains committed to providing further state-of-the-art, modern and fit-for-purpose Extra Care places and the additional community facilities that accompany it in Porth. He commented that once completed, it will house 60 extra care apartments over four storeys, providing modern accommodation with 24-hour support for older people’s assessed needs, allowing them to live as independently as possible.

 

Councillor Caple listed the on-site amenities to include a dining area, hair salon, activity room, day care centre and offices. Externally, 33 car park spaces will be provided along with cycle and buggy stores, while the site’s existing access will be slightly reconfigured.

 

In conclusion, Councillor Caple advised that the extra care scheme in Porth at Dan-Y-Mynydd is currently awaiting funding approvals, with a view to signing the Pre-Commencement Agreement (PCA) shortly. However, completion of this stage will enable the detailed design work and further site investigation work to get back underway ahead of a resumption in full site activity in the new year.  

 

There was no supplementary question

 

5.   Question from County Borough Councillor V. Dunn to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:

 

“Can the Leader provide Members with an update on the rollout of the Council’s Community Wardens team and outline what progress has been made in the further commitment to fund 10 PCSOs with South Wales Police?”

Response from County Borough Councillor A Morgan OBE:

 

The Leader advised that the Council has 14 Community Wardens in post and is funding 10 PCSOs, which have now been recruited by South Wales Police, which means the core manifesto commitment to introduce 24  individuals has been carried out. He added that there are 12 wardens, 2 senior wardens and 10 PCSOs. They can work 7 days a week if necessary, to include two shifts per day, in the morning and afternoon with an overlap during the day. Their main role is to patrol high footfall areas such as parks and town centres to provide a visible and reassuring presence in key locations across the communities. The Wardens are there to support the Police and are linked by radios to the CCTV centre and joint patrols are taking place and effective communication processes are in place between the Supervisors of each organisation.

 

The Leader explained that they have the necessary powers to issue fixed penalties for dog fouling, littering and dogs on sports pitches although not their main role they will deal with these issues if they see it. They are also supporting the alcohol related PSPO’s in Taff Street, Mill Street and Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd and Aberdare Town Centre and the Ynys and issuing significant numbers of fines for drinking alcohol in areas where it is banned and can make referrals for ASB and work closely with the Police.

 

The Leader advised that through SPF funding an additional member of staff is in post within the Community safety team to support the additional referrals and PSPO breaches. In conclusion, the Leader commented that their presence is already having a positive effect and they are visible and over time they will make a difference.

 

Supplementary Question from County Borough Councillor V Dunn:

 

“What are the key priorities for the community wardens and PCSO’s in Aberdare East and what actions have been taken by the wardens and PCSO’s to tackle Anti Social Behaviour in our town centre?”

 

Response from County Borough Councillor A Morgan OBE:

 

The Leader confirmed there are key hotspots which have been identified through intelligence led information as a result of working with the Police and PCSO’s. He added that they are visible, wearing distinctive bright red uniforms so they can be easily identified and explained they have access to free public transport via the trains and with Stagecoach and other bus companies which is important in making themselves seen and approachable on public transport.

 

The Leader commented on the Member’s area of Aberdare and reassured that regular patrols are being increased in areas of anti social behaviour to provide a reassuring presence on the streets.

 

6.       Question from County Borough Councillor G. E. Williams to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:

 

“Can the Leader please provide an update to residents on the progress of the Maindy Road bridge scheme?”

 

Response from County Borough Councillor A Morgan OBE:

 

The Leader acknowledged that this has been a particularly difficult scheme for the upper Rhondda Fawr especially due to the lack of trains at present. However, he confirmed he was on site with Officers to view the works first hand and added that a statement was published on the Council website recently to confirm that works were progressing well as the precast concrete replacement bridge deck slabs have been installed successfully and Wales and West Utilities now have access to carry out further utilities diversions over the top of the new slabs.

In mind of the disruption, this has been a scheme that we’ve really pushed to progress as quickly as practicably possible, and the replacement of the Maindy Road Bridge has progressed well, with a few weeks ahead of schedule saved on the programme to date. Council officers are continuing to work closely with the contractors for the bridge to be built and opened as soon as possible and before the scheduled date in December.

The Council is looking at the traffic flows in the area but the Leader advised that any changes have to be formally signed off by the approved traffic management companies and many of the options submitted and suggested by residents are not viable. The Leader assured the Member that additional options are being re considered which will be communicated with the local communities shortly. In conclusion, the Leader advised that if the bridge works had not been carried out following Storm Dennis the bridge would have been closed for a lengthy period of time.

There was no supplementary question

 

7.       Question from County Borough Councillor Sera Evans to the Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities, County Borough Councillor R Harris:

 

“Can the Cabinet Member please update members on its preparations to host the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd in 2024?”

 

Response from County Borough Councillor R Harris:

 

 

Councillor Harris responded by confirming that preparations are well under way for the 2024 National Eisteddfod of Wales to be held in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd and Council officers have been working with Eisteddfod organisers for many months to make this a truly unique Eisteddfod, whilst ensuring the council can promote the public transport network as part of this being a green and sustainable event.

Councillor Harris added that in addition, plans are being developed for Park and Ride facilities, whilst caravan site locations are being identified for those who wish to stay in camp site arrangements, which is a traditional element of the Eisteddfod, of course. He advised that Officers are continuing to work with the Eisteddfod organisers around logistics and infrastructure, and a high level spatial plan is being finalised by the National Eisteddfod which will be subject to agreement with the Council as soon as practicably possible.

Councillor Harris was delighted to report that the Council had a really successful eight days at this year’s Eisteddfod in North Wales, selling RCT as a tourist destination with all the unique experiences that it has on its doorstep. He commented that the ‘Let’s Talk Eisteddfod’ consultation had received 740 responses with Officers currently working through these responses to inform a communications plan.

Councillor Harris informed Council that community fundraising activities in support of the Eisteddfod funding requirements is a key feature of every annual Eisteddfod and Officers are supporting the three Local Committees.  He spoke of the National Eisteddfod as an important legacy for the Welsh Language in RCT and as part of that, the Adult Community Learning and Work and Skills teams have consulted with residents at various community engagement events throughout the summer period.  The outcomes demonstrate an increase in the numbers of local residents starting to learn the Welsh Language. Councillor Harris added that additional opportunities will be offered to residents to access taster sessions across the County in partnership with Welsh for Adults (University of South Wales - USW) and Menter Iaith RCT.  

In conclusion, Councillor Harris acknowledged the meeting that the Leader had with over 40 Pontypridd Traders / Businesses to discuss the business opportunities and economic boost the Eisteddfod will bring. It was the start of a conversation and further meetings are planned with Officers but the feedback was extremely positive. This positivity also extends to the engagement Council Officers have had with key partners, sport and community groups in recent months to explore all opportunities for pre-event engagement, participation and the Eisteddfod legacy.

 

There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the 20 minutes.