www.neathferret.co.uk Neath's Private Eye Looking for Community Problems Blaenhonddan Edition Weekending 7th March 2009 Version 15.1
Computer Glitch It is not only Government departments that have trouble with computers. We have had a problem with our server that has delayed our updates. However. we are pleased to say that we are almost back to normal and that this edition is a step forward. Bryncoch Environment Group New website 
The Bryncoch Environment Group (BEG) has made another step forward by having their own website. It is currently under development with just an introduction on the home page. The News page will
eventually give details of all their activities. The Group's logo was designed by Anna Parks, a former pupil of the Blaenhonndan Primary School who is now attending the Dwr-y-felin Comprehensive School.The Group also has its own Newsletter which is very informative. They hope that the new website will further help the environment by eventually cutting down on paper. One of the matters highlighted in the Newsletter is the increase in litter since the new shops opened in Wauncerich. One of the Group's activities is litter picking in an effort to keep the area tidy. Membership of the friendly group is free and their work is often acknowledged by the media, including the BBC who highlight the work done by those who care for the environment. Exract from the BBC website by Lynne John of the Bryncoch Environment Group "Up to this point our Toad Patrollers have picked up 373 toads, 12 frogs and 1 smooth newt on the roads since Feb 7th. The highest number rescued in one night was 94 but this can be follwed by very low numbers or even no toads seen for days. The weather has been very changeable this last month or so. Now we are noticing that some toads are making their way back from their large breeding pond. it is sometimes very difficult to know whether they are travelling to or from the pond. It is easier to determine this with the females as they look much slimmer after spawning. Both males and females seem to move more slowly on their return from the pond. If anyone knows any other signs which indicate which way they are travelling please let me know." Click to email View: www.bryncochenvironment.co.uk - the Group's new website. Toads on the road A Litter Idea! At least, something to think about As highlighted by the Bryncoch Environment Group (BEG), the amount of local litter has increased since the opening of the new shops at South Bryncoch. We often wonder what is done when magistrates punish crime offenders with a specified numbers of hours doing 'Community Service.' Would it not be a good idea to specify that a certain weight of litter should be collected to pay for a crime? The weight of litter collected should be related to the seriousness of the crime. We feel that many people would be delighted to weigh the litter picked if this idea was ever considered. Perhaps this would allow litter picking environmentalists to spend more time on the many other specialised activities that they cover. No doubt some people will think that this idea is a load of rubbish - if you do, we would like to know what ideas you have for curing this problem. Cost of Running Community Centres A report in a local newspaper has revealed some disturbing differences between neighbouring community councils in running their community centres. The new finance committee of the Blaenhonndan Community Council are looking closely at the figures that are in the public domain in a way not done before. It is quite right to say that Community Councils are not meant to make a profit from their centres, but surely a reduction in costs and better management should, in the end, reduce council tax charges? Lessons can be learnt from Community Councils in other parts of the country - and improvements are sure to follow. Bats at Rowan Tree Close - a petition Colony at cul-de-sac 
The discovery of bats at a hedge row at a Rowan Tree Close cul-de-sac has put a different complexion on a pending planning application for a house on nearby land that was formerly an allotment.
Residents feel so strongly about this issue that they have sent a petition to the local Planning Department.The Bat Conservation Trust states: "Land for planning has to take account of legislation, not only the relevant planning legislation, but also the wildlife legislation where protected species are affected by land use development and planning matters." Bats are more beneficial to society that many people think because they eat insects that damage crops and also the midges and mosquitoes that irritate humans. Apparently they rotate locations with climatic conditions but always return to their favourite habitat in the finer weather. They are so unobtrusive that their presence can often only be detected by special equipment, as mentioned above. The local environmental group are taking a great interest in the protection of the species and how the planning department will react in this case. The following websites give more information on Bat conservation:- Bat Conservation International Bat Conservation Trust PACT - Police And Communities Together Local meetings are worth attending The PACT meetings allow residents allow residents to meet their 'local Bobby' and also their Community and County Councillors. There will be an aim to co-ordinate Neighbourhood Watches with the PCSO's in order to provide more security to the community. Residents are imvited to attend these meeting in order to establish a better community spirit. In addition to these meetings it should be remembered that you can meet your local County Borough Councillors at their local sugeries - including the one at the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00am. Date and venue of next PACT meeting: Thursday, 12th March 2009 at 6:30pm at the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre. Community Centres under used New ideas are in the pipeline It is a fact that the Blaenhonndan Community Centres are under used - they currently close 9:00pm and are not available for Sundays and Bank Holidays (with two exceptions). They are in the hands of caretakers who want two weeks notice for bookings - residents, users and prospective users say that this is not good enough. A neighbouring community centre can be made available on Sundays and at 24 hours notice, although, they too currently have to close by 9:00pm. Many community halls in other parts of the UK are open until 11:00pm. You can see for yourself by clicking on the following search link: Community Halls closing times elsewhere The current cost of hiring any of the BCC community centres can now be seen on the Council's website which is due for an update very shortly. Holiday Rep thanks MP A word of thanks to Peter Hain and his staff 
Following a letter to Peter Hain's Neath office, a potential court case was avoided. It concerned a holiday representative working abroad for a British holiday company. The holiday rep pays UK income tax but apparently does not qualify for UK Tax Credits that others get for low paid jobs in the UK. A previous tax credit was demanded to be repaid by H.M.Customs and Excise - or else an appearance in court. Although the matter is not completely resolved, it is deferred pending an appeal - thanks to the intervention by Mr Hain's office.
The case highlights an injustice to someone, who, as mentioned above, works for a UK holiday company and pays UK income tax - the only difference is that the person is working abroad on a short-term contact. This can’t be fair.
Still waiting to hear from Welsh Assembly Concern from residents 
It is nearly six months since we asked Dr. Dai Lloyd, the AM for this area, if he could find out if the Welsh Assembly is paying Waterstone Homes (Bridgend) 20% of the delvelopment costs towards the "White's Folly" development at Waunceirch on basis that they are building so called affordable homes.
Dr Lloyd assures us that he working on the case. The longer it takes to answer this question will make people wonder what is behind all this? We are confident that Dr Lloyd will come up with the answers to the questions that so many people are now asking. Link to Dai Lloyd's website which is sure to be updated when he has time to do so.
Tell your friends about this website - or send them a copy by email, our website address is:- www.neathferret.co.uk Email news and comments to: news@neathferret.co.uk or use our readers letter page. Go to LATEST version Back to version 14 BNP insult our MP, Community centre news, What has our Council done? Back to version 13 Tesco disappoints, Colourful website for BCC, Chairperson change over at BCC, Peter Hain, MP. offers help. Back to version 12 The Caewern Community Hall. Questions about a 'lame duck' situation. Back to version 11 What Tesco wants Tesco gets. NOTE. Issues in version 10 are included in version 11 - including details of the Council's new complaint procedure following our item in version 9. Back to version 9 A Case for Public Services Ombudsman? Back to version 8 Councillor's website leads the way - an example for others to follow? Back to version 7 £5,000 reward for information Back to version 6 Councillor put in the picture. Back to version 5 PC Councillors scold Neath Ferret Back to Version 4 Neath Port Talbot dentist leaving NHS Back to Version 3 Anger over Neath Guardian Back to version 2 Planning consent for paedophiles? Information for this website is accepted and printed in good faith. It is gathered from various sources and may, or may not, reflect the views of the webmaster or any member of the community council or its officials. No responsibility is accepted for any errors that may occur from time to time. Sources of information must be made known to the webmaster but will not be divulged to any third party We aim to put the community first and make the residents of Neath aware of injustances and wrong doings. Neath Ferret,Neath Private EYE,Neath Ferret,Neath Private Eye,"Neath Ferret",Neath's Private Eye, Neath Ferret,Neath Private Eye,Neath Ferret,Neath Private Eye,"Neath Ferret",Neath Private Eye. Neath Ferret,Neath's Private Eye,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Private Eye - a sight for sore eyes! |