Twyncarmel newsletter september 2014

Twyncarmel News September 2014

Introducing your new Housing Officer“Hi, I’m Meryl Thomas and I have taken over the role of your Housing Officer from Alex Morris, who is now looking after our properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

I have worked for Wales & West Housing for xx years and before my transfer I was looking after our properties in Caerau, Cardiff.

I am looking forward to the challenge of getting to know you and our other residents in Merthyr Tydfil.”

New developments on Twyncarmel

A basic plan of the area to be developed

New properties will be situated along the existing road opposite nos. 120 - 126 Twyncarmel to enable access. The two bungalows will be nearest no. 304, with 2 blocks of 4 flats running alongside them.

The flats are designed to look like 2 pairs of semi-detached houses to better fit in with the street scene.

A sizable grassed area will remain behind and to the side of the new properties.

In July we held a community consultation event at the Fact Shop, where we outlined our proposals to interested residents.

Following that event, we submitted a planning application to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for permission to build 8 one-bed flats and 2 two-bed bungalows on part of the old flats site. Without these new properties we are unable to meet the demand for housing from people living on Twyncarmel that are:

• needing to downsize to one-bed accommodation due to the bedroom tax• needing disabled access accommodation

We are hoping that the Council’s Planning Committee will discuss and decide upon the application during their November meeting.

Twyncarmel Newsletter | September 2014

Page 2| www.wwha.co.uk | 0800 052 2526 | Twitter: @wwha

Now in its third year, Growing Ambitions gives young people like Toby, who have been nominated by social housing providers, the chance to spend a week with Blake Morgan, gaining vital work experience and helping them to make informed choices about their future career. Mentored by trainee solicitors, the programme included the opportunity to spend a ‘day in the life of’ a lawyer, attending court and taking part in workshops to learn negotiation and presentation skills.

Toby will also have further opportunities to attend a number of evening/one day sessions with Blake Morgan over the next 18 months.

Bridget Garrod, Neighbourhood Initiatives Manager, said: “Wales & West Housing are really pleased that we were able to offer this worthwhile opportunity to Toby and that he got so much out of it. We hope to repeat this opportunity for residents in Merthyr Tydfil next year.”

Got green fingers but not enough space to grow your own?The new development will bring with it an opportunity to set up a small community garden / allotments in the area running alongside nos. 305 and 256 Twyncarmel, if there is sufficient demand.

We would like to hear from anyone interested in setting up a small group to take this idea forward with our assistance.

Contact Alison Chaplin on 07929 201429 or email [email protected]

Toby grows his ambitions with law firm Blake Morgan

15 year old Toby Lagos of Twyncarmel, a pupil at Cyfarthfa High School, took part in the Growing Ambitions work placement scheme with law firm Blake Morgan this summer.

Don’t let money worries weigh you downSpeak to Sharon Jones, your local Tenancy Support Officer, for friendly, confidential advice. Ring 07826 526511 or 0800 052 2526 or email sharon.jones@ wwha.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)Alternatively, if you want independent advice, Merthyr Tydfil CAB is now operating drop-in sessions on a Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 9am until 12 noon at the Civic Centre, Castle Street,

Merthyr Tydfil.

The staff attending will be able to help with a wide range of issues and will endeavour to provide what help they can.



Look out for our letter advising you of venues.

• Neutering• Micro-chipping• Health check• Flea and worm treatment

Litter pick and tidy upBack by popular demandWe will be holding a litter pick on Thursday 30th October, meeting at the Fact Shop at 1pm, followedby refreshments in the Fact Shop at 3pm.

All welcome!!

For more information ring Alison Chaplin, Community Development Project Officer on 07929 201429, or freephone 0800 052 2526, or email [email protected]

Protect your Pets scheme coming to Merthyr Tydfil - 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th November 2014

Protect your PetHave you got a pet? Special event for ALL PETS!

All for £10To anyone on means-tested benefits (including tax credits)



Robin Alldred, WWH Contracts Manager, recently met with Ward Councillors and Carrie Thomas from Merthyr Tydfil CBC Parks Dept to discuss improvements to the kick-a-bout area.

MTCBC is exploring whether Sports Council for Wales funding is available to partially cover any improvement costs. Three options are being considered, dependent on available funding:

1. To replace the existing kick-a-bout area with a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)

2. To replace the old fencing with MUGA type fencing

3. To improve the existing kick-a-bout area by:-

• Replacing the missing fencing on the gate/other areas• Restoring the 2 missing basketball hoops and backstops• Adding another exit gate to meet current health and safety requirements• Marking out the court• Adding a bench for parents to watch younger children and a bin• Adding barriers along the pavement to stop children running straight out onto the road.

The Council are also refurbishing the play area on Castle Park which we know some of you withyounger children use. We have also asked them to refurbish the play area by nos. 129/132Twyncarmel.

Talks held on improving the Kick-a-bout area

getonline@homeRefurbished £99 PCs and £149 Laptops Available with weekly payments through Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union.

Core Microsoft Software preloaded and licenced, 6 Month Warranties and Free delivery are included with all equipment ensuring you have everything you need to get started.

Affordable weekly payment plans available through Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union when looking to get online and purchase a PC or Laptop. Call today on 01685 377888 or visit the credit union at 139 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan, CF47 8DN.

Loan £ Payment term

Weekly cost

Total interest charged (26.8%)

£99 PC 52 weeks £2.15 £12.55

£149 Laptop 52 weeks £3.25 £18.80

Customers ordering through Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union are in with a chance to receive £20 reward into their credit union savings account, from their Housing Association. Terms and conditions apply, please check this with your credit union’.


Fly tipping updateAs previously reported, we are working with a number of organisations including Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to try to stop fly tipping on the framers field behind Twyncarmel.

The fly tipping was cleared on 23rd September by a team which included WWH staff.

Steve Jones, the field’s owner, has agreed to:-

• replace the existing fencing and plant a hedgerow. As it matures, the hedgerow will form another barrier.

• refuse permission for any future bonfires on the site as this encourages much of the fly tipping activity.

Wales & West Housing has agreed to:-

• advise you not to give anything to the children for a bonfire on the field.

• work with Norma Green from Fly Tipping Action Wales on a number of initiatives around

waste, recycling and fly tipping / inappropriate disposal of waste.

Merthyr Tydfil Council has installed CCTV cameras in the area to monitor / catch anyone fly tipping in the future.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have agreed a zero tolerance approach to bonfires on the site.

Fly Tipping is illegal and can result in large fines. Take care who you ask to dispose of your rubbish. You could still be liable if they dump it.



Your Twyncarmel team membersTwyncarmel Newsletter | September 2014

Below are the WWH staff who have responsibility for and work in and around the Twyncarmel area, along with their telephone numbers so that you can contact them easily.

Meryl ThomasHousing Officer07929 201459

Bridget GarrodHousing Manager07917 352408

Ian WilliamsAsset Management Officer07929 201359

Sion PhillipsTenancy Enforcement Officer07929 201357

Alison ChaplinCommunity DevelopmentProject Officer07929 201429

Phil HowellSite Superintendent

Sylvia RogersCleaner

Sharon JonesTenancy Support Officer07826 526511

You can also contact the staff members by ringing the Customer Service Centre on 0800 052 2526 and aksing to speak to the member of staff you need.

Staff responsible for new development

Rachel StephensAssistant Development Officer07826 526511

Jon HarveyDevelopment Manager02920 414085



We hope you have found this newslett er useful!

If there is anything in parti cular you’d like us to look at in the next editi on please let us know!

Contact Alison Chaplin, Community DevelopmentProject Offi cer 07929 [email protected]

Follow us on Twitt er @wwha

Check out our website:www.wwha.co.uk

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Twyncarmel Newslett er | September 2014

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Twyncarmel newsletter september 2014