1. Apologies:

Tina McMahon, Clare Higgins, Karen, Alan Pritchard , Sue Gladwin,
Don Touhig MP, Richard Jones Rev Jefford,

2. Minutes

Minutes of the July meeting were passed as a true record , with the exception that
Paul Taylor had been unable to contact Gavin Thomas.

3. Chairman’s Opening Remarks

Chairman Roger Evans welcomed all those present. A copy of the newsletter was
distributed along with a handbill for Newbridge memo. Councillor Davies (Cabinet Minister)
was welcomed to the Partnership.

Presentation on Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Strategy by Ian Fido
(Planning & Commissioning Manager- Children & Young People)

Ian Fido explained that it is increasingly recognised that the needs of our population
cannot be met by organisations working alone, and that many of the challenges we face
locally will need Organisations working together to meet them.
The New Strategy sets out how as partners, they aim to improve the health and wellbeing
of the population of Caerphilly County Borough by addressing all factors that affect our
Health as well as how they will work together to address our joint priorities, for example,
waiting lists. This ranges from the provision of hospital and social care services to the
promotion of healthy lifestyle choices and wider issues such as transport, housing,
education, our environment and crime. Results of Consultation throughout different
partnerships were used as a foundation to build the new strategy upon.

Ian Fido then asked for any questions.

When will the new strategy be implemented?
December 2004
How will services be provided? 2.4 million will be put into services, recruiting new
staff in order to help strategy work. More funding for GPs- Doctors are private Contractors, looking at salaried GP’s to help improve the Healthcare.
Mair Gwyn said that did Ian not think that we deserve more Health Care?
Resource centres will be available throughout Borough
Roger Evans asked would more money be spent on buildings i.e. sheltered housing, complexes?
Yes, there are presently funds available, also to subsidise care in the home.

There is a Transport Service available for out of hours at Aberbeeg Hospital.
Telephone number to be supplied at next meeting.

The survey has proven that we have poorer health in the Penmaen area.
This is possibly due to the mining background.

Ian has asked members of the Partnership to complete a questionnaire.

Roger Evans thanked Ian Fido for his time and will place Ian on our mailing list.

Groundwork

Granville received correspondence from groundwork , they also sent a coloured brochure.
They thanked partnerships for their contributions.
Granville asked if we could dedicate an area to display correspondence and information
received.

Planning Issues Presentation

Roger Morgan gave a presentation on how the planning department works.
Brief overview Planning deals with the property of the land, to ensure buildings
function properly , with minimum impact.

Countryside and Landscape- protection of environment and enjoyment of countryside, ecology,
Country Parks, new footpaths- guided walks. Roger explained our Bat crossing and how the
council works with environmentalists. He informed us that there would be a new
Visitors Centre at Penyfan next year. This will take approx., 1 year to build
Strategic Planning: Urban renewal strategies i.e. Hall Street- regenerate Town Centres
Urban Conservation- listed buildings etc., commercial improvement, shop fronts.

In brief, planning is designed to regulate the right development in the right place.
Planning Dept., will need to justify why/why not planning has been allowed/disallowed.
Planning guidance change quite often. A copy of the unitary plan was distributed for
information purposes. Roger stated that 94% of the population do not reply to any planning
concerns. Roger completed the presentation and asked the Partnership for any questions.
Roger will try and find out if our Partnership has any role in future plans for our community.
Roger stated that he is unable to provide information on what is happening in our boundaries.
HE also stated as the need for more housing increases, communities would be faced with more
urban sprawls.

Roger Evans thanked Roger for his presentation.

Projects

Logo competition results were announced. Roger thanked Granville for his hard work.
Oakdale Comprehensive School allowed us to use the hall for the prize- giving event,
which was much appreciated. It was an excellent event and Parents expressed their gratitude.
Oakdale Comprehensive School has offered the hall to us for future events.

Penmaen Church Project

Ongoing

The Square Sub Group met

They have written to 14 businesses in the square, to ask for
sponsorship of Christmas lights and hanging baskets for 2005, we have to date received three
favourable replies. Have also applied to street lighting dept., in council for
Christmas lights for 2004.

Greengo project: ground -work - a meeting has been arranged for 9th September at 3.30 pm.

Skateboarding Project

Working party 50/50 young people and Partnership (8 Members).
The first meeting will be week commencing 9th August 2004. At the beginning of next Year
there will be meeting with GAVO with a plan to move forward.

Community Buildings

John Thomas requires further information.
After he has received information from Karen he will arrange a Management meeting.
Jan stated that this information had already been sent.
Partnership Agreement: The agreement will be signed on 1st September.
Digital Storytelling: Granville contacted June Strudwick and has supplied dates of
forthcoming meetings. June will notify us when she is able to attend.

Bridleway

Area Forum Budget will buy signs for Bridle route- Mike is to submit cost
figures and put together a project on costs for small bridges, stiles, improved access
for horses etc., this information must then be given to Robert Campbell.
Jan will also help to find out costs.

Matters Arising

Cross Oaks has been a victim of Criminal damage. Sodium Chlorate (weedkiller) has been
poured over their garden. The village needs to be informed of the danger to Peoples health
and that in its natural state this weedkiller is also a flame enhancer.
Granville will put a warning notice on the website and Jeff will put notices in shop
windows informing the public of the danger.
Jan states that the third network event will be held on the 11th October.
Flyers were also distributed - Brassed Off- theatre- BTM.
Tickets £7 adult, £3 children- 13th -15th October.

Future Business

Date of next meeting.

1st September, 6.30pm Oakdale Community Centre

Site designed and maintained by Glyn Hale © All rights reserved 2003/4. Contact us