Swansea Council press releases

Beach-goers in Swansea are being urged to use purpose-built bins designed for disposable BBQs after a young girl suffered severe burns to her feet.

Swansea Council has condemned the actions of individuals who buried a disposable BBQ in the sand on Swansea Bay beach, which was then walked on by a seven-year old girl. The child is now waiting to see if she needs skin graft surgerySimi Adenaike, 7, and her mother Alex Adenaike from Mt Pleasant, along with other family members, had not been on the beach long when their day out turned to horror.Simi’s mum, Alex, said: “We had only just arrived at the beach and were looking forward to having some fun. The children started playing almost immediately and had been running around in the sand. We heard a horrifying scream and my daughter came running back.”She was in so much pain, she was unable to tell us what happened.

Eventually we realised one of her feet was very red and blistered. We had some help from some other visitors on the beach to cool down the burn with water and we got her to hospital immediately.”The family had discovered a disposable BBQ buried in the sand and were told by witnesses that a group had been seen burying the foil tray before leaving.Alex’s mum said: “This is so upsetting and my daughter is now needing further treatment and possibly a skin graft.”The Council has made the effort to install disposable BBQ bins and there was one not far from where the BBQ had been buried.”Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community said: “This incident is horrendous and we wish Simi and her family all the best as she receives medical treatment.”The dangers associated with discarding or leaving disposable BBQs on our beaches are well known and that’s why we have gone to the trouble of installing fifteen bins at all of our beaches.”

Anyone who thinks that it’s OK to bury BBQs or any other waste in the sand on a day out is simply irresponsible and thoughtless to the injuries they can cause to beach users.”We’ve invested thousands of pounds installing permanent BBQ waste bins along Swansea Bay beach and also at Port Eynon, Horton, Caswell and Langland with more to come at Rotherslade.”BBQs and charcoal retain their heat for hours after they’ve been used and can cause serious burns for people who accidentally step on them.”

The Council’s beach cleansing teams clean the beaches every morning during the summer and throughout the day. They are often supported by volunteers who also want to see pristine-clean beaches. Additional teams also target littering hotspots at the busiest times.

Swansea Council press releases:

Disabled youngsters get a home away from home Disabled children and their families are to get the chance of short holidays in a home away from home thanks to a new initiative set up by Swansea council and the Action for Children charity.

Swansea Council has bought three family-sized static caravans on idyllic Gower so the youngsters can take their families with them for short respite care breaks away from home. In the past disabled children have had to take respite care breaks away from their families but now, thanks to the council and Action for Children, they’ll be able to go on holiday together.

Louise Gibbard, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Care services, said: “Everyone loves a short break on Gower with its opportunities to enjoy brilliant scenery and fresh air.”Now disabled young children and their families will be able to get a wonderful change of scene together rather than having to go on holiday separately, which has often been the case in the past.”Working together with Action for Children, we’ve purchased the caravans near each other on a holiday site in Llanrhidian. They’ll be fully kitted-out to make sure the children and their families get the best possible short break experience.”

Action For Children, who already do a lot of great work supporting children with disabilities and their families, will operate the caravans and assist the families while they’re there.”It’s a really good, new initiative and it’s great to see this kind of partnership between the council and Action for Children delivering the best for our community’s disabled children and their families.”Caroline Lewis, Action for Children’s short breaks practice manager, said: “Our families face very difficult challenges every day and we are delighted Swansea Council has worked with us to provide these wonderful facilities.

The caravans will provide a much-needed break in beautiful surroundings with fully accessible amenities for children with disabilities.” Caroline added: “The value of a break from your everyday routine is priceless and I’m sure our families will relish all the Gower has to offer and make lovely new memories.

We are very grateful to Swansea Council for their incredible support and generosity in making this happen.”Action for Children will operate the caravans, arranging bookings and providing day-to-day support on site.

Swansea Council press release

Swansea soaks up burst of wildflower colour this summer CITY communities are enjoying a blaze of colour this summer thanks to the council’s popular wildflower planting scheme.

Over the past few years the council has attracted pollinating insects to its roadside verges, roundabouts, parks and rough ground by allowing the grass to grow long in selected locations, which allows wildflowers to bloom, and by seeding formal beds with a colourful mix of flowers. And now it’s going one step further by introducing native wildflowers at a dozen locations around the city which will continue to bloom year after year. Seeds specially selected from the National Botanic Garden of Wales’ beautiful wildflower meadows in Carmarthenshire have been planted this autumn and winter ready for this summer and for years to come. The initiative is on top of the annual flower planting season which has kicked off at around 190 places around Swansea that are due to rise in a blaze of colour over the coming weeks.T he move are part of the council’s commitment to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss by promoting plant and insect life which includes new ways of cutting grass that is promoting pollinators and environmentally-healthy parks and verges. Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the council is at the forefront of trying out new ways to promote wildflowers and biodiversity across city communities. He said: “We’re working alongside our nature conservation team and other organisations to create new havens for insects and native wildflowers because that’s what people have been asking us to do.””People really love the bright and cheerful wildflower initiative, but some want to see more native varieties introduced. While they aren’t as colourful as other types of wildflowers, native species largely look after themselves. “They’re low maintenance, re-grow year after year and support native insect-life as well. That’s why we’re experimenting at locations including on Carmarthen Road, Oystermouth Road, Swansea Enterprise Zone, the Vetch as well as in more rural locations like Pennard.””We’re getting our seeds from the national botanical gardens because then we know they’re Welsh seeds grown in Wales.”The wildflower projects build on the success of the council’s ‘cut and collect’ grass cutting programme in parks, roadside verges and elsewhere that also promotes biodiversity in our communities.

Cllr Stevens said: “Our new approach to grass cutting is in addition to what we’re already doing and is the best of both worlds because it encourages the maintenance of species-rich vegetation in parks and verges.  It also slows down rainwater, helping with flood defence and capturing pollutants from the air.”But the best thing about it is that we cut the grass twice in the season at specific times so that flowers can complete their lifecycles and naturally distribute seed ready for the next time.”This cutting less and cutting later approach to grassy areas replenish the seed bank, restores floral diversity, and provides pollinator habitat across the county.”The Welsh Government has supported the scheme with grant funding for specialist cutting equipment and new machinery. It cuts and collects grass while at the same time carefully removing other dead vegetation to allow air and rain to get to the soil so that seeds have room to germinate.

Further reading:

https://www.swansea.gov.uk/cutandcollect

https://www.swansea.gov.uk/wildflowers

Link to 'Swansea' homepage Cymraeg Residents Business Council Do it online Close Search… Find Toggle mobile menu visibility Toggle mobile menu visibility Close Search… Find Residents Business Council Do it online Close navigation , Swansea Home Council News June 2022 press releases , Swansea goes green as city businesses tackle climate change Hundreds of Swansea businesses will come together next week to promote decarbonisation as the city’s drive towards net zero continues. Taking place at the Brangwyn Hall, the Green Recovery Business Conference on Monday June 27 is being organised by 4 The Region in partnership with Swansea Council.Including speakers and exhibiting stalls, the conference will showcase Swansea businesses of all sizes helping build the city’s green economy.Lasting from 9.30am to 3pm, the conference will also help point businesses in the direction of financial support, understand the obstacles some businesses may face, and give practical tips on how businesses can best decarbonise.The event is being funded by Swansea Council through the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund.Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The aim of the conference is to share examples of best practice from local businesses, help others in their drive towards decarbonisation and inspire a shared sense of purpose and vision.”We’re all in this together, but the commitment and innovation of our fantastic local businesses means Swansea is already on the right path to realise our net zero city goal by 2050.”As a local authority, it’s important we set a great example, so it’s pleasing that we’re making so much progress in our ambition to be a net zero council by 2030.”Over the last 12 years, the council has cut its carbon emissions by 61%, helping Swansea become a more green and prosperous city.”Dawn Lyle, of 4 The Region, said: “We want to hear about what businesses are already doing and discuss what we could do collectively, to create a resilient green economy for Swansea.  There are actions every organisation can take, like promoting active travel and using renewable energy.  There are also big ideas that require collaboration.  We are excited to come together as the business community to talk about the future, and we would like to encourage any business to attend and be part of the discussions.”Ange Bettany, co-founder of Hoogah Café, Bar and Kitchen on Brynymor Road, will be among those at the conference.She said “Along with a particularly intense focus on recycling and training our staff in food waste, we place considerable emphasis on sourcing as much as our produce as possible from the local area.”These little decisions businesses make on a day-to-day basis are vitally important because they combine to make a huge impact.”Swansea has made great strides in the last five years or so in terms of sustainability and ethical trading, which is starting to become more and more embedded in our culture.”The conference will be exciting because it’ll help businesses like ours to meet likeminded people, while also enabling all in attendance to learn new techniques that will make an even bigger difference in future.”Feedback from the conference will help inform a collective plan of action for local companies.**IMAGE CAPTION: Becky Rawle & Chloe Rose of Hoogah, which is one of the businesses attending the conference. Choose Language Croeso! Dewiswch eich dewis iaith. Welcome! Please select your preferred language. Cymraeg English Close Choose Language , Last modified on 23 June 2022 , Cookies Cymraeg Privacy Accessibility Website feedback Welsh correspondence welcome Follow us © 2022 – Swansea Powered by GOSS

Link to 'Swansea' homepage Cymraeg Residents Business Council Do it online Close Search… Find Toggle mobile menu visibility Toggle mobile menu visibility Close Search… Find Residents Business Council Do it online Close navigation , Swansea Home Council News June 2022 press releases , Regional plan to unlock £138m funding pot Aimed at securing funding worth nearly £138m to South West Wales over the next three years, a new regional investment plan is being produced. The plan now being put together by the region’s four local authorities will unlock money already earmarked for Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea as part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.In line with UK Government guidance, the plan is being developed through local strategic partnerships made up of public, private and voluntary sector organisations in each county.To help further shape the plan, all four local authorities will be seeking feedback from local people and local businesses to find out which key themes are most important to their areas.Based on the feedback, a final plan will then be submitted to the UK Government by August 1 for approval in the autumn.Local authorities have not yet received any Shared Prosperity Fund money. Detailed guidance from the UK Government on how the funding will be distributed to projects is also yet to be confirmed, although the preference is for a competitive process.Once the funding has been secured, each regional local authority will let its businesses and other organisations know how they can bid for funding.Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Investment and Tourism, said: “This funding from the UK Government has already been set aside for each local authority area, although a regional investment plan is needed to unlock it.”The plan is now being prepared, although it will soon be further informed by the key themes identified by local people as priorities in their respective local authority areas throughout South West Wales.”Businesses and residents across the region will be kept updated on consultation opportunities. We’ll also let people know once the regional plan has been approved and businesses and other organisations can start bidding for funds.”Cllr Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “Carmarthenshire looks forward to this exciting funding opportunity and to work locally with our communities and our businesses in order to grow the economy. Maximising sustainable growth and jobs for our county is one of our key priorities.”Cllr Martyn Peters, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “We have been working closely with our regional and local partners to ensure the funds that have been allocated to Neath Port Talbot make an impact for local people and businesses. We are strengthening our local partnership arrangements further so we can get the programme up and running as soon as the funds are unlocked.”The Shared Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Government’s levelling-up agenda. Choose Language Croeso! Dewiswch eich dewis iaith. Welcome! Please select your preferred language. Cymraeg English Close Choose Language , Last modified on 22 June 2022 , Cookies Cymraeg Privacy Accessibility Website feedback Welsh correspondence welcome Follow us © 2022 – Swansea Powered by GOSS

Link to 'Swansea' homepage Cymraeg Residents Business Council Do it online Close Search… Find Toggle mobile menu visibility Toggle mobile menu visibility Close Search… Find Residents Business Council Do it online Close navigation , Swansea Home Council News June 2022 press releases , Swansea set to honour our Armed Forces The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Mike Day and other local dignitaries will be honouring those who’ve served their country in the armed forces at a special ceremony at Swansea’s Guildhall Rotunda on Saturday. Cllr Day along with the council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr Wendy Lewis, HM the Lord Lieutenant Louise Fleet JP and the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Stephen Rogers will be paying tribute to those who have served as the culmination of Armed Forces Week.The tributes will take place on the Guildhall Rotunda at 11am and also present will be representatives from the armed forces, reservists, veterans and local cadet units. Residents are welcome to attend.Cllr Day said: “Armed Forces Day is the community’s opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those in the armed services who have served and are serving their country and communities.”While we automatically think of their role in conflict situations, much of their work involves the important task of peace-keeping, humanitarian support and, as we have experienced in recent years, providing essential services alongside our health and blue light services.””I know their assistance made a real difference for Swansea Bay Health Board during the pandemic and the Covid-19 vaccination programme.”There are many men and women from this area who are part of the armed forces serving in a wide range of roles.”Armed Forces Day this year is an opportunity to come together to raise public awareness of their commitment and sacrifice. It is a debt we can’t repay, but we can show them our support. The Council has appointed an Armed Forces Champion, and Councillor Wendy Lewis has taken a lead in delivering on the commitment the Council has made in its Armed Forces Covenant.”The Council is proudly flying the Armed Forces Day flag all week on its civic buildings. In addition Guildhall will be lit up in red, white and blue on the evening of June 25.Cllr Lewis said: “Swansea Council has always stood side-by-side with the Armed Forces, supporting veterans, reservists and those currently serving and their families. Although this commemorative day is important, our commitment to them as a community and as a council is year-round.”This year is, of course, the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War in which service personnel from Swansea and Wales participated. We will remember them.” Anyone wishing to attend the ceremony on Saturday 25th June 2022 at 11.00 a.m. please contact [email protected]   Choose Language Croeso! Dewiswch eich dewis iaith. Welcome! Please select your preferred language. Cymraeg English Close Choose Language , Last modified on 22 June 2022 , Cookies Cymraeg Privacy Accessibility Website feedback Welsh correspondence welcome Follow us © 2022 – Swansea Powered by GOSS

Link to 'Swansea' homepage Cymraeg Residents Business Council Do it online Close Search… Find Toggle mobile menu visibility Toggle mobile menu visibility Close Search… Find Residents Business Council Do it online Close navigation , Swansea Home Council News June 2022 press releases , Specialists team up to transform key Swansea site Two specialist regeneration companies will work together to redevelop a key site in Swansea city centre. Urban Splash have announced a joint venture with real estate developers Milligan for the transformation of the Swansea Central North site in the area of St Mary’s Church.The news comes within weeks of Swansea Council appointing Urban Splash as its long-term partner for the wider £750m private sector funded transformation of sites that also include the Civic Centre and land along the riverfront in St Thomas.Plenty of opportunities will be available for people to give feedback on plans for each site once proposals are developed in more detail.Early proposals for the 5.5-acre Swansea Central North site at the former St David’s Shopping Centre include new office buildings, shared workspaces, apartments and an area for small creative businesses to make and sell their products.Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Having companies of this quality on board is great news for the Swansea Central North site that links Oxford Street with the £135m Copr Bay district the council has already delivered.”Both in the UK and overseas, Urban Splash and Milligan have delivered some of the most successful mixed-use schemes there are, bringing exciting solutions that meet the challenges of modern times to regenerate city centres and communities.”The redevelopment of Swansea Central North and the other sites forming part of the overall £750m plans will deliver the kind of top class visiting, living and working experiences the people of Swansea and our businesses deserve, while also boosting our economy, creating jobs and helping attract even more investment to the city.”Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman and founder of Urban Splash, said: “We are incredibly excited about teaming up with Milligan to deliver our ideas for Swansea. Their expertise in leisure, commerce and market curation provides the type of innovative thinking local authorities will need as they embark on town centre transformations.”This will build on all the great work Swansea Council has already led to regenerate Swansea as the city embarks on an exciting future.”Milligan have helped deliver or breathe new life into some of the most iconic mixed-use schemes across the UK and beyond. These include Camden Lock Market in London, Liverpool’s MetQuarter and the Mailbox in Birmingham. The company has also vowed to lead the way on the path to net zero emissions with sustainable, future-proofed, low energy schemes that benefit the environment, societies and communities.John Milligan, CEO of Milligan said, “We have long admired the creative and long-term approach of Urban Splash. We first talked about doing something together over 15 years ago, so it has taken a while to put our first joint venture together. But the timing couldn’t be better. Now more than ever as we redefine our physical spaces and create new town centre destinations, agility and diverse thinking will help us create enduring places.”Swansea is a city where a major regeneration programme is already under way, so we’re delighted to be working with Urban Splash and Swansea Council on such a key site in its city centre. As a city, Swansea has so much potential.”Other schemes Milligan has delivered include the refurbishment of the Zubiarte shopping centre in Bilbao, as well as the transformation of the Maremagnum centre in Barcelona into a respected and exciting retail lifestyle destination.  Choose Language Croeso! Dewiswch eich dewis iaith. Welcome! Please select your preferred language. Cymraeg English Close Choose Language , Last modified on 21 June 2022 , Cookies Cymraeg Privacy Accessibility Website feedback Welsh correspondence welcome Follow us © 2022 – Swansea Powered by GOSS