“The Council can confirm that there has been a fire overnight at Tonypandy Community College. Council staff are currently visiting the site to asses the extent of damage that has occurred and set the plan in motion to ensure that educational provision is restored as soon as possible.

Once the extent of the damage is known an update will be given and parents will be sent a letter later today in relation to next steps.

Our priority now is to work with the school staff and governors to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. We are currently exploring a number of options to this end.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and will be the subject of a full investigation.”

The unique move forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s ongoing campaign to boost and regenerate communities by dealing with eyesore buildings and returning them to a proper purpose.

And it sends a clear message to the owners of such properties that they must take heed of the legal action served on them – or Council officers may force the sale of the property.

One building has already been sold under such circumstances and a further 12 are being considered as the crackdown continues.

The Law of Property Act 1925 allows for the enforced sale of buildings that are run-down and subject to legal action from the Council. It means Council’s have the power to require the sale of a building where money is owed to them, such as where repair work has been carried out by authority staff.

The first property to be dealt with in such a way is 30 Llewellyn Street in Pontygwaith. It has been sold to fund the cash needed to return it to an acceptable state so it can become a purposeful building in the future.

If you are concerned about an empty building, contact Public Health and Protection at Ty Elai, Williamstown, Tonypandy CF40 1NY or 01443 425777.

Crime-fighting partners that comprise the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership have joined forces with taxi firms in order to introduce the important pilot scheme.

The partnership has enabled the deployment of fully trained and authorised marshals to the main taxi collection and drop-off point outside the town’s train station.

It has long been recognised that the area can be a “flash point” for crime and disorder as scores of people gather there at the end of an evening in order to consume fast food and wait for a cab home.

As well as ensuring crowds are managed as they wait and that customers are ferried into cabs smoothly and fairly, the marshals will also be able to protect the safety of taxi drivers and support the ongoing work of identifying and removing rogue cabbies.

The marshals, who are Security Industry Agency (SIA) registered work in the town on busy weekend nights in partnership with police and council Licensing staff who are striving to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder, and create a legal, responsible and safe night-time economy in Pontypridd.

Cllr John David, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This is an important scheme and one that has only been made possible thanks to the work of the partner agencies, including the taxi and private hire drivers.

“It is something those who work in the night-time economy in Pontypridd have been calling for and I am pleased the partnership has secured the funding needed to make it happen.

“The area in which the marshals work has the potential to be a hot spot for crime and disorder due to the sheer number of people who gather there at the end of an evening.

“Many are worse for wear as a result of alcohol and this can lead to physical and verbal conflict over issues such as who is next in line for a taxi. Such gatherings can also lead to unpleasant scenes in terms of discarding fast food, urinating in public and so on.

“The marshals, with the support of police, will manage this situation and also provide protection for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, for whom such a working atmosphere cannot be nice.

“The marshals will also assist in the ongoing work to deal with rogue cab drivers, who put the public and legal firms at risk with their illegal activities.”

Chief Insp Richard Erskine, who heads Community Safety in Rhondda Cynon Taf on behalf of South Wales Police, added: “This is an important scheme that can only help us make Pontypridd a safe, vibrant and attractive place in the evenings.

“The marshals will enable us to further manage the large crowds of people who gather in this area of the Tumble at the end of an evening, working to ensure they wait their turn in an orderly manner and are ferried onto transport safely.

“It will prevent conflict and also protect the customers and the taxi and private hire drivers, who do not deserve to be exposed to disorder or anti-social behaviour on any level as they are working.

“The presence of marshals will complement the existing measures in place, such as high profile policing at key times, including the Ponty After Dark operations on Saturdays, CCTV, working with premises to ensure they take responsibility for the behaviour of their patrons and the ongoing rogue cabbie crackdown.”

Despite the high standards needed to be roadworthy – and the fact there is virtually nowhere legal to ride them in RCT – quad bikes, mini motos and the like remain popular festive gifts.

As such, the partner agencies that work together to deal with the illegal use of the vehicles are forced to issue regular reminders and warnings to ensure owners remain within the law.

And, as they issue their annual reminder to get 2009 off to the best start, those working to deal with the issue are urging owners ensure they know the law – and only use legal venues to enjoy the activities.

John Lusardi, is the off-road vehicle coordinator employed to work on behalf of all the involved agencies. He explained: “Our festive message is now as regular as the Queen’s and we will continue to spread the word until offenders get the message.

“We are not out to ruin anyone’s fun. If someone is fortunate enough to have such a vehicle and they have the cash to ensure they and it are roadworthy and they have access to a safe, legal track then we hope they continue to enjoy the activity.

“We want people to pursue their interests, but we want them to do it in a safe, considerate and legal way that does not cause upset and distress to the surrounding community.

“We continue to work hard to ensure those who purchase the vehicles are aware of the license and insurance standards they have to meet to be legal, But far too many people continue to purchase such vehicles with no understanding, or regard, for the law.

“We have made it clear our highways, paths, bridleways, open spaces and mountainsides are not free for alls and that it is an offence to use them. We have even installed signage to make the message crystal clear. But still trespass is taking place.

“So we have to keep working on behalf of the many residents who continue to call for action against such offending. Until the complaints stop, we will issue warnings and reminders and keep up enforcement.”

The illegal and anti-social use of off-road vehicle continues to be a main priority of residents, who raise it via the PACT engagement process.

It is such a priority issue that a task force has been created that includes Rhondda Cynon Taf Council enforcement staff, South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue and the Forestry Commission, which has had significant chunks of land damaged by offenders.

The team has been consistently delivering a multi-angled approach that includes education and awareness amongst riders, reassurance of the community, enforcement against offenders and the continued effort to provide a safe, legal venue for the activity.

Recommended venues include the Cardiff CMX and Swansea Ystalefera tracks. The AMCA off-road bike club also organises events across the region.

Those with such vehicles are urged to contact the team via www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk or 07747 485770 to ensure they know the law, meet the standards and have information on where they can ride.

South Wales Police applied to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Licensing Committee for a review of the license of the Forest Hotel because of ongoing concerns about the premises from residents and partner agencies.

After considering evidence of underage drinking, associated crime and disorder, violence and disturbance relating to the use of the pub’s outside spaces, members agreed with the concerns of the partner agencies and issued strict enforcement measures on the licensee.

These include banning of sale of alcohol for a month in a bid to break the cycle of behaviour associated with the pub, to enable the licensee to concentrate on fulfilling other enforcement measures and to make necessary alterations.

This entails installing a gate at the Clwb y Bont entrance and fitting a new lock to the gate alongside the bridge at the rear of the Marks and Spencers’ store.

In partnership with South Wales Police, the Council has decided to close the walkway following growing concerns expressed by local traders and shoppers.

They fully support the decision in an attempt to curtail the level of anti-social behaviour taking place alongside the river. Parts of the walkway have been damaged with graffiti and drug paraphernalia has also been discovered in the vicinity.

This is a temporary measure as it is hoped the entire river walkway from the Victoria Bridge to the Ynysangharad War Memorial footbridge will be enhanced as part of the ongoing regeneration programme for Pontypridd town centre.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr Paul Cannon explained: “We greatly regret having to undertake this measure but it has come with the full support of the local traders and shoppers who are deeply concerned by the activities taking place on the walkway.”

Officers from the authority’s Environmental Services Group responded following complaints about unlicensed builders’ skips on roads across the county borough.

Under the Highways Act 1980, a permit has to be obtained before builders’ skips can be left on the public highway.

If a skip is discovered which does not have a valid permit, officers write to the offending skip company giving them the opportunity to apply retrospectively for one within four days.

Penrhiwfer-based Gills Skip Hire, failed to respond to such warnings, leading to the authority’s decision to prosecute this company.

The case was heard at Rhondda Magistrates’ Court last month, in firm owner Dean Gill’s absence.

He was found guilty and will have to pay a total of £3815, including a £3,500 fine, £300 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge, after the magistrate called him a “persistent offender who should have learned his lesson”.

The council continues to monitor the situation and will take action against other companies who leave skips on the highway without a having obtained a permit.

Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet member for Transport and Better Public Services, said: “This is yet another example of why it is so important our communities work with us and raise concerns so we can act on their behalf.

“We cannot have skips deposited on highways, to the detriment of residents and other road users, when they do not have the valid permit.

“I hope the firm involved have learned their lesson and seek the necessary permission from now on and I hope this also sends a clear message to others, that they do need a permit to leave skips on the highway and it will cost them dearly if they do not abide the law.”

Members of the public can report any problems with regard to skips on the highway to the Environmental Services Group on 01443 494796.

Two premises that allegedly sold alcohol to a 14-year-old volunteer during a multi-agency operation this month now face fines and “black marks” on their licenses as a result.

Shockingly, this is the THIRD time consideration is being given to taking both premises to court for selling alcohol to minors. As well as legal proceedings against the licensees, the staff who served the alcohol have received £80 fines.

The premises facing court proceedings as a result of the joint operation in Treforest last Friday (November 9) cannot be named for legal reasons.

But details of the operation involving South Wales Police and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, were released to show residents their concerns continue to be responded to – and ensure offenders get the message.

Underage drinking and its associated problems remain a top concern of residents, who have called on the authorities to take action via the monthly PACT meetings.

As a result, Police and the Council have launched an ongoing campaign that includes regular anti-social behaviour patrols and dispersing of gangs, seizure of alcohol, action against offenders and awareness-raising or test purchase operations on the premises that are enabling under-18s to get drink in the first place.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Communities, explained: “PACT is so important as it enables local people to challenge their representatives on the issues that affect them.

“Youth disorder and underage drinking is an issue in almost every ward in the county so we have to continue to make it a priority.

“However, no one agency can tackle the issue alone and we are pleased to have a partnership which enables everyone who can make a difference to play a part.

“It is not about tackling one individual crime at a time, it is about joining forces and sharing our powers so we can stop youths getting alcohol in the first place, we can educate them on the dangers of teen drinking, we can disperse gangs and seize drink where needed but can also work in the long term to provide alternative facilities that keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

“This latest operation in Treforest sends a clear message to all that we continue to work, undercover if needed, to deal with community concerns. Licensees have to understand they must not sell to the under-18s and there is support on hand to enable them to fulfil their legal responsibilities.”

Inspector Richard Erskine, Head of Community Safety for Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Police division, said:”‘The misuse of alcohol by young people is a national problem, blighting the lives of many within the community.

“South Wales Police and their Statutory Partners are committed to tackling this problem.

“Approximately 80% of all Anti Social Behaviour referrals involve young people; the misuse of alcohol is contributing factor in a large proportion of these referrals. We will use a variety of tactics to tackle this problem, to ensure that the community feel safe in their neighbourhoods and the young people of RCT are protected from the dangers of misusing alcohol.”

A campaign to target those who pose as taxi drivers when they do not have the permission, license or insurance to do so has been running successfully for several years.

Partnership operations with the police, undercover operations and responses to complaints from the public and law-abiding taxi drivers has led to a number of “rogue” operators being prosecuted.

While the number of offences appears to be in decline, Licensing staff at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council refuse to be complacent and they continue their work to protect the public and deal with offenders.

The latest case saw Alva Charles Tann appear at Rhondda Magistrates’ Court on 19 October, charged with three offences, relating to an operation that took place in Ynyshir and Porth in March this year in which Tann employed a licensed driver to drive an unlicensed vehicle.

The driver in question has already been dealt with and Tann, 58, of Lloyd Street, Gelli, faced court earlier this month, where he admitted using a vehicle with no Private Hire Vehicle License, no Private Hire Operators License and no Insurance.

He was fined a total of £1050 and banned from driving for six months. He was also ordered to pay £400 prosecution costs.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Our campaign to crack down on cowboy cabs is well-known and the warning is our work will continue.

“We cannot put the public at risk, or damage the trade of decent, law-abiding taxi drivers, by allowing these unlicensed operators to continue.

“The message is particularly clear at this time of year as the Christmas and New Year party season increases the demand for taxis. People are putting their safety in the hands of the taxi driver, which is why it is vital they have the license, insurance and the vehicle maintenance and checks.

“However, it is not just revellers who rely on taxis. They now form part of a community, taking older people shopping and to day centres, taking our children to and from school and taking the vulnerable to hospital and doctors appointments.

“We must continue to work to ensure the taxis and drivers we have are legal, safe and responsible. We rely on the public and legal taxi drivers to help stamp out this bad element.”

For more information on cowboy cabs, to report an incident or to check your credentials as a taxi driver, contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Council License  Team on 01443 425777.

Public Health and Protection Officers stepped in following calls for action from residents who were concerned about the dilapidated appearance and safety of the building in Gilfach Goch.

The successful prosecution complements ongoing action from the Council’s Development Control Enforcement Section, who have served legal notices on the same couple, ordering them to reduce the number of dogs and poultry they keep at the premises.

Residents made a number of complaints about the dilapidated state of 174 High Street, formerly the Blandy Arms pub, and the noises and smells emanating from it as a result of the large number of animals.

As a result, an investigation was launched and an order was served on the owners, Eric and Doreen Buckley, giving them 365 days from 26 January 2006 to complete specific work to improve the appearance and safety of the building.

The order required work to renew the main roof, overhaul rainwater goods and guttering, renewal of rotting and defective fascias etc, the replacement of broken windows and the painting of masonry and woodwork to improve the dilapidated state of the building.

Little work was done during the set period and, in fact, the roof was deemed to be so dangerous, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Building Control department was forced to intervene and net over the whole of the roof to protect passers-by – including children attending school just 100 yards from the property – from falling slates.

Due to non-compliance with the order, the Buckleys were prosecuted and appeared in Rhondda Magistrates’ Court last month, where both were found guilty.

Mr Buckley was fined £150 and ordered to pay £116.60 costs. Mrs Buckley was fined £200 and ordered to pay the same amount in costs.

The court also took the extraordinary step of issuing a penalty that means the couple must pay £2 a day EACH for every day that passes from the date of the court order (Sept 21) until the work is completed.

This means it will cost the pair £28 for every week they do not comply with work within the legal order served upon them.

As well as this case, they have also received a legal order from Building Control ordering them to reduce the number of animals kept at the premises, which previously stood at 24 dogs and 48 poultry, to 6 dogs and 15 poultry.

The order was appealed by the couple but overturned. Further enforcement action continues in relation to this issue.

Enforcement action also continues from Public Health and Protection in relation to the noise and smell emanating from the property as a result of the animals.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This is an important case and is a good example of the many ways in which we, as a Council, can intervene and use our powers to improve the quality of life of others.

“This building was, in short, an eyesore and a danger and it was impacting negatively on peoples’ perception of their community.

“Such premises make people lose their pride and confidence and can cause fear of crime and disorder. We have powers to ensure owners of such premises are forced to take action.

“We have launched a successful campaign that has seen run-down buildings renovated to be re-used and are also working to tackle empty properties as well.”

The Off Road Team were joined by two riders from Cardiff Council, two riders from South Wales Police, 20 Police Officers and PCSOs and the Police Helicopter.

Splitting in to two groups, the first group covered Clydach Vale including the nature reserve, old tips, the forest surrounding the area and the Seven Humps above Tonypandy School and the second covered the forest high above Clydach Vale and the mountain side around the Bwlch.

The operation resulted in:

• 4 off road bikes seized under the Road Traffic Act

• 7 people on off road bikes warned under the Police Reform Act

• 1 driver of a 4×4 warned under the Police Reform Act

• 1 young man had bike seized and now faces prosecution in which he could lose his license

Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Chair of the Community Safety Partnership met the teams on the Bwlch, “I am delighted to see the team out and about despite the thefts of their bikes. I hope it reinforces the message to certain people that we will not be stopped from ridding our countryside, towns and streets of illegal off road motorbikes.

“The team and partners have received great feedback from local walkers and in particular the Llantrisant Ramblers Association who expressed how impressed they were with the difference that has been made.”

Insp Mike Jones added, “I believe that, with the off road team, we are starting to get the message across that irresponsible biking and use of quad bikes will not be tolerated.

“Riders who put themselves and the public at risk, or damage people’s quality of life with anti social behaviour or noise nuisance, will face a fine and could have their bike taken away.

“We will keep targeting problem areas until people understand that we take this matter seriously and are listening to the concerns of the people who live in our communities.”

The inspection, carried out by a team of eight representatives from Education, Police, Probation, Social Services and Health, examined the work of the Youth Offending Service across five core areas of work:

- work with young people in the courts

- activity with children and young people serving sentences in the community

- work with those who are sentenced to custody

- service provided for the victims of crime

- overall management of the service

The report demonstrates that the service is performing well in all areas and commented, “The inspection team found a well established youth offending service, with a committed and enthusiastic team, which had benefited from consistent and sound management since its inception…overall, we found the Rhondda Cynon Taf YOS to be well managed, committed to improvement and offering a good service to children, young people and their families.”

The inspection report found that, “There had been a year on year reduction in first time offending and re-offending,” evidenced by the fact that the Rhondda Cynon Taf figure has now fallen to 4.1% of the 10 – 17 population making the authority the third lowest youth crime area in Wales.

Andrew Gwynn, Head of the Youth Offending Service is delighted with the inspection findings, “The inspection report is a credit to the hard work and commitment of all of the staff within the Youth Offending Service who do a very difficult job well on a daily basis.

What is particularly pleasing is the consistency of performance achieved. All areas of the Youth Offending Service have been found to be performing to a high standard and to be working well together.

It’s good news for local people that services to prevent offending and re-offending by young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf are effective and are producing results and an excellent platform from which to go on and create even better services.”

Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Chair of the Community Safety Partnership added his delight at the results, “young people and criminal activity is so high on the agenda in this current day and age, it is extremely pleasing for our Youth Offending Service to be recognised so highly.

There are a number of debates on how to combat anti social behaviour especially within the younger generation and I hope that the communities of the County Borough can see from these great results that we are tackling these issues and with good results.”

Established in April 2000, the Youth Offending Service prevents offending and re-offending by young people. Aimed at young people aged 8 to 18 across Rhondda Cynon Taf, the multi-agency service works with the children to address the reasons for their offending.

Parajasingam Kalairupan, of KTA General Store, Llewellyn Street, Trecynon, appeared before Aberdare Magistrates’ Court on 10 September, charged with one offence of selling alcohol to an underage person, contrary to the 2003 Licensing Act.

Rachel Smith, prosecuting, told the court a 16-year-old girl entered the store on February 23 this year and bought a bottle of WKD Vodka Blue.

Despite there being clear signage in the shop that a 21 Policy was in operation and those who appeared to be under the age of 21 would be asked for identification, the teen was not asked for ID by the female shop assistant.

The court also heard Mr Kalairupan was unable to produce his store’s sales refusal log for the night in question,

Mr Kalairupan told the court he was sorry for the offence and made it clear the store had new processes in place to ensure underage sales would not be made in the future.

He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £266.14 in costs.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “It is important our licensees understand the consequences of underage sales. We will take them to court and it will cost them money and be marked on their licenses.

“We have to act on behalf of the residents who tell us regularly how fed up they are of drunken teens hanging around the streets and public places, causing a nuisance and intimidation. Licensees have a part to play in tackling the problem, by not selling alcohol to children in the first place.

“We also have a part to play as the Licensing Authority and will continue to work proactively with landlords, managers and shopkeepers to ensure they understand and uphold the law at all times.

“We will take legal action if necessary, but we want to prevent it getting to that stage by instead working proactively to ensure we have responsible and knowledgeable licensees who follow their own policies, by requesting identification from anyone who appears to be under the age of 21 and having clear signage to state that is the case.”

On Tuesday 3rd April 2007, the funeral will take place of Father Paul Bennett who was tragically murdered outside his house on Wednesday 14th March 2007.

The Service will take place at 12:00pm at Saint Fagans Church, Windsor Street, Trecynon.

At 2pm a further service will be held at Llwydcoed Crematorium.

It is anticipated a large attendance of people will want to attend the service. Parking for vehicles will be made available at Aberdare Boys’ Comprehensive School, Cwmdare Road, Aberdare.

Gates will be open from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

* Photograph courtesy of John Rees photography.

The team has struck at least 12 times in recent weeks across Rhondda Cynon Taf, putting themselves in danger by removing live street-lighting cables.

Police believe they have expert knowledge of which cables to select and how to isolate the power supply and remove the cables.

However, despite the obvious knowledge of how to remove the cables, the offenders could put their lives – and those of innocent members of the public – at risk if they make a mistake or drop the deadly live cables.

As well as being a dangerous crime, the offending is also causing significant cost and inconvenience to Rhondda Cynon Taf as the theft has put street lighting out of operation in certain areas and also needs to be replaced.

All the thefts took place in December in:

York Street, Porth.

Llwynypia Road to Inverleith Terrace, Tonypandy.

Henwysg Close, Hopkinstown

Woodfield Terrace, Trehafod.

Burma Road, Trehafod.

Station Cottages, Dinas.

Path off Anderson Terrace, Tonypandy.

Rhys Street, Trealaw.

Footpath to Pontypridd Rugby Football Club.

Factory Road, Trefforest.

Nant Y Fedw, Abercynon.

“This is a dangerous crime, interfering with live cables, that puts members of the public at risk, “ said Sgt Mike Phillips.

“The thieves can sell the cables for thousands of pounds and they are working on the assumption that members of the public who see them committing the theft believe they are carrying out official work.

“Centregate is the only company authorised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to carry out work on overhead lighting and their vans carry their official logo.

“If anyone spots suspicious activity around such cables, they are urged to make contact with police immediately and, if possible, get details of any vehicles they see.

“Due to the size and weight of the cables, it is believed a van may be used in the crimes, rather than a car.”

George Jones, acting group director, Environmental Services, at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council added: “We are experiencing the theft of two-wire overhead lines, with some 12 streets targeted to date.

“These are illegal and dangerous actions that also cause considerable inconvenience to the local authority and local residents, in terms of light loss and replacing the cables.

“We are reporting the incidents to police as they happen and would reiterate the message to people that if they see suspicious activity of this kind, they should contact police immediately.”