Youngsters from Hawthorn, Heol-y-Celyn, Ffynnon Taf, Parc Lewis and Coedpenmaen Primary schools took part in an after-school film club and made a movie entitled ‘How to Build a Time Machine’.

Cluster worker for Hawthorn High School, Nadine Reeves, co-ordinated the club along with Lily Pad Film Company as part of the Zoom Film Festival. The annual young people’s film festival featured workshops, screenings and special events held across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

‘How to Build a Time Machine’ was entered into the Zoom Young Film-makers Awards held at Valleys Kids in Penygraig and pupils and staff were overjoyed when they won their category.

Pupils from Coedpenmaen Primary School were presented with the award, which they accepted on behalf of the group of schools.

Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “The youngsters were given the opportunity to learn new skills and thoroughly enjoyed their time as film-makers.

“The Hawthorn cluster schools are fortunate to now have filming equipment including a DVD camera, microphones and a computer so that they can make their own films relevant to their schools and to the communities in which they live.”

Adult and junior library members are currently entitled to borrow up to eight books and three audio-visual items at any one time, except for the registered visually-impaired, who may reserve and borrow all their books in audio-visual format. Library members can currently also place up to eight reservations on books and up to three reservations on audio-visual items at any one time.

These entitlements are being extended from eight to 10, so that all library members will be entitled to borrow up to 10 books and three audio-visual items at any one time and place up to 10 reservations on books and up to three reservations on audio-visual items.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “We are delighted to be able to increase the amount of items that can be borrowed, so that people of all ages can enjoy an even wider choice of reading material.”

The Council is following national guidelines when it comes to the management of the situation and is keen to once again raise awareness and offer support as the new term begins.

In preparation for the return to the classroom, the Council’s education staff have already circulated information to all head teachers, advising them of the protocol to follow if they have a suspected case.

Three cases, one at Treorchy Comprehensive, one at Tonyrefail Primary and one at Ysgol Yr Eos have already been reported to education workers by school staff this week.

The national swine flu response remains the same:

• Ring your doctor or NHS Direct if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms

• Confirmed or suspected swine flu cases must follow the advice of their doctor and stay at home, taking any prescribed medication.

• There is no need to stay away from work or the classroom if you are not displaying symptoms.

There are lots of Early Bird tickets available, which means you get the best seats in the house and save lots of money too – just make sure you book your tickets before Wednesday, September 9!

At the Coliseum Theatre, Early Bird tickets are available for singing sensation Corinne West, the hilarious comedy musical The Bankrupt Bride, stand-up comic and satirist Jeremy Hardy, the ever popular opera Figaro, the West End all-singing all-dancing extravaganza Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, the hard-hitting drama Beauty Queen of Leenane and the rocking and shocking brand new show from The Circus of Horrors.

Events at the Muni Arts Centre include Chris Corcoran’s hilarious Committee Meeting, the acclaimed singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves, Eric Bell, the legendary rock guitarist with Thin Lizzy, and Dead Ringers impressionist Jan Ravens.

At the Park & Dare you could save money on the enchantingly beautiful How Green Was My Valley by Independent Ballet Wales, the children’s favourite Tales Of Peter Rabbit and the brand new comedy musical by Mal Pope, Cappuccino Girls.

And don’t miss and Frank Vickery’s hilarious new comedy Tonto Evans at all three theatres.

So book your tickets for any of these fantastic shows before Wednesday, September 9, 2009 to save yourself pounds.

For more details of these outstanding shows call the venues’ box offices – The Coliseum Theatre 01685 881188, The Muni Arts Centre on 01443 485934 or The Park & Dare Theatre on 01443 773112

From Saturday, April 18 to Friday, April 24, 2009 you can enjoy horse rides, a bird watching walk or a short countryside stroll and other events.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council adopted the Rights of Way Improvement Plan in 2008 as a way to protect and improve facilities in our local countryside, promote what is on offer to residents and visitors and involve people in making decisions. The theme of the plan is ‘More people, out & about, more often and having fun’ and the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales are providing funding to the Council to help put the plan into action.

All activities from April 18-24 are free. Many local organisations are taking part and events include:

· A walk on Monday, April 20 at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park from 10.30am to show people how to use the LifeTrail outdoor gym equipment installed along the river path. Contact Gareth Davies on 01685 874323 to book your place.

· A leisurely stroll along the Tylorstown river walk from Pontygwaith Community Centre at 9.45am on Wednesday, April 22. Call Sian Seymour or Amanda Maz on 01443 732549 to book your place.

· Cycle ride along the old tram road to Cwmaman and back, leaving Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, at 10.30am on Wednesday, April 22. Contact Eleanor Rothwell on 07887551303 to book your place.

The annual food and agricultural festival is being held from Friday, July 31- Sunday, August 2, 2009 in Ynysangaharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, and organisers are inviting local food and drink producers to come along and show off their wares.

This year, as well as showcasing local produce, the event will feature cooking demonstrations, sporting activity, animal exhibitions, children’s entertainment, craft stalls, an RCT Health Alliance marquee, vintage farm vehicles and live music.

Arena displays will include duck driving and a falconry display; performances from local dance groups and – back by popular demand – Crufts Champions, the Top Lodge Dancing Dogs.

Last year, around 20,000 people visited Ynysangharad Park over the Big Bite weekend. If you are a Welsh food or drink producer and would like to exhibit at this year’s show, please contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Events team at events@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or call 01443 425700

The Commission is removing unstable trees from the hillside above the main road and will set up a mobile crane in the road to carry out the work. This has resulted in the closure of the road.

The first closure took place last weekend. The Commission may require road closures on up to four subsequent Sundays if necessary to complete the essential felling.

Therefore the road will be closed on the following Sundays: March 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd from midnight on Saturday to 4am on the following Monday morning.

However, during this period the Quarter Mile Bridge cross-valley link will remain open to smaller vehicles.

Katie Perry, aged 16, of The Common, was presented with the Higgins UK Youth Award Certificate of Commendation from the Hockey Writers’ Club, at the Women’s National Indoor Finals. WHU President, Anne Ellis presented the award.

Katie, who attends Howells School in Cardiff, started her playing career for Pontypridd and then joined Rhondda Ladies before moving to Howardians last season. She helps to coach at Gwauncelyn Primary School, Tonteg, and also helps with the Dragon Hockey League in Pontypridd.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Hockey Development officer, Judith Powell, said: “Katie is a worthy winner of this award, as she is one of our most promising young umpires. We look forward to watching her career develop.”

From Monday March 9th to Friday April 24th 2009, a section of Trealaw Road in Trealaw will be closed to all traffic to enable the renewal of the existing sewer pipe. The work is necessary to alleviate internal flooding being experienced by some properties in the area.

This project will of course affect the regular bus service in the area and therefore all journeys on the no. 171 (Maerdy – Clydach Vale) service will operate via Ynyscynon Road and Miskin Road in Trealaw. There will be no change to the times of the buses.

The Youth Arts Plan: Inspiring Creativity will be launched at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, on Wednesday, March 4, when talented young people from across RCT perform in a youth arts extravaganza, including dance, drama and a film showcase.

The plan is funded by the Arts Council of Wales and developed by the RCT Youth Arts Strategic Partnership (YASP). The Council’s Youth Arts programme within Cultural Services – commissioned by Fframwaith – will develop youth arts opportunities, in partnership with other Council services and the voluntary sector, for children and young people eight-25, and leads the YASP.

Councillor Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “All children and young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf should be able to take part in arts and cultural opportunities, as it is a great way for them to express themselves, gain confidence, learn new skills and make new friends. ”

For further information and to request a copy of the Youth Arts Plan, please contact: Caroline O’Neill, Arts Development Officer for Learning and Inclusion on 01443 490258 or email caroline.a.oneill@Rhondda-Cynon-Taff.gov.uk

· If you would like to attend the launch at The Muni at 7pm on March 4, please contact the Muni Arts Centre box office on 01443 485934. Tickets are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Heavy rain is expected later today, turning to snow on high grounds. Further snow showers are expected across the county borough and strong winds will cause drifting and blizzards in some areas.

Overnight temperatures are likely to drop below freezing which is likely to lead to widespread ice throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. The severe icy conditions could last for the remainder of this week and could make traveling treacherous in some areas.

Although the Council workforce will continue to work overnight to keep the main road network as clear as possible, they are still faced with the alarming lack of salt to treat the routes.

Therefore the Home to School Transport provision for Tuesday (February 10) has been withdrawn due to major concerns over the safety of children. Parents or carers are reminded that they must contact their individual school as the headmaster and governing body will decide whether or not to close the school on the day. Once confirmed, notification of the closures will appear on the Council website.

Negotiations are continuing to try and locate additional stock, but Rhondda Cynon Taf’s shortage of salt has reached a critical level and the Council cannot predict if any is forthcoming. A small order was issued by the South Wales Trunk Road Agency for the A470 only.

The Council is continuing its negotiations with the Welsh Assembly Government to impress upon it the severity of the situation.

Around 700 tonnes of salt remain in stock, which could last a further two days as the workforce continues to conserve as much of it as possible without causing hazards on the main network of roads.

Side-roads will not be treated and grit bins will not be replenished during this time. As always routes for emergency services will remain clear as a priority.

The three mountain roads of Y Bwlch, Rhigos and Maerdy will remain closed this evening, as they are not being treated with salt. The situation will be re-assessed on Tuesday morning and they may be opened, but motorists need to take extreme caution if they decide to use any of these routes and will do so at their own risk.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transporation and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “We are facing another very difficult couple of days ahead due to the severe weather front and the impact this

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transporation and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “We are facing another very difficult couple of days ahead due to the severe weather front and the impact this will have on the county borough.

“Once again we have no alternative than to withdraw the home to school transport provision for Tuesday because to implement it would endanger the safety of the children themselves.

“Our salt stock is critically low and we are endeavouring to secure additional orders, but so far this is not forthcoming which is why we have reduced our road treatment service while continuing to pressurise the Welsh Assembly for assistance. The main road network is of course a priority, but motorists must heed the warnings that treacherous conditions are expected.”

Following heavy snow fall in parts of the county borough last night, further snow is expected this evening, some of which may also be heavy on higher grounds.

Today main routes in Rhondda Cynon Taf remain passable with care after staff worked throughout the night to keep them clear. However the three mountain roads of Y Bwlch, Rhigos and Maerdy remain closed due to ice.

Owing to fears that the Council’s stock levels of salt could become low by the weekend, it has been decided to keep the three roads closed again tonight. This decision with be reviewed on Friday morning (February 6th).

The Council is currently in negotiations with the Welsh Assembly Government and neighbouring authorities to acquire further stocks of salt as further snowfall is expected on Sunday.

Emergency services, such as hospitals and fire stations will remain clear as a priority.

As of 11am, the following venues were closed or are preparing to close:

Primary Schools

• Abercynon Infs

• Aberdare Town CIW Primary

• Aberllechau Primary

• Abernant Primary

• Abertaf Primary

• Alaw Primary

• Blaengwawr Primary

• Brynna Primary

• Caegarw Primary

• Capcoch Primary

• Caradog Primary

• Carnetown Primary

• Cefn Primary

• Cilfynydd Primary

• Coedpenmaen Primary

• Coedylan Primary

• Comin Infs

• Comin Jnr

• Craig yr Hesg Primary

• Cwmaman infants

• Cwmbach CIW Primary

• Cwmbach Infs

• Cwmbach Jnr

• Cwmbach Nursery

• Cwmclydach Primary

• Cwmdare Primary

• Cwmlai Primary

• Cymmer Infants

• Cymmer Jnr

• Darran Park Primary

• Darranlas Primary

• Dolau Primary

• Ferndale Infs

• Ffynnon Taf Primary

• Gelli Primary

• Glanffrwd Infs

• Glantaf Infants

• Glenboi Primary

• Glynhafod Jnr

• Gwauncelyn Primary

• Gwaunmeisgyn Primary

• Hafod Primary

• Hawthorn Primary

• Hendreforgan Primary

• Heolycelyn Primary

• Hirwaun Primary

• Llanharan Primary

• Llanhari Primary

• Llanilltud Faerdref Primary

• Llantrisant Primary

• Llwydcoed Primary

• Llwyncelyn Infs

• Llwyncrwn Primary

• Maerdy Infs

• Maerdy Jnr

• Maesybryn Primary

• Maesycoed Primary

• Miskin Primary

• Oaklands Primary

• Our Ladys RC Primary

• Parc Primary

• Parclewis Primary

• Penderyn Primary

• Penrhiwfer Infs

• Penrhys Primary

• Pentre Primary

• Penygawsi Primary

• Penygraig Jnr

• Penyrenglyn Primary

• Penywaun Primary

• Perthcelyn Primary

• Pontrhondda Primary

• Pontyclun Primary

• Porth Infs

• Porth Junior

• Rhigos Primary

• Rhiwgarn Infs

• St Margarets RC Primary

• St Michaels RC Primary

• Ton Infs

• Ton Junior

• Tonypandy Primary

• Tonysguboriau Primary

• Trallwng Infants

• Trealaw Primary

• Trefyrhyg Primary

• Trehopcyn Primary

• Treorchy Primary

• Trerobart Primary

• Ty Gwyn Primary SEN Centre

• Tylorstown Primary

• Tylorstown Primary

• Williamstown Primary

• YGG Abercynon

• YGG Aberdar

• YGG Bodringallt

• YGG Bronllwyn

• YGG Castellau

• YGG Evan James

• YGG Garth Olwg

• YGG Llantrisant

• YGG Llwyncelyn

• YGG Llyn y Forwyn

• YGG Pontsionnorton

• YGG Tonyrefail

• YGG Ynyswen

• Ynysboeth Infants

• Ynysboeth Junior

• Ynyshir Primary

• Ynyswen Infs

• Ysgol yr Eos

Secondary and Other establishments

• Aberdare Boys Comp

• Aberdare Girls Comp

• Blaengwawr Comp

• Bryncelynnog Comp

• Ferndale Comp

• Hawthorn High

• Maesgwyn Special

• Mountain Ash Comp

• Newman RC Comp

• Park Lane Special

• Pontypridd High

• Porth Comp

• St John Baptist CIW High

• Tai Centre

• Tonypandy Comp

• Tonyrefail Comp

• Treorchy Comp

• Ty Gwyn Secondary SEN Centre

• Y Pant Comp

• YG Garth Olwg

• YG Llanhari

• YG Rhydywaun

• YG y Cymer

• Ysgol Hen Felin

• Ysgol Ty Coch

The decision on whether or not to close a school is made by the individual head teacher and governing body of that school. Any queries should, therefore, be directed to the individual schools.

As of 11am, the following venues were closed or are preparing to close:

Primary Schools

1. Abercynon Infs

2. Aberdare Town CIW Primary

3. Abertaf Primary

4. Alaw Primary

5. Blaengwawr Primary (closing pm)

6. Bodringallt Primary

7. Caradog Primary

8. Cilfynydd Primary

9. Coedpenmaen Primary

10. Coedylan Primary

11. Cwmaman infants

12. Cwmclydach Primary

13. Cymmer Infants

14. Darran Park Primary

15. Dolau Primary

16. Ferndale Infs

17. Gelli Primary

18. Glantaf Infants

19. Glynhafod Jnr

20. Gwauncelyn Primary

21. Hafod Primary

22. Hawthorn Primary

23. Hirwaun Primary

24. Llanhari Primary

25. Llanilltud Faerdref Primary

26. Llwydcoed Primary

27. Llwyncelyn Infs

28. Maerdy Infs

29. Maerdy Jnr

30. Maesycoed Primary

31. Miskin Primary

32. Oaklands Primary

33. Parc Primary

34. Parclewis Primary

35. Penderyn Primary

36. Pentre Primary

37. Penyrenglyn Primary

38. Penywaun Primary

39. Perthcelyn Primary

40. Pontrhondda Primary

41. Pontygwaith Primary

42. Porth Infs

43. Porth Junior

44. St Margarets RC Primary

45. Ton Junior

46. Tonyrefail Primary

47. Tonysguboriau Primary

48. Trallwn Infants

49. Trerobart Primary

50. Tylorstown Primary

51. YGG Abercynon

52. YGG Aberdar

53. YGG Bronllwyn

54. YGG Llantrisant

55. YGG Llwyncelyn

56. YGG Llyn y Forwyn

57. YGG Pontsionnorton

58. YGG Tonyrefail

59. YGG Ynyswen

60. Ynysboeth Infants

61. Ynysboeth Junior

62. Ynyshir Primary

63. Ysgol yr Eos

Secondary and Other establishments

64. Aberdare Boys Comp

65. Aberdare Girls Comp

66. Blaengwawr Comp

67. Bryncelynnog Comp

68. Ferndale Comp

69. Hawthorn High

70. Maesgwyn Special

71. Mountain Ash Comp

72. Newman RC Comp

73. Park Lane Special

74. Pontypridd High

75. Porth Comp

76. St John Baptist CIW High

77. Tai Centre

78. Tonypandy Comp

79. Tonyrefail Comp

80. Treorchy Comp

81. Ty Gwyn Secondary SEN Centre

82. Y Pant Comp

83. YG Garth Olwg

84. YG Llanhari

85. YG Rhydywaun

86. YG y Cymer

87. Ysgol Hen Felin

88. Ysgol Ty Coch

The decision on whether or not to close a school is made by the individual head teacher and governing body of that school. Any queries should, therefore, be directed to the individual schools.

A severe weather warning is in place for Rhondda Cynon Taf as heavy snowfall is expected later today and throughout the night.

The Met Office are warning that around 10 to 15cm of snow is expected to fall with showers becoming more persistent from 6pm this evening – today (Monday February 2nd).

Further showers are expected throughout Tuesday and Wednesday with significant snowfall on Wednesday night and further showers throughout Thursday (February 5th) and Friday (February 6th).

Council officers are well prepared. Staff are monitoring the situation and – should the expected inclement weather occur – will work to ensure that any disruption to Council services is kept to a minimum.

All relevant Council resources on standby and, if needed, all available staff will be called to assist. Our ‘grit bins’ have been filled and gritters are already out and about across the County Borough, ensuring that access to main roads and bus routes are kept as clear as possible.

Motorists who are forced to leave their vehicles due to the snowfall, are asked to ensure they are parked on the sides of roads to allow the snow ploughs access those areas.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “The teams are working hard to try and ensure that main carriageways remain clear of snow and are salted in case of ice.

“We are all well aware of how unpredictable the weather in Rhondda Cynon Taf can be, but staff are doing all in their power to prepare the county borough for the heavy snowfall and we would advise residents and visitors to be extra careful and only undertake journeys that are absolutely necessary.”

As of 11am, the following venues were closed or are preparing to close:

Primary Schools

• Penygraig Infants
• Pentre Primary
• Penygraig Junior
• Maesycoed Primary
• Penrhys Primary
• Cwmclydach Primary ?
• Caegarw Primary
• Gelli Primary
• Llwynypia Primary
• Coedpenmaen Primary
• Cwmbach CIW Primary
• Darran Park Primary (closing 12.30pm)
• Ferndale Infants (closing 12.30pm)
• Maerdy Infants (closing 12.30pm)
• Maerdy Junior (closing 12.30pm)
• Penyrenglyn Primary
• Perthcelyn Primary
• Pontrhondda Primary ?
• SS Gabriel and Raphael RC Primary
• Tonypandy Primary
• Treorchy Primary
• YGG Bodringallt ?
• YGG Llyn y Forwyn
• YGG Ynyswen
• Ynyswen Infants
• Trallwn Infants (closing 12 noon)
• Tylorstown Primary (closing 12.30pm)
• YGG Bronllwyn (closed 10.30am)
• YGG Aberdar
• YGG Abercynon
• Ty Gwyn SEN Centre
• Cwmbach Infants (closing 12.30pm)
• Abercynon Infants (closing 12.30pm)
• Cwmbach Junior (closing 12.30pm)
• Cwmbach Nursery (closing 12.30pm)
• Blaengwawr Primary (closing 1pm)
• Caradog Primary
• Carnetown Primary (closing 1pm)
• Glantaf Infants (closing 12.30pm)
• Llwydcoed Primary (closing 1pm)
• Parclewis Primary (closing 12.30pm)
• Penderyn Primary
• Penygraig Infants
• Penywaun Primary (closing 12.30pm)
• Pontygwaith Primary (closing 12.30pm)
• St Margarets RC Primary (closing 12.30pm)
• Ton Infants (closing 1pm)
• Abernant Primary
• Abertaf Primary (closed 1pm)
• Darranlas Primary (closed 1pm)
• Glynhafod Junior (closed 1pm)
• Rhiwgarn Infants
• St Michaels RC Primary (closed 1pm)
• Ton Junior

Secondary and Other establishments

• Aberdare Boys Comp (closing 11.05am)
• Aberdare Girls Comp (closing 11.05am)
• Blaengwawr Comp (closing 11.05am)
• Maesgwyn Special
• Mountain Ash Comp (closing 11.15am)
• Tonypandy Comp
• Treorchy Comp
• YG y Cymer
• Ysgol Hen Felin
• Ysgol Ty Coch (closing 12 noon)
• Ferndale Comprehensive (Closing at 10.30am)
• St John Baptist CIW High (closed 10.30am
• YG Rhydywaun (closing 11.30am)
• Hawthorn High (closing 12.30pm)
• Ysgol Ty Coch (closing 12 noon)
• Tonyrefail Comprehensive School
• Newman RC Comp (closing 2pm)
• YG Garth Olwg (closed 1pm)

The decision on whether or not to close a school is made by the individual head teacher and governing body of that school. Any queries should, therefore, be directed to the individual schools.

Cabinet Members are set to debate fall out from the low settlement on ‘bread and butter’ services in the coming weeks.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism, County Borough Councillor, Robert Bevan said:

“The realities of the dire settlement from the Assembly are hitting home.

“They have failed to prioritise funding the important local services we all value and appreciate and as a consequence we are being forced by the One Wales Assembly Government to consider some tough proposals in relation to our Leisure Centres and Cultural facilities.

“So low is our settlement we are faced with no alternative than reviewing the future of such facilities.

“I have written to the Culture & Sports Minister, Alun Fred Jones AM to express our dismay and to outline, clearly and bluntly, the consequence of failing to funding such services is going to have on communities like mine and those my colleagues represent.

“It is farcical that in one breath the Assembly wishes to encourage us to lead more active and healthy lifestyles, yet with the other starves such services of funding.

“As someone who used to be an active sportsman, I share the anger local people are likely to feel, if such decisions become necessary. I Hope the Culture Minister takes heed of our request as the Assembly has left us no options or room to manoeuvre.

“I have yet to receive a response from the Minister to my request on behalf of the Cabinet.”

As part of its budget planning process, Cabinet will receive a number of options in relation to future Leisure Centre and Cultural Service provision across the County Borough.

So far over 9,600 residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf have been invited to take up the new scheme that aims to rapidly reduce the amount of household waste sent to landfill. At present all households that use the Council’s weekly kerbside recycling scheme are being approached to use the Food Recycling Initiative as well.

Members of the Council’s Streetcare Team are visiting homes and encouraging them to support this easy and clean method of recycling food waste. They have already spoken to residents in Tonyrefail, Penrhiwfer and Gilfach Goch with Coedely next on their list of communities to visit.

At present 55% of households in Rhondda Cynon Taf recycle, but thousands are still not getting involved even though there are so many schemes on offer, from the kerbside weekly collection service, easy-to-access community recycling centres, free collection of larger items and now the food waste recycling scheme.

In a meeting with Assembly transport officials, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Customer Care Councillor Andrew Morgan raised the Council’s concerns over road safety on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road and the delay in the timetable for dualling the sections near Hirwaun.

He is also pressing the Assembly Government to implement measures to increase capacity at the A470 / A4059 roundabout to relieve congestion in Abercynon caused by ‘rat-run’ motorists seeking a shortcut.

Councillor Morgan presented the latest available collision data on the A465 stretch between Hirwaun and Dowlais Top, showing that in the two years preceding 30th June 2008, there were 67 accidents, resulting in 130 injuries, 4 of these being fatal. There have been three further fatalities on the A465 since this data was compiled.

The Council has heavily criticised a decision by the Deputy First Minister to give a lower priority to the A465 dualling, which now states that work on the sections between Hirwaun and Dowlais will not begin until 2014.

In respect of Abercynon, the Council has already acted to address the build up of traffic on Greenfield and Glancynon Terraces and the impact on residents through temporary traffic lights to deter motorists from taking a shortcut to avoid the A470 roundabout. Although the Assembly has since installed traffic lights at the A470 / A4059 junction, the fact that the roundabout is operating near full capacity means that there are still tailbacks and drivers are increasingly reverting to the shortcut through the residential streets of Abercynon.

At the meeting, Councillor Morgan urged the Assembly to bring forward plans for slip roads at the junction that would assist the swifter flow of traffic and reduce motorists’ use of Greenfield and Glancynon Terraces.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Customer Care, said: “There were two main issues I discussed in a constructive meeting with Assembly officials upon which we are requesting action from the Deputy First Minister on.

“Firstly, the A465 is regarded as one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the UK, which is borne out by the number of accidents that have occurred there, including, sadly, seven fatalities between Hirwaun and Dowlais in the past two and a half years.

“Despite this, Ieuan Wyn Jones has delayed the dualling of the Heads of the Valleys road until 2014. This project is immensely important from a road safety as well as a strategic regeneration point of view with the improved economic and transport links that it would provide. The Deputy Leader, Councillor Anthony Christopher, and I are lobbying the Assembly Government to deliver upon this.

“Secondly, there has been the long standing issue of motorists using Greenfield and Glancynon Terraces as a shortcut to avoid queues at the A470 roundabout. We have put in place temporary traffic lights to deter people from using this route and the traffic signals on the roundabout itself, installed by the Assembly after pressure from this Council, have also helped.

“The Assembly says it is assessing how the situation has improved since the traffic lights were introduced and is considering other options such as slip roads. We have stressed that with the roundabout running near full capacity, a further solution is needed and that the Deputy First Minister needs to act on this.”