Cwmbran is blessed with an enviable asset .... a section of the Monmouthshire Canal, itself now part of the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal system.
Problem/Solution: Over the last couple of years I have campaigned to Torfaen County Borough Council to provide more litterbins on the canal that meanders through Cwmbran, and to speak honestly, the relevant Council Department/Officers have listened and have provided an acceptable number of litterbins along the canal towpath; however on several occasions I have noticed the litter bins overflowing with litter, particularly in Pontnewydd, where I reside.
.. Photographed 7th May 2008 - 5 Locks section Canal - Pontnewydd ..
On the `positive` side this shows that `people` are using them, but on the `negative` side it shows the Council's `management` i.e. `emptying schedule` is not adequate. Due to my frustration I photographed several of the litterbins and contacted Brian Mawby, one of three Torfaen County Borough Councillors for Pontnewydd and arranged a `site meeting` at 5 Locks. As Councillor Mawby and I walked along the towpath, I pointed out the overflowing litter bins and the litter strewn bank running alongside the towpath and recreational ground; I went on to mention that that a fortnight before I had spent an hour and a half collecting litter, cans and bottles myself, 3 plastic bags in all, from the bank and that was before my Afternoon shift at TRW, New Inn.
Councillor Mawby acknowledged the problem and I informed him that I believed the litter picking and emptying of the litterbins were the responsibility of three separate departments within the Council, i.e. The Parks Dept, StreetScene and Highways Dept, I went on to say that due to the `problem` that was an ongoing situation, I felt that this matter should be addressed forthwith. Brian agreed and contacted the relevant Officer/Officers and it was acknowledged that the standard of cleanliness of the canal towpath in mention was not up to the acceptable standard that the Council `aspire to` and would be `positively` addressed in the near future.
On the 9th of May 2008, I was informed by Councillor Mawby, that a `Litter bin emptying and Litter picking` schedule had been `drawn up, implemented and Litter bin emptying and litter picking along the canal towpath throughout the canal sections that T.C.B.Council are responsible i.e Elm Grove, Sebastopol - Ty Coch Lane,Cwmbran would now be on a weekly` basis commencing on the 8th May,2008 by the StreetScene Division.
I would like to thank Councillor Mawby for his support and also Torfaen County Borough Council for acting in a professional and responsible manner, which should now result in a more visually pleasant experience whilst enjoying the beauty, serenity, fauna and flora that our canal has to offer. We are truly blessed with an enviable asset.
Webmaster: On the 1st of May 2008 I became a `Councillor` myself , joining Margaret Howells in representing the Lowlands and Avondale Ward within Cwmbran Community Council. I look forward to having a `positive` input over the next 4 years ...
My aim is to encourage and instil .. `Pride in our Community `..
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