New food and craft market
A new monthly food and craft market is coming to Pontypool.
Safer routes to school
A new road crossing is to be installed near a primary school in Cwmbran as part of the Safer Routes in Communities initiative.
Torfaen councillors to examine improved budget
Next week Torfaen councillors will examine the council's latest budget proposals and proposed level of council tax for 2022/23
Funeral attendance Gwent Crematorium - permitted numbers of mourners
With the Welsh Government announcement that Wales has moved fully into alert level zero, the number of mourners permitted to attend funerals in the Gwent Crematorium Chapel, Croesyceiliog has increased
Climate ambassadors network takes shape
Plans for Torfaen's first climate ambassadors network are starting to take shape.
Pupils mark Holocaust Memorial Day
Children from primary schools across Torfaen have been remembering Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager whose moving diaries about life in hiding during World War Two became famous.
Food4Growth Grants
A project is offering £10,000 grants to businesses and community groups to develop local food supply chains.
Cwmbran Drive Active Travel Improvement Study - have your say
As part of the Council's work around Active Travel, we want to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Cwmbran Drive near four of the busiest roundabouts, and we need your views for potential new road crossings...
Torfaen Local Elections 2022
Preparations are underway for the Local Government elections in May, which will elect 40 county borough councillors across Torfaen.
Gwent gets ready for Nature Isn't Neat 2022
Following successful grassland management pilots to improve biodiversity across the Gwent local authorities, this year the Nature Isn't Neat approach to management is being coordinated to cover wider areas across Gwent, with the mission of making it 'pollinator friendly' by allowing more wildflowers to grow in our green spaces.........
Fly-tipper bags a fine
A women has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000 for dumping 12 black bags of rubbish, broken furniture and cardboard boxes...
Community Meals serves up wellness check
Torfaen Council's Community Meals is helping older residents remain in their own homes by providing valuable wellness checks.
Getting new skills is child's play
Learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience is child's play, thanks to Torfaen Play Service.
Memories of Broad Street come to life
Memories of shops on Blaenavon Broad Street have been captured in a new tapestry and audio exhibition...
New library opening times
A temporary reduction in library opening hours comes into effect next week...
Update - We need your help
Currently all our health and social care services in Gwent are under massive pressure due to staff absence from Covid-19, especially our domiciliary care services and care home providers.
For Dads, By Dads
A new and exciting support programme for dads is set to launch in Torfaen this month.
HWRC car bookings to end
Car drivers will no longer need to book to visit the Household Waste Recycling Centre from next week.
Wednesday 5 January 2022
Message to parents from Torfaen Education Service
Over the Christmas period, there have been a number of Welsh Government decisions which will impact all schools in Wales and your child's headteacher will be in touch to explain how they will affect you
Reuse shop reopens
A shop selling good quality unwanted items has reopened next to the Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Cremation attendance - permitted numbers of mourners
The number of mourners permitted to attend cremations at the Gwent Crematorium Chapel, Croesyceiliog will be again restricted to twenty with effect from the 26th December 2021
Bake-off star shares fostering journey
Channel Four Bake Off finalist Jon Jenkins has spoken about becoming a foster carer to help support a new campaign.
Waste update
Just as a reminder, our waste and recycling crews are working every day over the Christmas period so your collection days remain the same.
Winter of Wellbeing with Torfaen Play
The Play Service has been busy over the festive season providing fun filled activities to families in Torfaen.
Sensory service provides extra support
Around 60 children with visual impairments have been given packs filled with sensory toys and equipment so they can take part in special playgroup sessions at home.
National care crisis hitting Torfaen
Torfaen council is writing to everyone in the borough receiving domiciliary care services and appealed for support to help fill a shortfall in care required this month
Christmas waste and recycling collections
There will be no changes to waste and recycling collections over the festive period as crews now work the bank holidays...
Delayed start to the new school term
Due to the potential impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant over the next few weeks, the Welsh Government have instructed every school in Wales to open 2 days later in the new term to prepare for potential disruption to learning and teaching
Record response to HWRC survey
Almost 4,000 people took part in our recent consultation about the booking system at the Household Waste Recycling Centre – and the results are in!...
Hampers delivered just in time for Christmas
Fifty Christmas hampers will be delivered to young people in need and their families across Torfaen this week.
Cwmbran resident caught selling counterfeit tobacco on Facebook
A man has been successfully prosecuted by Torfaen Council's Trading Standards team for selling counterfeit tobacco on Facebook...
World Heritage Site launches virtual tours
With traditional school trips still on hold for many, a primary school in Blaenavon has decided to make the best of the situation by going on a virtual tour.
Santa Appeal spreads some festive joy
More than 800 gifts have been donated to this year's Torfaen Santa Appeal.
Santa Dash raises funds for Age Connects Torfaen
Hundreds of runners dressed in Santa costumes have taken part in the annual festive Age Connects Torfaen Santa run.
Wednesday 8 December 2021
Inclusive Play Parks for Cwmbran and Pontypool
Torfaen council's cabinet committee recently approved plans to invest £1.2 million to help the community recover from the impacts of covid-19
Word From The Third celebrates anniversary
The popular Word From The Third podcast has just celebrated its first year anniversary.
Waste and Recycling update
I know many of you have been frustrated recently by an increase in missed waste and recycling collections.
New ways to discover nature in Torfaen
Torfaen Council has installed new interpretation boards at four of its Local Nature Reserves (LNR's) to help communities discover the value of nature on their doorstep...
Friday 3 December 2021
Pontnewydd Park footbridge closure
From Thursday 09 December for at least 6 weeks the footbridge at Pontnewydd Park will be closed....
Action over odour
A woman has been successfully prosecuted by Torfaen Council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for causing a nuisance to her neighbours by allow dogs' mess to accumulate in her rear yard...
42% of Welsh population at risk of being scammed by fly-tippers
Householders living in Wales are at high risk of being scammed by unlicensed waste removal services...
The best gift this Christmas
The Welsh Blood Service is preparing for blood shortages this winter and is raising awareness about the importance of donating 'the best gift' of blood this Christmas.
Once upon a Christmas sprout
A Christmas sprout hunt is being organised for families with pre-school children in Torfaen.
Library opening times to change
A decision has been made to temporarily reduce library opening times on Saturdays to help manage staff shortages whilst the service looks at ways to accelerate the delivery of the libraries strategy...
Friday 26 November 2021
£1.2 million to support pandemic recovery
Torfaen council's cabinet committee have approved plans to invest £1.2 million to help the community recover from the impacts of covid-19.
The future of the HWRC booking system
Residents are being asked if they think the Household Waste Recycling Centre booking system should continue...
Torfaen bid to become Sustainable Food Place
There are plans to transform Torfaen into a Sustainable Food Place, as part of an initiative to support and encourage local food networks.
Croesyceiliog School removed from special measures
Following a recent monitoring inspection visit, Croesyceiliog School has been removed from special measures
White Ribbon Day 2021
Residents are being urged to sign up to the #30Challenge to raise awareness of the fact that every day in Gwent, 30 children are affected by domestic abuse involving police.
Celebrating and supporting carers
An event to celebrate and support carers in Torfaen is being organised to mark Carers' Rights Day next week.
Primary school children get energy savvy
Primary school children in Torfaen have been getting energy savvy as part of Switch Off Fortnight which ends on Sunday 21st November...
Garden waste collections stop for winter
If you are on collection round A or B, your last garden waste collection is this week on your usual collection day....
Plans for climate ambassadors network kickstarted
A meeting to kickstart plans for a new climate ambassadors network in Torfaen was held yesterday evening.
2021 Summer Reading Challenge winner
Five-year-old Archie Fielding will be able to buy lots of new books after completing a national reading challenge...
Property agent operated illegally
A landlady, acting as a property agent for a number of residential premises in Torfaen, has been fined after she admitted operating illegally.
Pride of Torfaen Awards deadline fast approaching
Nominations for the first ever Pride of Torfaen Awards will close this Friday.
Stretchy plastic collections to resume
After a fire suspended collection of stretchy plastic in borough, Capital Valley Plastics are pleased to inform Torfaen residents that they are now in the position to restart collections...
George Street Primary School triumphant in EFL kids cup
Close to 100 children from schools across Torfaen have taken part in the Torfaen qualifier for the English Football League Trust (EFLT) Utilita Kids cup at Cwmbran Stadium.
Matches cancelled at Northfields and Southfields
All football matches which were due to take place at Northfields and Southfields this weekend have been cancelled due the predicted weather conditions...
Torfaen part of flexible voting pilot
This week the Welsh Government set out plans in advance of the May 2022 elections to increase the number of people registered to vote and to introduce new flexible voting scheme.
Become a climate ambassador
The UN climate change conference COP26 comes to a close this weekend, but we want to continue the conversation here in Torfaen.
Multi-million-pounds investment in businesses and skills
Five new projects aimed at supporting businesses and increasing skills in Torfaen are to receive nearly £1.3m from a new UK Government fund.
Tuesday 9 November 2021
Fake cigarettes hidden behind false wall
A Pontypool shop owner has appeared in court after counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes were discovered behind a false wall.
Friday 5 November 2021
Setting a Council Budget for 2022/23
This week, councillors have looked at Torfaen Council's budget plans for the next financial year, and we'd like you to do the same....
Remembrance parades to resume
Taking place on Sunday 14 November, Remembrance Day is an important date in the nation's annual calendar.
Road disruptions due to firework displays
Ponthir Sports and Community Club are holding a firework display on the 5th November. The show starts at 7pm with the evening starting 6pm...
Thursday 4 November 2021
Fishing now banned on two stretches of canal
Following recent public consultation, fishing is now banned at any time on the canal at Broadweir Road and Star Street in Cwmbran, due to continuous unlicenced fishing and antisocial behaviour...
Torfaen Santa Appeal gets underway
The Santa Appeal, run by Torfaen Social Services, gives people the chance to donate gifts to children and young people who would otherwise miss out at Christmas time.
Bootcamps help women in Torfaen stay fit and active
Karen Atwell has swapped lie ins on a Saturday morning for Torfaen Sports Development's new Ifyougoigo boot camp sessions.
Councillors will this week consider a report into Torfaen Council's budget plans for the next financial year
Project celebrated at climate roadshow
A project to improve and protect upland areas in South East Wales - led by Torfaen Council - will be featured at an event to mark the COP26 summit this weekend.
Improvements taking shape at canal
Work to create a new area for wildlife enthusiasts will start soon along the canal in Cwmbran...
Cold weather ready
Every year the council provides a highways winter service to keep the borough moving....
Half term fun at Play and Wellbeing camps
More than 450 children have attended Torfaen's Play and Wellbeing Camps this October Half Term
Cemetery opening times changing from Sunday 31 October
In conjunction with daylight saving and clocks going back an hour, from Sunday 31 October, cemeteries in Torfaen will be changing to winter opening hours...
Tricks and treats to save your food on Halloween
It's spooky season and we are stocking up on pumpkins, apples, tasty treats and other hearty and seasonal foods...
Mynydd Garn Clochdy Tapestry
Year 4 pupils from Ysgol Bryn Onnen and members of Blaenavon Intergenerational Group (BIG) have been working hard to produce a 10 metre long tapestry on the local legend of 'Mynydd Garn Clochdy', with support from Menter Iaith Torfaen.
Tackling Torfaen's carbon emissions
Tackling climate change in Torfaen is a key priority, and today Torfaen Council launches its first major consultation on how that can be done...
Students are stars of the show
Students, local politicians, representatives of the council and Coleg Gwent have marked the official opening of Torfaen Learning Zone.
Pride of Torfaen Awards 2021
The first ever Pride of Torfaen Awards are now open for nominations to recognise the individuals, groups and clubs that make Torfaen a better place to live.
Footbridge closure due to resurfacing
The footbridge which crosses the Afon Lwyd at Woodland Road Sport and Social Centre is due to be resurfaced next week..
Street lighting repairs delayed
Currently there is a national shortage of new LED lanterns, which is leading to a backlog in repairing outages in the borough. There is a shortage of parts which make up the LED lanterns, and there is also issues with shipping and transport....
New life for old mobility aids
Crutches and zimmers are being given a new lease of life, thanks to the team at Torfaen Council's Household Waste Recycling Centre which is operated by waste and recycling partner FCC Environment...
Gwent Dragons drive anti-hate message
Rugby players from the Gwent Dragons have been helping to drive home the message that Hate Hurts Wales.
New college official launch
A new £24m centre for all post-16 education in Torfaen will be officially opened this week.
Canal photograph wins competition
The winner of the Ty Glas y Dorlan photography competition has been chosen.
Disruption expected to school transport
Torfaen Council has received notification that drivers for the largest bus operator in the UK will strike for three weeks due to a dispute over pay...
Winter opening hours at the Household Waste Recycling Centre begin Sunday 31 October
Winter opening times are due to come into effect at the Household Waste Recycling Centre located at New Inn from Sunday 31 October 2021...
Four areas in Torfaen named as some of the country's best green spaces
Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year's Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space...
Shining a light on Baby Loss Awareness Week
Three key council buildings will be illuminated in pink and blue this week in honour of parents and families in Torfaen who have lost a baby in pregnancy or infancy this week...
Time to get ready for Self Assessment
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers to check that they have the correct information in order to complete their tax return.
Business supported to sow seeds to success
A Pontypool man has turned his dream of running a landscape gardening business into reality, thanks to support from Torfaen Council's Communities for Work Plus team.
Celebrating the outstanding volunteer achievements of the past year
More than 170 people came together on Saturday 2nd October to celebrate the first ever Torfaen Community & Volunteer Awards at Pontypool Active Living Centre.
School system and payment update week ending 8 October
The project team continue to work with Civica to resolve the on-going problems with the new Cashless Catering System, and the Civica Pay Education parent portal...
Torfaen Council joins new campaign to tackle dog fouling
Torfaen Council is urging dog owners to do the right thing and pick up after their pets as part of a new national campaign from Keep Wales Tidy...
WeCare Wales Week 2021
Next week WeCare Wales will be shining a light on what it's like to work in the social care, children's and early years sectors.
Wednesday 6 October 2021
Support for Universal Credit recipients
A temporary increase in Universal Credit introduced at the start of the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end today.
A new survey looks to capture your health barriers to employment
If a health condition has ever prevented you from finding work or progressing in the work place, we want to hear about your experiences.
People across Wales encouraged to open their homes to foster children
Several life-size front doors have been unveiled outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, highlighting those who have opened their homes to foster children in Wales.
Rhyme Time anniversary a success
An online Rhyme Time session organised by Cwmbran library has been viewed more than 450 times...