Weekly food waste collections

Food waste collections are starting in Grangetown in October - with the white bag collections now weekly.

Residents have been provided with food waste caddies and liners to collect waste and scraps for composting, as part of a city-wide initiative to promote recycling.

GREEN BAG DAYS are still fortnightly for recycling paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard etc:

October 3rd
October 17th
October 31st
November 14th
November 28th
December 12th
December 27th* (Holiday)

WHITE BAGS for food waste and garden refuse will be collected weekly from October 17th
  • Food waste including meat/bones, fish, fruit and veg, bread and dairy products can be put in the special biodregradable liners - for use with the green caddies - both left at homes by the council
  • When full, the liners can be placed in the white bags, which can also still be used for garden refuse
  • The white bags are now collected weekly between 6am and 10pm, with black bags, on Fridays
  • Anyone who has not received a caddy, the liners and white bags can call 029 20 872 087. Replacement liners/bags can be obtained free from selected local shops, leisure centres and libraries.

Garden hopes for a rosy future

The Friends Of Courtmead Gardens group has joined with North Grangetown Residents' Association.

The group agreed to becoming part of the association at an EGM. Members were invited to join the association committee and will continue to keep a watch on the garden, hold occasional events and pool effort and resources. Garden issues will be discussed at the association's quarterly public meetings. A fete and community event was held in the garden in July.

Bin bonanza for Grange?

The South Wales Echo reported that nearly a third of new litter bins in the city have come to Grangetown over the last couple of years. The area has seen 51 new or replacement bins since 2006. Canton councillor Ramesh Patel claims it is favouritism being shown by Liberal Democrat councillors. He told the paper: "What does surprise me is that it took me eight months to get a damaged bin at the Clive Road end of Cowbridge Road East in Canton replaced, yet the council managed to put 51 into Grangetown." The council denied this and said it depending on how many bins were asked for in the various wards.

BIN LEAGUE TABLE Bins
Grangetown 51
Canton 15
Plasnewydd 14
Splott 13
Cathays 11
Fairwater 10
Whitchurch and Tongwynlais 9
Creigiau & St Fagans, Trowbridge - each 5
Butetown, Pentwyn, Riverside, Rumney - each 4
Ely and Penylan - each 3
Llandaff and Llanrumney- each 2
Adamsdown, Cyncoed, Gabalfa, Lisvane, Llandaff N, Pontprennau and Old St Mellons, Radyr & Morganstown - each 1
Caerau, Llanishen and Pentrych 0

Green-up Grangetown - at the double

A campaign aimed at doubling recycling in Grangetown is targeting the area over the next few weeks.

Green Up GrangetownThe suburb is in the bottom four in the city for putting its re-usable waste in green bags. The publicity campaign, which includes improved leaflets for households, beer mats, and posters for shops, pubs, businesses and public buildings, was launched at a North Grangetown Residents' Association meeting.

The city's waste strategy minimisation manager Simon Richards said the aim was to get residents to a target of recycling 60% of waste, compared to the current 30%.

"Things have improved over the last two or three months - Grangetown was in the bottom three, now it's fourth or fifth from bottom. But we want to get everybody recycling to the same level and to see Grangetown hit the 60% level."

There had been complaints, including from Grangetown Community Concern, about the complicated city-wide leaflets, which accompanied the launch of the new bag scheme earlier this year and after a difficult bedding-in period. But the new publicity is simpler and tailor-made for Grangetown, aimed at letting residents know the correct weeks for green bag and grass cuttings waste.

The council is also to look into possible wheelie bins in some more areas, while free green bags are also to be made available in some shops, the library and leisure centre. But it admitted that weekly green bag collections would require more resources. Meanwhile, after a summer crackdown on dumped household rubbish and fly-tipping, action will continue against people who dump rubbish illegally, with officials sifting through 500 cases to identify culprits.

Rubbish crackdown nets seven tonnes in a week

A crackdown on household rubbish dumped in the wrong place - or at the wrong time - in Grangetown accumulated seven tonnes in just a week.

Coun Francesca Montemaggi told a Grangetown PACT meeting in July 2007 that a huge clean-up, especially in the back lanes, had led to a reduction in dumped rubbish of 9.5 tonnes in total. Fly-tipping by commercial and business operators had exacerbated a problem of some householders dumping bags on the wrong rubbish collection days. In one week alone, 150 bags were collected. Rubbish was found in a total of 65 locations across the suburb.

"It's been a huge effort but now by clearing it., of course it leaves a space for more rubbish to be dumped so we've got to keep on top of it," said Coun Montemaggi.

Police and enforcement officers would also be used in the process of warning any businesses involved. There had also been contact with Network Rail about the Clive Street lane area by the railway. Tracing commercial tippers was harder than tracking down household dumpers.

All bags are being delivered free to households and refuse collectors know when households are low on bags because of a numbering system.

The new system will work in conjunction with Cardiff's biggest recycling centre, which is being built at Hadfield Close in Leckwith. Council planners gave the go ahead for the £1.5m centre, over 2.5 acres, the fourth such facility in the city.

It will open in summer of 2007 and take in household waste including cardboard, scrap metal, garden refuse, white goods and oil. Councillor Elgan Morgan, executive member for environment, said Cardiff was "determined to continue to expand recycling facilities so residents have the facilities to recycle as much of their waste as possible."

Bay bridge gets green light

A £3.2m foot and cycle bridge linking the Cardiff Bay sports village site with Penarth is set to go ahead as part of a £50m lottery award to sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Pont y Werin, which translates as Bridge of the People, is one of a number of UK-wide cycle and pedestrian bridges and walkways to win the public vote from the final shortlist. It will link the Bay with Penarth and aims to provide cycling and pedestrian access to the fast-growing area as part of the UK-wide Connect2 initiative. The bridge link will also remove the final barrier to a route around the Bay as the through-route via the Barrage is due to open next year.

To find out more please log onto sustransconnect2.org.uk

The 140 metre bridge - aimed at commuters, residents and tourists - will add a further link that aims to create a 6.5 mile foot and cycle path around Cardiff Bay and the Roath Basin.

Signs up at the garden
GARDEN FAQs:
  • Cardiff council parks department will mow the grass and empty bins, while the Friends group will plant flowers
  • The gardens will not be locked, as this can encourage people to climb over and cause damage
  • Dogs are allowed but owners are urged to dispose of waste; ball games are welcome as long as they don't cause disturbance
  • The Friends group will act as a neighbourhood watch but other residents are urged to keep an eye. Local police will also be watching out
  • The garden is for everyone to use and to help look after
  • Those interested in helping maintain the garden, or to plant - contact the Friends group
  • Interested in the garden?

    Residents can have an active role in designing, managing and working in the garden.

    A Friends group was set up to help establish the garden and it's now a part of North Grangetown Residents' Association.

    Courtmead Gardens was taken from the original name of the school which eventually closed in 1969. It was wasteground for many years, Following the garden's opening in 2006, residents have reported a generally positive response but litter can still a problem. There was regrettably some vandalism to palm trees early on and also some other trees were vandalised. These are being removed and hardier trees will be planted. A wildflower area though has proved successful and another is being planned in time for next summer.

    How to be a friend of the garden

    Be a Friend of the Garden, it loves having friends just like you! There are lots of quick easy ways to be a friend of the garden. Only have a few seconds? That is fine, all of our efforts combine to make things better for all of us.

    Remember, if you do something for the garden, however small, let us know so we know how many friends there really are!

    Another award for garden

    Courtmead Gardens has won a "merit" in the Wales In Bloom awards for the second year running.

    As the garden, off Hereford Street and Court Road, looks to celebrate its first anniversary this summer, it was mentioned in the . community improvement category - as it was in 2006.

    The awards will be presented in September.

    Meanwhile, there was a big screen, a few posh frocks and a few glasses of bubbly (well, wine!) for the premiere screening of Grangetown's own community film.Sowing Seeds for the Future told the story of the making of the garden. But it wasn't just about landscaping and plants, but how young and old in the community have "grown" together in recent months as a Friends group to plan and work on its design and looking towards its upkeep. The 20-minute film was co-produced by residents themselves and it was an excellent watch - with interviews, primarily, with local people themselves, leading up to and including the opening afternoon in June.

    As well as watching the progress of the garden, it also looked at how even some of the more sceptical voices seemed to be won around as it took shape. The garden's looking even better after a spell of rain - and the local, volunteer litter-pickers have been out too, a sign that it's been well looked after.


    Move your mouse over the photos above to see how the area has changed over the last few months

    Garden opens with party

    The new community garden, Courtmead Gardens, off Hereford Street, officially opened in the summer of 2006 with an outdoor street and garden party.

     

    BBC Radio Wales presenter and folk singer Frank Hennessy unveiled a plaque to mark the opening, as well as giving a rendition of The Grangetown Whale. Donald Richards of the Friends of Courtmead Gardens said the garden was for all residents to enjoy and help look after and he appealed for local people to join in helping out.

    Frank Hennessy performing The sunny weather didn't disappoint in accompanying the Brazilian rhythms of Samba Gales and there was some great local voices in Expressions of the Young Kind. Hundreds turned out for stalls, face painting and a bouncy castle in Rutland Street. Trees have been planted, turf laid and the first bulbs were planted in the week before. Local residents in Grangetown have been helping to shoot a film to follow its progress. A Penarth Road-based media group are behind the documentary, which will be produced on a DVD to follow the building of Courtmead Gardens on a piece of wasteland.

    It has been built on the site of the old Court Road school, which has been a target for fly-tipping in recent years.

    The transformation project, supported by Big Lottery money, has been developed involving local residents at every stage.

    One of the features of the garden is an artwork built into the pathway, which was designed with the help of local schoolchildren and the garden group. Pupils from local schools who live in surrounding streets drew designs, based on a river theme, which have been turned into bronze features in the path by artists.

    The garden will be maintained by council park rangers, but also the Friends group of residents will have a role in its upkeep and to act as a "neighbourhood watch." The garden is open for anyone to use, with dog owners asked to ensure they "poop scoop" to help keep the garden tidy.

    Local residents have been involved in the film - behind and in front of camera - with members of the Friends of Gerddi Courtmead Gardens of all ages being given a chance to learn camera and editing techniques.

    Cardiff council's executive member for communities Coun Judith Woodman said:"It's fantastic to see a derelict site brought back to life and shows what can be achieved when the community works in partnership with the council."

    HOW OUR GARDEN GREW: Garden brings people together

    Around 90 people attended a consultation event in a marquee on the site in August 2005, to look at designs for the garden.

    Residents enjoy the sunshine during the August eventAt the fun day Julie Jones, who lives on Hereford Street overlooking the proposed garden, said: “The funny thing (well sad really) was we didn’t recognise most of the people there-showing just how little we know our neighbours. The event gave a nice sense of community and hopefully the whole project will help develop that further.”

    Emma Kerr of Tynant Street said: “Grangetown needs colour and living things! We want to hear birds! Perhaps a few bird houses in the trees?”

    Glenys Jones of Rutland Street said: “Young people should be able to take part in the work- local ownership is essential”.

    Pupils at St Patrick’s RC and Ninian Park primary schools have recently contributed their ideas through artwork and film and community workers are also to involve pupils at Fitzalan High School.

    Community artists are also to work in the area to help produce artistic elements for the garden.

    Three design options were unveiled, with the garden development also seeing a narrowing of Hereford Street alongside it, with the road buffered to stop through traffic.

    Councillor Judith Woodman, Executive member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice said: "I'm glad to see people in north Grangetown will get a new communal garden space to enjoy. It makes sense for officers at the Council to join forces with the residents to create and maintain this important development. It will work well if we all work together."

    Community Art

    The garden project took on board three community artists, all with experience of working with local groups to create public artwork reflecting the spirit of their community (e.g. Bute Street paving art). St Patrick's, Ninian Park and Fitzalan pupils, as well as local people, worked on designs for bronze depictions for the garden pavement, on the theme of the River Taff.

    Garden group

    In order to make the garden truly a part of the local community in North Grangetown, a space that is owned by local residents, it needs a group of volunteers to look after it. Possibilities for group activities would include adopting flowerbeds, bulb planting and having an active a part in maintaining the garden. With help from similar groups, residents from North Grangetown can take on ownership of their garden.

    Residents met and decided Courtmead Gardens would be the most suitable name, reflecting the site's history. They also discussed what they wanted to see from a Friends Group, in terms of supervision, management and practical involvement in the gardens development and upkeep. Eventually, an agreement will be drawn up between the council and the Friends Group to decide on how much involvement and maintenance each party should have.

    One of the pupils' paintingsResidents were also involved in futher details of the gardens design, eventually bulb planting when it has been landscaped and trips to a garden centre and the Botanic Gardens at Middleton were arranged.

    Pupils play their part

    Children from St Patricks R.C and Ninian Park Primary schools took part in the design process for North Grangetown's Community Garden at the end of their summer term this year.

    Pupils from years Two and Three as well as Five and Six visited the Court Road open space to get some ideas of how it could be improved. Back in the classroom they drew plans, painted pictures of how the garden would look, and explained their ideas on film. Pupils from St Patricks making notes on site at Court Road open space.

    The artwork and videos from the two schools will be on display on August 21st at the consultation day on site. Amongst other ideas, the children discussed ways in which the garden can be looked after, how problems such as littering and dog mess can be avoided, and how the garden can provide something for all members of the community. Artwork showing how the garden might look.

    Community litter-pick - with prizes!

    Loading up the bags

    A community litter-pick in north Grangetown was organised for Sunday March 12th by the North Grangetown residents' association and the Friends of Gerddi Courtmead Gardens group.

    Pupils from Ninian Park Primary School with environmental project officer Sandy Bowen It's designed first and foremost to make the area look tidier, as good exercise and also from the residents' association point of view to highlight the lack of litter bins in the area. Apart from bins in the shopping areas of Cornwall Street and Clare Road, they're a little short on the ground elsewhere.

    Around 20 residents took part on a bitterly cold afternoon - the day after the Wales v Italy rugby match - and spread out across the area, filling black bags with litter from pavements, verges and kerbs. As well as the usual cartons, chip paper and paper bags, there was everything from old carpet to golf balls. The event follows on from a litter-pick with Ninian Park school and was a great chance to do your bit to improve the local environment.

    Equipment was being provided by Cardiff Council and Keep Wales Tidy, and local businesses M.A Fish Bar, Shop ‘n’ Save, JB Fish Bar and Millennium Off Licence provided prizes to sponsor the event. Photos: Courtesy of Sandy Booth.

     

    Give and Take - one man's junk is another man's treasure trove...

    The give and take afternoonAn open-air community recycling "give and take" afternoon was held on the Gerddi Courtmead Gardens site on Sunday 30th October.

    Residents were encouraged to bring along unwanted items - everything from books/CDs, toys and games to small items of furniture. There was also canvas bag painting and a chance to find out about recycling and other ways to reduce rubbish. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all, with lots of reusable items changing hands…

    Previous Friends meetings: October 18th: The second meeting of the group mainly looked at artwork for the garden. Artists Heather Parnell and David Mackie attended and led a workshop to design river themed artwork for the garden.

    The pictures drawn by the friends group will be incorporated with designs from local children, and will eventually become an integral part of the garden. The group discussed the benefits of including local people, especially children, in this way, and the sense of local ownership that similar projects have achieved. The meeting was also attended by PC Mel Rowlands, who chatted with the group about local policing issues.

    The first Friends of the Garden meetingThe results of the fun day consultation were announced at the first meeting (September 8th - pictured right), with residents having chosen a freeform, modern design. This has now been worked up into a detailed landscape design, shown below.

    Project officer Sandra Booth said afterwards: "All those present at the meeting were in agreement that the garden project should move forward as an open, inclusive and welcoming initiative for the whole community of north Grangetown. "This was further reflected in the group's desire to be fully representative of north Grangetown's diverse population and the range of talents within it. This approach provides the ideal basis from which the Friends group can grow. Twenty six local residents attended - a very good turnout for a first meeting."


    And something for the future

    Artist impression of how neighbourhood street arrangements could look The options were outlined at a consultation event in August 2004, which was held in Rutland Street. Residents have now received the results of the survey.

    70% preferred the option of neighbourhood street lay-outs, with roads blocked off to stop through-traffic, but allowing access to residents' cars. It appears after further consultation, the idea of blocking off roads has been scrapped, although there will be tree planting, new pavements and road improvements - work in Monmouth Street in 2006, with plans for Court Road in 2007.

    Gardens' growing

    GRANGE GARDENS has retained its Green Flag status as one of the city's top parks.

    A Grange Gardens Users' Group is active for local residents keen to promote green spaces and aimed at keeping it free of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

    BLOOMIN' LOVELY

    Shirley Hall's winning garden in Rudry StreetPeter Sutton's winning garden from 2006 in Channel View

    The Cardiff In Bloom gardening competition in 2006 saw two winners from Grangetown in 2006, Shirley Hall of Rudry Street (top left) and Peter Sutton of Channel View (right).

    Van confiscated after fly-tipping crackdown

    A father and son have admitted waste offences after being caught during a week-long operation in May to target fly-tippers on the Curran Road industrial estate in Grangetown.

    Operation Jackdaw involved the Environment Agency, police and council officials. The two, from Grangetown and Riverside, admitted waste offences in a prosecution brought by the agency. The father was ordered to carry out a 60-hour community punishment order in relation to the charge of depositing waste and was fined £100 on the charge of transporting it. His son admitted the same offences and was given a conditional discharge and ordered to forfeit his Ford Transit van, worth £1,500.

    The cost of the clean-up of waste at Curran Road was £15,000. Agency enforcement officer Clive Walker called fly tipping "a nuisance to society."

    "These anti-social acts cost the general public in terms of clean-up operations and have a detrimental effect on legitimate waste operators. Our operations to crack down on these crimes will continue and we will aim to prosecute any offenders as necessary."

    Sowing seeds of environmental group

    A local environmental focus group held its third meeting on Tuesday 21st June 2005 at Channel View leisure centre. It aims to bring together residents and organisations interested in local environment issues and projects in Butetown and Grangetown. The meeting will be setting up the groups objectives, initiating various projects and assigning coordinators. A whole range of issues were initially raised at the launch meeting in March, ranging from fly-tipping, graffiti, recycling, bulb-planting, urban art, open spaces to pigeon & seagull nuiance, cleaner pavements and streets, to garden management and equipment-sharing.

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