MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH
COMMUNITY STRATEGY
Consultation Document
2020 Our Merthyr Tydfil - A Bright Future
In 2004 Merthyr Tydfil community strategy was published. It set out a vision that people across the borough aspired to, and set out objectives under seven themes to get there.
The vision was:
By 2020, to create a Community in which all people, of all ages can enjoy living and working safely and healthily, and pursue opportunities to develop themselves and their families in a clean and attractive environment .
Merthyr Tydfil has moved a long way since 2004, so what are the ambitions of our citizens now and how can they be achieved between 2010 and 2020?
The Assembly Government required all local authority areas to produce a number of strategies. You may well have helped shape these through being involved in earlier consultations. All of these strategies have helped move us towards the vision set out in 2004. Some examples of the progress made are on the next page.
The Community Strategy Review will allow us to set out our views on what Merthyr Tydfil should be like in 2020. It will also set the future direction for other strategies, business and strategic plans of the Council and the Local Service Board, their partners in the strategies, the Local Development Plan.
So where do you want to take Merthyr Tydfil in future? We have an opportunity to set ambitions that stretch us and through working together can be achieved so that this is:
A place to be proud of where:
Focussing on four main themes will help provide a structure to pull together the strategy. The Themes suggested are:
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A Healthy, Safe and Fair Society
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A Prosperous, Cultural and Diverse Merthyr Tydfil
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A Sustainable Living Environment
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Learning for Life
Under each one we will work together to develop outcomes for the whole borough, some examples might be
People in Merthyr Tydfil are healthy, safe and secure
People in Merthyr Tydfil are free from poverty
People in Merthyr Tydfil live in good quality homes
People of all ages in Merthyr Tydfil successfully engage in
education and training
What is your vision for a Brighter Merthyr Tydfil in 2020?
Let us have your views by 31st January 2010 – Downloadable Feedback form - .pdf (20k)
Or complete the survey below and submit it online
http://www.merthyr.gov.uk/CommunityStategySurvey/index.htm
E mail Community.strategy@merthyr.gov.uk
Tel: 01685 725075
Post Ceri Thomas, Room 406
Civic Centre, Castle Street,
Merthyr Tydfil CF 47 8AN
Achievements since 2004 under the seven Themes used
Theme 1: People-power and community empowerment
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Community First Partnerships developed , strengthened and delivering for their community
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Menter Iaith secured funding for Zoar Project
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Cyfathfa Park established as a venue for Local, National and international events
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Community Transport for people with disabilities
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Higher turnout at local elections
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Youth Mayor and First Junior Local Safeguarding Children Board in Wales
Theme 2: Safe and sound
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Neighbourhood Policing Teams established with regular PACT meetings to identify and address local concerns
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Lower Crime rates
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Neigbourhood Perception of Crime survey across whole borough that will inform action plans in three pilot areas
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Teulu integrated domestic abuse service established offering a one point of entry service to victims of domestic abuse and their families
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First Community Court in Wales established to deal more effectively with perpetrators and to prevent re-offending
Theme 3: 21st century services and facilities for all
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New Leisure complex at Rhydycar, state of the art facilities,
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Trains every half hour since May plus Station improvements at Merthyr Vale and Quakers Yard
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Millennium Park
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Housing transfer to Merthyr Valley Homes
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Over 400 new private homes built in two years
Theme 4: A clean, green place to be proud of
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Taff Bargoed Developments green flag facility
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Multi award winning town centre redevelopment with access for all
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Success of Taff and Trevithick Trails as part of National network
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River Taff now able to host Home Countries Angling Competition
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Environmental activity and awareness grown
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War on Waste – re-cycling increases in total and range of material
Theme 5: Health check
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NHS-run Out of Hours Services
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New GP practice buildings - work started in Treharris, and plans progressing in Aberfan and Troedyrhiw
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Joint working with the Voluntary Sector e.g. Expert Patient Programme, Drug Aid etc
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Pathways to work Programme
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Redevelopment of Prince Charles Hospital, including ward refurbishment, the development of a McMillan Cancer Care Unit and plans for an Emergency Care Centre
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Programmes for Chronic conditions,
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Development of community based mental health services
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Introduction of a range of health promotion programmes, including MEND
Theme 6: A thriving economy
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Success of Retail park - jobs and drawing in visitors to the area
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Merthyr the shopping hub of the Heads of the Valleys
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WAG offices and Orbit Centre joining T mobile creating a critical mass of jobs, new or better facilities and opportunities
Theme 7: Forward through learning
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Since September 2007, 1036 residents enrolled on accredited courses within Adult Community Learning programme with 76% gaining qualifications
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University of Glamorgan at Merthyr College
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GCSE results and A level results improving
Investment of over £11 million in 3 new schools (Ysgol Santes Tudful; Heolgerrig Primary; and Ynysowen Community Primary) and improvements at other schools in the last few years alone.
The existing 2004 Strategy document can be found via the link below:
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Community Strategy pdf (900k)
For further information on the Community Strategy for the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil please email Community.strategy@merthyr.gov.uk or call 01685 725075.
Information on the development of Community Strategies across Wales can be found at the Welsh Assembly Government website.
