Do you have a passion for dog welfare?

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jul 11, 2011

Cardiff Dogs Home is looking for volunteers to form a ‘Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home’ group to bring together people who share a passion for improving dog welfare.

The Dogs Home is holding its first meeting on Thursday 14 July 2011 at 7pm in Committee Room 3 at County Hall. Anyone who feels they would like to get involved and become a ‘friend’ of the Dogs Home, is welcome to attend.

Members of the new group will support the Dogs Home in improving the visitor experience for those looking to re-home a dog from Cardiff Dogs Home.  They will also promote responsible dog ownership and highlight the work done by the Dogs Home which aims to find the best possible home for each dog in its care.

There are currently 40 dogs living at the Dogs Home, and one of the priorities for this year is raising money to fund a project to modernise the kennels which have been in place since the Home was built nearly 20 years ago.  The ‘Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home’ will help fundraise and support this initiative. Other key priorities for the group will include promoting responsible dog ownership at community events and distributing information about re-homing and micro-chipping dogs.

Cllr Margaret Jones, Executive Member for the Environment said: “The Cardiff Dogs Home looks after more than 1200 dogs a year, and is really committed to caring for all of the dogs in its care. I would urge anyone who has an interest in the welfare of the stray dogs of Cardiff and the work that goes into finding them new homes to attend the meeting and think about joining the ‘Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home’ group. There are many ways to support Cardiff Dogs’ Home. Whether you are able to volunteer your time or make donations, no matter what you do, it all helps.”

If you are unable to attend the meeting on July 14 and would like to be involved or require further information then please contact Sarah Brown on 2087 1146 sbrown@cardiff.gov.uk or the Dogs Home on 2071 1243.

Melingriffith Water Pump now fully restored

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jun 30, 2011

The historic Melingriffith Water Pump in Whitchurch has now been fully restored to working order and will be officially re-launched on Friday 1st July at 18:30 at its Ty Mawr Road site.

The re-launch marks the end of a long period of decline for the pump and residents and visitors will now be able to watch the pump in action once more.

Cardiff Council and Cadw have jointly funded the restoration of this nationally protected scheduled ancient monument, which has the support of local community group ‘Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump.’

The 200 year old pump stands as a reminder of the former Glamorganshire Canal and Melingriffith Tin Plate Works, one of the earliest and most important works of its kind. For 135 years this pump ensured there was a continuous water supply for the canal. When this part of the canal closed in the 1940’s the pump became redundant and has remained idle ever since.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said, “I’m delighted that this historic monument has been restored and is now back in action.  This has been an excellent example of partnership working with Cadw and the Friends of Melingriffith Pump.  It can now stand proud as a wonderful link to our industrial heritage for generations to learn about and enjoy.”

Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Margaret Jones said, “I’m very pleased that this important Cardiff landmark has been restored to its former glory.  It has been a great effort by Cardiff Council, Cadw and the Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump and a testament to partnership working.  I’m sure residents and visitors alike will enjoy this historic monument for years to come.”

This is what happens when you black bag food

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jun 24, 2011

It’s a disgusting mess that attracts vermin and creates a health hazard, but a few Cardiff citizens are still putting food in black bags. This was never more graphically illustrated than when a the Cardiff Council Waste Management team came across this scene this week somewhere in Cathays or Plasnewydd.

The picture above shows the mess created when just one black bag filled with food waste is ripped open by gulls.  Factor in the wind and pedestrians finding it difficult to avoid, this unsightly mess can then spread a considerable distance up and down the street.

This is an area where food caddies have been issued; there is no need to put food waste in black bags.

Cardiff Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Margaret Jones said, “This horrendous mess could easily have been avoided.  There is no excuse whatsoever for putting food waste in black bags, every household in the area has been issued with a food caddy.  The vast majority of residents work with us to help us keep the streets clean but as you can see, it can take one bag to create a terrible impression of a street.  We urge all residents to deal with their waste responsibly and have consideration for their neighbours.”

Cardiff Council increases recycling options city wide

Cardiff Council has further underlined its commitment to recycling with the opening of four new facilities this year.  Working closely with the Libraries and Leisure departments, the Council’s Waste Management service has opened up recycling bring-sites at Llanrumney Library, Maindy Pool, Grangetown Library and Western Leisure Centre.  These new facilities greatly enhance the opportunities for Cardiff citizens to easily and conveniently recycle their waste.

Additional Recycling opportunities are as follows:

Llanrumney Library

• Mixed paper and card
• Mixed glass and plastic

Maindy Pool

• Cardboard
• Paper and Magazines
• Plastic and glass bottles and jars
• Metal food and drink cans

Grangetown Library

• Mixed paper and card
• Mixed glass and plastic
• Western Leisure Centre
• Paper and card
• Mixed glass and plastic
• Food and drink cans

Cllr Margaret Jones, Executive Member for the Environment said, “It is more important than ever to recycle our waste and these new facilities will add to the already extensive recycling offered in the City.  The sites have been carefully chosen and spaced to allow the most convenient access possible for as many of our citizens as possible.  Recycling of waste is a top priority for Cardiff Council and these bring-sites will further help people to make recycling part of their everyday routine.”