New cycling network to be unveiled

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jun 27, 2011

Cycling in the city is set to change with a new cycle network in the capital.

Over the next five years, Cardiff Council will be developing a new cycle network to make it easier and quicker to cycle around the city.

The Council has consulted with the public on the new cycle network resulting in 12 main cycle routes being identified. With four routes already named, Taff, Ely, Rhymney and Bay trails, the Council’s Transport team launched a competition to name the overall network to go with its new logo and the eight remaining routes.

The competition was launched in April and received over a 100 entries. The winning names will be announced by Executive Member for Traffic and Transportation, Cllr Lisa Ford at the closing ceremony of the first Cardiff Cycle Festival on Sunday June 26 at 2pm at Gwdihw’s café and bar on Guildford Crescent.

A shortlist of entries were voted for by the Cardiff Cycle Liaison Group, which is made up of representatives from a range of cycle organisations including Sustrans, Cycle Training Wales, Pedal Power, Cardiff Cycle Campaign, CTC, Elected Members from Cardiff Council and representatives from the Police.

Executive Member form, Traffic and Transportation, Cllr Lisa Ford, said: “The Council actively promotes sustainable transport, and to achieve this we need to make sure the right resources and infrastructure are in place for people to have sustainable travel options. Over the next five years the development of the cycle network will help us achieve our goal and give the public a safe and sustainable way of travelling around the city.

“Throughout the development of plans for the new cycle network, we have listened to the public and their feedback has been essential in creating the new routes. I am pleased that the public have also been involved in the naming of the new network and there is no better time to announce the winners than during the closing party for the first cycle festival, which has been a huge success.”

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.”

Lord Mayor to open most southerly pub in Wales

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jun 22, 2011

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Prof Delme Bowen will open Wales’ most southerly pub on Friday, June 24. The Gull and Leek is the new addition to amenities on Flat Holm Island, which already includes accommodation, and a gift shop.

Part of the Islands Victorian Barracks have been turned into a pub offering a selection of local beers, ales and wines.

Day trippers and overnight visitors can now enjoy their favourite tipple whilst taking in the spectacular scenery of Flat Holm Island.

During his visit to the Island the Lord Mayor will also be shown around the new Flat Holm Farm shop, which offer’s fresh Flat Holm vegetables when in season and the Island’s very own eggs.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells will also join the Lord Mayor on his visit to the Island and attend the official opening of The Gull and Leek.

Flat Holm, once a sanctuary for monks and also home to Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, silver miners and smugglers over the years, is now a mix of ruins from bygone eras and modern sustainable living. On the Island you will find wind turbines, solar panels, WWII gun embattlements and an isolation hospital from the 1800s. It’s perhaps most famous for receiving the first ever radio message across water by Marconi in 1897, and has even featured in the BBC TV series Torchwood.

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Prof Delme Bowen, said: “I am delighted to open the new pub on Flat Holm, this is the first time I have ever opened a pub! The Gull and Leek is a great new amenity for both day visitors and overnight guests to enjoy. I can’t think of anything better than a sunny day on the island drinking an ice cold drink of your choice.”

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Flat Holm is already a great place to relax and unwind and the Gull and Leek adds to the Flat Holm experience and will provide the perfect venue to get away from all the hustle and bustle.”

Cardiff Central Libary does a rumba

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jun 21, 2011

Visitors to Central Library next weekend can swap their books for a spot of ballroom dancing at a free dance festival featuring performances from around the world.

The Community Languages department of the library will be transformed into a dancer’s paradise on Saturday, June 25 (12- 5pm) with demonstrations of a wide range of dances from street to ballroom, Flamenco to Bollywood, Latin American to African dance and much more.

Visitors to the library will be able to see the performances and also try out some of the various dances themselves with a little help from the performers who represent a variety of dance schools and community groups. The Community Languages department of Central Library contains books in 14 different community languages so it really is the perfect place to stage this diverse event.

The free event is the latest initiative at Central Library which is much more than a place to borrow books. Regular events are held throughout the year including, most recently, a comedy night, battle of the bands and fashion show.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “The dance festival is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to Central Library to get a taster of many different types of dance, watching the performers go through their routines and having the chance to try out their own moves.

“As many different dances from around the world as possible have been included in the event so there’s plenty on offer for everyone. My advice is to grab your dancing shoes and head down to Central Library for a great afternoon’s entertainment.”