About the Council

Thursday 7 December 2023

New climate action group

Description:
The Climate Ambassadors Network was set up by Torfaen Council in November 2021 to help plan for the borough to become net carbon zero by 2050. Since then, the group has formed a residents' action group and they are looking for new members.
Monday 4 December 2023

New nature reserve will be the largest

Description:
A former colliery site in Abersychan is on course to become Torfaen's eighth and largest Local Nature Reserve.
Tuesday 21 November 2023

Work to protect Garn Lakes

Description:
Work is underway to remove a number of trees and shrubs growing close to Garn Lakes to enable repairs and reduce the risk of flooding.
Monday 20 November 2023

New job is a new start

Description:
A mechanic has joined Torfaen Council's fleet team, thanks to a chance meeting at HMP Prescoed.
Friday 10 November 2023

Parents prosecuted for persistent absenteeism

Description:
The parents of a child who was persistently absent from school have been prosecuted by Torfaen Council.
Thursday 9 November 2023

Budget proposals for 2024/25

Description:
Next week, Torfaen councillors will consider the council's draft budget for 2024/25 and will be asked to make suggestions for potential further savings or areas for review to bridge a funding shortfall of £2.8million.
Wednesday 8 November 2023

Trader prosecuted for selling illegal vapes

Description:
A 42-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the possession and sale of illegal disposable vapes.
Tuesday 7 November 2023

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday
Description:
Remembrance Sunday is an important date in the nation's annual calendar, and this year takes place on 12 November.
Monday 30 October 2023

Polling station review

Description:
Every five years, local authorities must review their polling stations to ensure they are convenient and accessible for voters.
Tuesday 10 October 2023

Baby Loss Awareness Week

Description:
Torfaen Council is joining other organisations across the UK to light up iconic landmarks pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Wednesday 4 October 2023

Filming for major new TV series

Description:
Filming for a new Channel Four series will take place in Cwmbran and Pontypool over the next three weeks.
Wednesday 6 September 2023

Get ready for Voter ID

Description:
From next month, voters will need to show photo identification to vote at polling stations in some elections.
Wednesday 30 August 2023

Record-breaking Summer Fun Fest

Description:
A record number of volunteers have help to provide hours of free fun to thousands of children this summer.
Tuesday 29 August 2023

The British consultation

Description:
Residents are invited to comment on plans for a new drainage scheme at The British site, prior to it being submitted for planning permission.
Tuesday 22 August 2023

Hundreds of trees to be planted

Description:
Residents are being given the chance to identify the location of hundreds of new trees, as part of the Branching Out project which is supported by Torfaen Council and Bron Afon Community Housing.
Friday 18 August 2023

Community Resilience Fund

Description:
A new fund has been launched by Torfaen Council to help groups and organisations that support communities to be more self-sufficient.
Friday 28 July 2023

Tennis court refurbishment

Description:
The refurbishment of Cwmbran Park tennis courts will start on Monday 31 July...
Tuesday 25 July 2023

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape featured in new UNESCO map

Description:
Blaenavon's industrial heritage has been included in a new interactive map celebrating UNESCO sites across the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man...
Friday 21 July 2023

County Plan Delivery Plan hits targets

Description:
The majority of targets set out in the first year of Torfaen Council's County Plan have been achieved.

Eight Green Flags

Description:
Eight green spaces in Torfaen have been awarded Green Flag status for another year...
Tuesday 18 July 2023

Portraits pay tribute to fallen servicemen

Portraits pay tribute to fallen servicemen
Description:
Today marked the unveiling of the first of three portraits honouring local servicemen who tragically lost their lives in conflict.
Thursday 6 July 2023

New team to tackle carbon emissions

Description:
A new team has been appointed by Torfaen Council to help reduce carbon emissions which are a major contributor to climate change.

£1.1m investment for Blaenavon

Description:
More than £1m is being invested in transforming three derelict buildings in Blaenavon Town Centre.
Tuesday 4 July 2023

Plans for zero carbon energy

Description:
A blueprint for how carbon emissions in Torfaen will be reduced to net zero by 2050 is being developed.
Monday 3 July 2023

Are you registered?

Description:
Residents are urged to check their electoral registration details as part of the annual canvass.
Thursday 22 June 2023

Windrush exhibition comes to Torfaen

Windrush exhibition comes to Torfaen
Description:
An exhibition celebrating the history of the Windrush generation in Wales has come to Torfaen.
Wednesday 14 June 2023

Veterans' Support Hub set to open

Veterans' Support Hub set to open
Description:
Torfaen County Borough Council is proud to announce the launch of a new veterans' support hub which opens in Cwmbran next week, as part of Armed Forces Week 2023.
Thursday 8 June 2023

Community review consultation

Description:
Residents are being asked to take part in a review of community boundaries and electoral arrangement for community councils.
Wednesday 7 June 2023

Carers champions support colleagues

Description:
Torfaen Council has set up a Carers Champions Network to help provide advice and support for staff who are unpaid carers.
Thursday 25 May 2023

Need help to apply for Voter Authority certificate?

Description:
Torfaen Council's library service has launched a new service to help anyone who needs to apply online for a voter authority certificate.
Tuesday 16 May 2023

Key political appointments made at council AGM

Key political appointments made at council AGM
Description:
At the annual general meeting (AGM) of Torfaen council on Tuesday 16 May, the key political appointments to the council's cabinet, committees and outside bodies were confirmed for the year ahead

Polling stations access review

Description:
Torfaen Council's elections team has been working with disabled people's groups to improve review access to local polling stations.
Friday 24 March 2023

Council signs Placemaking Charter

Council signs Placemaking Charter
Description:
Torfaen Council are the latest council in Wales to sign up to the Placemaking Charter for Wales which demonstrates the council's support for the principles of placemaking.
Wednesday 15 March 2023

Plans to improve customer services

Description:
Around 400 calls are made to Torfaen Council's contact centre every day and there are often telephone queues at busy times.
Tuesday 28 February 2023

Council sets budget and council tax for 2023/24

Description:
Today, Torfaen councillors approved the final budget proposals for 2023/24 and set council tax at 1.95 per cent for the second consecutive year
Wednesday 15 February 2023

LGBTQ+ youth group gets lottery funding

Description:
A group that supports young people from the LGBTQ+ community in Torfaen has been given £10,000 in lottery funding.
Thursday 2 February 2023

New wetland for newts and toads

Description:
A new wetland area has been created near Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve as part of a project to conserve amphibians and reptiles.
Tuesday 10 January 2023

Cabinet endorses improved financial picture and 2023/2024 budget proposals

Description:
Today, Torfaen Council's cabinet committee endorsed a report that updated the council's financial position for 2022/23 and importantly outlines how the council is moving towards a balanced budget position for 2023/24.
Thursday 22 December 2022

Youth service serves up Christmas fun

Description:
Youth workers served Christmas dinner to around 40 young people and family members this week.
Friday 16 December 2022

Council workers rescue elderly lady

Description:
Two council workers have been praised after they rescued an elderly lady who had fallen between two cars in Pontypool.
Friday 9 December 2022

Festive sensory fun

Description:
Children attending a sensory playgroup turned up in festive outfits for this year's Save The Children Christmas Jumper Day.
Thursday 24 November 2022

Award for two Covid heroes

Description:
When the Covid pandemic started and their day centre temporarily closed, Akin Agbaje and Patrick Smith decided to take action.
Wednesday 16 November 2022

Places to Connect

Description:
People are aware now more than ever how important it is for everyone to feel connected to others and to experience a sense of belonging to their community.
Friday 11 November 2022

Remembrance Sunday parades

Remembrance Sunday parades
Description:
Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Torfaen County Plan

Description:
Torfaen Council is asking for feedback on their new county plan.
Friday 4 November 2022

Remembrance Sunday

Description:
Remembrance Sunday is an important date in the nation's annual calendar, and this year takes place on 13 November.
Tuesday 1 November 2022

Budget forecast 2023-2024

Description:
A report into Torfaen Council's budget for the next financial year, 2023/24, has highlighted a potential funding gap of £12.5 million
Friday 28 October 2022

Annual residents survey opens

Description:
Today, we're launching our annual Residents' County Survey.
Thursday 27 October 2022

Ex-footballer launches new podcast

Ex-footballer launches new podcast
Description:
Former footballer Sean Wharton has spoken about the racism he experienced growing up and during his professional career
Tuesday 25 October 2022

Pledge to support Armed Forces

Pledge to support Armed Forces
Description:
Torfaen's Town and Community Councils have today pledged their allegiance to support the borough's armed forces community.
Friday 21 October 2022

New accessible play equipment

Description:
The playground will be closed next week while the work is being carried out but it's hoped it will reopen during the half term holiday.
Wednesday 5 October 2022

£1.77m plan for Greenmeadow Farm

Description:
Councillors have approved a £1.77m plan to overhaul Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran.
Friday 23 September 2022

Great Big Green Week

Description:
There will be a host of activities in Torfaen next week as part of #GreatBigGreenWeek, which starts this Saturday.
Tuesday 20 September 2022

Staff celebrate 30 years at school

Description:
Two members of staff are celebrating 30 years working at the same school.
Thursday 15 September 2022

Royal visit to Cardiff

Royal visit to Cardiff
Description:
King Charles III will visit Cardiff tomorrow - Friday 16 September - on his first visit to Wales since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Monday 12 September 2022

Torfaen Proclamation of King Charles III

Description:
Councillors and civic leaders gathered at Pontypool Civic Centre on Sunday for the local Proclamation of King Charles III
Friday 9 September 2022

Torfaen Remembers

Torfaen Remembers
Description:
Following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we would like to provide you with some information linked to the week or so ahead
Thursday 8 September 2022

Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022)

Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022)
Description:
It is with true sadness that we receive the news that The Queen has passed away at Balmoral

New history book and exhibition

New history book and exhibition
Description:
Step through the ages and find out what life was like in Blaenavon town centre in the latest book by Blaenavon Heritage History Group.

Special Ukrainian picnic in the park

Description:
Ukrainian refugees living across Gwent got the chance to meet each other at a special picnic at Pontypool Park on the weekend.
Monday 5 September 2022

Resident prosecuted for fly-tipped furniture

Description:
A resident has been prosecuted by Torfaen Council for fly-tipping after an eyewitness reported dumped household items, including broken furniture, a chair and carpet, near their home in Blaenavon.
Tuesday 16 August 2022

August Bank Holiday update

Description:
August bank holiday update...
Monday 15 August 2022

There's still time to take part in the Nature Isn't Neat survey

Description:
Since its launch, this summer's Nature isn't Neat online Survey has received more than 1,000 responses from across Torfaen and the wider Gwent area...
Thursday 11 August 2022

Your issues under the spotlight

Description:
Torfaen Council's five scrutiny committees have decided the topics they will examine over the next year.
Tuesday 9 August 2022

Childcare support for families to be expanded

Description:
A programme that supports families with young children living in deprived areas is being expanded.
Friday 5 August 2022

Disability access group expands

Description:
A forum which gives people with disabilities in Torfaen a voice has seen the number of people attending its meetings more than double.
Friday 29 July 2022

Carer Friendly Award is first in Wales

Description:
Torfaen Council has become the first organisation in Wales to be granted Carer Friendly Employer Accreditation by the Care Collective.
Wednesday 27 July 2022

Geese petition response

Description:
At this week's council meeting, a report was presented in response to a petition about the removal of geese from Two Locks towpath in Cwmbran.
Thursday 21 July 2022

Annual Canvass gets underway

Description:
Residents in Torfaen are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
Friday 15 July 2022

Take care in the extreme heat

Description:
Experts at Public Health Wales are warning people to take extra care in the extreme heat that is forecast over the next few days.
Tuesday 12 July 2022

Plans for military parade and Forces Fun Day

Description:
Royal Welsh soldiers will march through Pontypool later this month to celebrate the reaffirmation of their Freedom of the Borough.
Friday 1 July 2022

Free mental health training

Description:
A project to create a network of qualified mental health trainers in Torfaen is underway.
Friday 24 June 2022

Food parcel cookery tips

Description:
A day of cookery demonstrations will be held next month using items in food parcels.
Wednesday 22 June 2022

Shop SustainABLE-ly

Description:
A charity supporting people with autism and learning disabilities has opened a new shop selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
Tuesday 31 May 2022

Support is Cream of the Crop!

Description:
A programme offering rural food producers £10,000 to diversify and create new sustainable food networks is paying tasty dividends.
Tuesday 24 May 2022

Key political appointments made at AGM

Key political appointments made at AGM
Description:
At the annual general meeting (AGM) of Torfaen council on Tuesday 24th of May, all the key political appointments to the council's cabinet, committees and outside bodies were confirmed for the year ahead
Monday 23 May 2022

Climate Change Minister's message on International Day of Biodiversity was 'let it grow'

Description:
"We are in a nature emergency and now, more than ever, we must support our precious wildlife."...
Friday 20 May 2022

Support for rural businesses to grow

Description:
A project aimed at increasing the amount of locally-produced food is offering grants to rural businesses to help them diversify.
Wednesday 4 May 2022

Pub pulls in punters for polling day

Pub pulls in punters for polling day
Description:
The Unicorn Inn in Pontypool will become the first pub in Torfaen to host a polling station, as part of this year's #Torfaenlocalelections2022.
Tuesday 12 April 2022

Geese settle into new home

Description:
The two geese removed from the canal following complaints about aggressive behaviour are settling into their new home.
Friday 8 April 2022

School catering team wins national award

Description:
Torfaen Council's schools catering department has won an award for innovation at the Public Sector Catering Awards...

Climate ambassadors focus on active travel

Description:
Community climate ambassadors met with representatives from Torfaen Council this week to discuss plans to increase active travel in the borough

Film shows first-time voters how its done

Film shows first-time voters how its done
Description:
Pupils from West Monmouth School have produced a video for first time voters planning to vote at a polling station, as part of Torfaen Council's #TorfaenLocalElections2022 campaign.
Thursday 24 March 2022

Join an award-winning service

Description:
If you fancy getting paid to help children play, then Torfaen Council's multi-award winning play service is recruiting.

Small businesses helped to flourish after pandemic

Description:
A total of £50,000 has been given to small businesses in Torfaen to help them recover and grow following the pandemic.

Torfaen Council supports Earth Hour 2022

Description:
Torfaen Council is going to be switching off the Civic Centre lights for Earth Hour 2022...
Thursday 10 March 2022

Council investing in vehicles and staff

Description:
On Thursday, Torfaen Council received five second-hand recycling vehicles purchased from Powys County Council to help address an ageing fleet and a spate of breakdowns.
Thursday 3 March 2022

Torfaen Council approves budget plans

Description:
Today, Torfaen Council has approved final budget proposals and set the Council Tax increase below two per cent for 2022-2023.
Friday 25 February 2022

Special visitor to half-term play camps

Description:
Children at some of Torfaen Council's Play and Respite sessions welcomed a special visitor this half-term.
Thursday 24 February 2022

Council seeks Mental Health First Aiders

Description:
Torfaen Council is allocating £25,000 to train and support six people from local community groups and the voluntary sector to become Mental Health First Aiders.
Tuesday 22 February 2022

UFC fighter backs elections campaign

Description:
Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor Mason Jones has thrown his weight behind a campaign to encourage young people to register for this year's local elections.
Friday 11 February 2022

Torfaen to pilot advance voting centre

Description:
Residents will be able to vote in this year's local elections the weekend before polling day.
Wednesday 9 February 2022

Young people prepare for historic local elections

Description:
Young people will get the chance to have their say in who their next councillors will be in this year's local elections.
Friday 4 February 2022

New food and craft market

Description:
A new monthly food and craft market is coming to Pontypool.
Friday 28 January 2022

Torfaen councillors to examine improved budget

Description:
Next week Torfaen councillors will examine the council's latest budget proposals and proposed level of council tax for 2022/23
Thursday 27 January 2022

Climate ambassadors network takes shape

Climate ambassadors network takes shape
Description:
Plans for Torfaen's first climate ambassadors network are starting to take shape.
Wednesday 26 January 2022

Food4Growth Grants

Description:
A project is offering £10,000 grants to businesses and community groups to develop local food supply chains.
Tuesday 25 January 2022

Torfaen Local Elections 2022

Description:
Preparations are underway for the Local Government elections in May, which will elect 40 county borough councillors across Torfaen.
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