Glyncoch Gets Greener!
Green Glyncoch – the pioneering new environmental project launched by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to create the first zero waste village in the country has already been gaining massive momentum.
A widespread litter-picking programme is well underway and is gradually transforming the village by removing rubbish discarded throughout its streets and adjoining land.
A dedicated team of workers are continually blitzing Glyncoch in an effort to remove all waste and litter from outside people’s homes, in public areas and the surrounding countryside.
The work is part of a long-term scheme to transform Glyncoch by ensuring all residents respect their environment, all communal areas and open spaces are well maintained and whilst there is no litter on the ground, there is no fly tipping in the village and all dog owners are signed up to the good owners guide.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services Cllr Anthony Christopher said: “Already we are beginning to see the gradual transformation of the village. The number of households that recycle their material is already on the increase and we hope many more will follow suit.
”Similarly the general cleanliness of the area is improving and residents themselves are beginning to take ownership of the project which can only be a good thing in the long-term sustainability of the scheme.
“Our work is only just beginning in Glyncoch but we are increasingly hopeful that with the continued support of residents and our partner agencies, we can successfully create the first zero-waste village in the country and this will act as a blue-print for other communities to follow.”
The Green Glyncoch project is concentrating on improving the environmental aspects in the village, whilst providing on the ground training for people through the UK Government’s “Future Jobs Fund”.
The scheme has already employed 10 staff over a six-month period, therefore over the duration of the project a minimum of 30 people will work on it and these staff will be deployed on a number of environmental themes such as:
• Environmental Awareness Raising
• Litter Picking
• Community Enforcement Wardens
• Overgrowth Removal
• Recycling
• Good Dog Ownership
• Non use of Plastic Bags
Glyncoch has numerous derelict garage areas, overgrown footways and overgrown green areas, all of which have either been blighted by or are blighted by litter, dog fouling and flytipping at some stage.
The core of the team are tackling environmental awareness issues, and in particular are undertaking door knocking exercises to all properties on the estate, to improve the participation of both dry and food waste recycling – both of which are free services as part of the weekly kerbside recycling collection.
The team is also working with the Streetcare Awareness Team, undertaking talks and work programmes with the schools to raise environmental awareness in the village and the wider community.
The team is also working with all the businesses in the village, ensuring they are working towards the Zero Waste Village target, ensuring all clubs recycle their bottles and cans, the food outlets are recycling their food waste whilst the convenience stores have a ban on giving out plastic carrier bags in line with the stated intention of the Welsh Assembly Government.
In addition, the Streetcare Enforcement Team are continually investigating and tackling issues of littering and flytipping, whilst supporting the awareness raising staff in their work, through the use of the legislative powers.
There is also a team dedicated to ensuring the village is free from litter and flytipping. This team on a daily basis are picking up litter and emptying the bins on the estate, tackling any flytipping found, and any known hot spots are being reported to the Council’s Enforcement Team for investigation.
For further information on this project please contact your Community First Co-ordinator or call Rhondda Cynon Taf Streetcare Services on 01443 827712.
