Latest news with #AngelaSandles
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Annual Monmouthshire youth conference held in Usk
The annual youth conference, hosted by Monmouthshire County Council, took place on Friday, May 23, at County Hall in Usk. The event allowed young people to explore the three priority areas identified in the 2025 Make Your Mark survey. This survey received a record-breaking 3,509 responses. The top priorities were: cost of living, mental health matters, and employment and skills. Discussions and workshops around these topics were held to formulate recommendations for decision-makers, public services, and young people themselves to address over the coming year. The children's commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, opened the conference and gave some perspective on the top three priority issues at a national level. Councillor Angela Sandles, cabinet member for equalities and engagement, said: "It is vital that we listen to the voices of young people across Monmouthshire and hear what is important to them. "Engaging with people of all ages will help us to form a balanced picture of what matters most to the people of Monmouthshire. "I hope that everyone who attended Friday's youth conference was able to take away an understanding of how we all have to support each other to thrive as a county. "This is always my favourite conference of the council year, listening to the voices of our young people inspires me and reminds us of all of the insight and innovation they bring." Councillor Laura Wright, cabinet member for education, said: "Learning how local government can function to support people from all aspects of society can be an extremely beneficial part of education. "It was great to see so many young people taking part in the youth conference." More information about the youth conference, the Make Your Mark survey and more can be found on the Youth Service's webpage on the Mon Life website.
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business News Wales
Young People Make their Mark at Annual Youth Conference
Monmouthshire County Council held its annual youth conference at County Hall in Usk. The youth conference allows young people from schools across the county to unpack and dig deeper into the three priority areas identified in the 2025 Make Your Mark survey, which a record-breaking 3,509 young people took part in. The priority areas were: Cost of living (with 17.1% share of the total vote from all respondents) Mental health matters (with 17% share of the total vote from all respondents) Employment and skills (with 14% share of the total vote from all respondents) Discussions and workshops around those priority areas were conducted with a view to formulate recommendations for decision makers, public services and young people themselves to address over the coming year. The Children's Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, opened this year's youth conference and gave some perspective of the top three priority issues at a national level. Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: 'It is vital that we listen to the voices of young people across Monmouthshire and hear what is important to them. 'Engaging with people of all ages will help us to form a balanced picture of what matters most to the people of Monmouthshire. 'I hope that everyone who attended Friday's Youth Conference was able to take away an understanding of how we all have to support each other to thrive as a county. 'This is always my favourite conference of the council year, listening to the voices of our young people inspires me and reminds us of all of the insight and innovation they bring.' Cllr Laura Wright, Cabinet Member for Education, said: 'Learning how local government can function to support people from all aspects of society can be an extremely beneficial part of education. 'It was great to see so many young people taking part in the Youth Conference. 'I particularly enjoyed listening to them discussing mental health and wellbeing, reflecting on their experiences and sharing their ideas. 'They have given me a lot to think about and I look forward to working with young people across Monmouthshire to protect and improve mental health in our schools.'
South Wales Argus
03-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire council issues fine warning to dog owners
Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has warned dog owners of the potential penalties during their Dog Fouling Awareness Day. The event, held on April 11 in Usk and Gilwern, was part of the "Give Dog Fouling the Red Card" scheme. It aimed to engage with dog owners and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. The event highlighted the responsibilities associated with dog control in public spaces, especially following the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in 2024. There have been signs installed in 'hot spot' areas across the county to tell dog owners about locations where dogs are not allowed, such as children's play areas, school grounds, and marked sports pitches. The signs also indicate areas where dogs must be kept on a short lead, including Linda Vista Gardens in Abergavenny, MCC-managed cemeteries in Monmouth, Llanfoist, and Chepstow, as well as historically significant sites like Caldicot Castle and Abergavenny Castle. Under the PSPO, an authorised officer can ask a person in charge of a dog to put their dog on a lead if it is deemed out of control, causing alarm or distress, or creating a nuisance. Dog owners must also carry bags to collect their dog's waste. Councillor Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for equality and engagement, said: "It has been nearly 12 months since we adopted the PSPO, which helps protect vulnerable members of our community. "While most dog owners are responsible and considerate, a small minority are not. "We will continue to ensure that all dog owners adhere to the rules set out in the PSPO." MCC will issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 for violations of the PSPO. Failure to pay this notice may result in the case being taken to court, where a fine of up to £1,000 could be imposed.
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire County Council: Join our Let's Talk Forum
The council is seeking people who are passionate about Monmouthshire and want to represent their community in the forum meetings. As part of the Let's Talk Forum, members will be updated on council projects, policies, strategies, and consultations. They will have the opportunity to discuss these topics and ask questions to council officers. They will also help decide what topics are discussed in future forum sessions. Council leader, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: "Firstly, I would like to thank each and every resident who has taken the time to register on the Let's Talk Monmouthshire platform and shared their views on a range of consultations in the past few months. "Let's Talk is not just about consultations though, it's an open door to enable you to easily engage with us about what matters to you. "I would encourage you, whether you're 18 or 80, whatever your background, wherever in the county you live, to sign up to be a part of it – we want the forum to be as diverse and representative as possible." Councillor Angela Sandles, cabinet member for equalities and engagement, added: "I am looking forward to seeing the new forum come together and to meet its members. "'Let's Talk' is not just the name of our engagement platform, it's a statement of intent. "We want to make it easier to use your voice for your community, to let us know what's important to you, and talk about how we can work together." Anyone interested in joining the forum is encouraged to register on the Let's Talk Monmouthshire website. More information about the Let's Talk Monmouthshire Forum or current consultations can also be found on the website.
South Wales Argus
29-04-2025
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire Community Safety Partnership survey launched
The Monmouthshire Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council, Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Probation, and Aneurin Bevan Health Board, is asking residents and businesses to share their views. The survey allows people to express how safe they feel in their local community and provides an opportunity to give feedback on possible improvements. There are three surveys available through Let's Talk Monmouthshire: one for community members, one for businesses, and a young people's survey for those under 18. You can take part by visiting the Let's Talk website or your local community hub, library, or leisure centre to pick up a paper copy. The survey will close on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: "Monmouthshire is a wonderful place to live and visit, and we're working with our partners to ensure that everyone can enjoy our county with confidence. "Please take the time to complete the survey; it will help us shape an even safer Monmouthshire."
