Rhondda Cynon Taf Council once again threw open its doors to the public this month, as part of its ongoing commitment to engage with and inform residents of all ages and interests.
Michael Sobell Sports Centre in Aberdare was the location for the latest Council Open Days, which are held throughout the year in Rhondda, Cynon and Taf.
The latest Open Day also had a “pop-ular” twist, as it offered regular competitions throughout the day, where residents could win money-can’t-buy tickets to the sell-out JLS performance at Ponty’s Big Weekend later this month.
Ponty’s Big Weekend is the Council’s flagship event, attracting tens of thousands of people from across the UK to the beautiful Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd for the headline concert on the Saturday night and a free, family fun day on the Sunday, including performances from Britain’s Got Talent’s Faryl Smith, G4’s Jonathan Anstell, Hayley Westenra and talented local school children who excelled in the V Factor and Enviro-Vision Song Quest events.
People flocked to the centre to find out more about the support and services that are on offer to them from their Council – finding out not only about the issues that interest them, but also initiatives they were, previously, unaware of.
The centre was filled with stands and activities, so visitors could enjoy an interesting tour of what was on offer for them.
Popular locations included the recycling area – complete with popular eco mascot Rhys Cycle – where residents learned about the importance of recycling all waste, including leftover food, and how the Council was making it free and easy for them to do so.
There was also information for vulnerable residents on crime prevention and how to live independently and safely in your own homes, as well as a stand from Children’s and Community Services on how it is trying to get more service users, their parents and carers involved in better service delivery.
Adult education, securing a career at the Council, information on Fostering and how to get involved, schools, E3+, Services for Young People and more were also showcased at the event.
Visitors were also entertained by young people who gave demonstrations, performances and taster sessions involving a range of activities that they are able to access, free of charge, thanks to Council support. This included breakdancing displays, sport sessions such as boxing, and more.
Cllr Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “We made a commitment some years ago to ensure we engaged with our residents in innovative and effective ways.
“It is important for us to do this so they are reassured by the effort that we go to and the services that we deliver on their behalf.
“Open Days were just one of the means by which we decided to engage and inform, offering fun, free days where people can learn about what is on offer, how we can help and what we can do for them.
“We were pleased to meet so many people at the Open Day this month and look forward to welcoming even more at the next Open Day, which takes place at Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad on Thursday 12th August.
“We are facing difficult times ahead as a result of the current economic climate and the pressure being placed upon us by the new Government in Westminster. It is therefore, vital we continue to meet with and engage with residents so they can help us establish spending priorities, ensuring the services that matter the most are made priorities.”
