Residents' association update

Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) appears to be happy with the plans and the culvert will cope if the developers hit springs.

* It has been rumoured there are problems with the regeneration of Crosskeys corner because of the protracted works at Crosskeys station.

The council is not happy to have two building programmes so close to one another at such a significant point in the highway.

* CCBC is consulting about parking restrictions in a number of streets in Crosskeys.

The plans by the highways department have been made because of the extra traffic that the Ebbw Valley railway line will bring to Crosskeys.

Residents in the streets where restrictions are mooted have been asked to write to Mr D Perkins, Head of Legal Services, CCBC, by January 31, if they have any objections.

However, all local residents can write if they believe any restriction in parking will have a knock-on effect.

* The two rivers walk: several members commented favourably about the new signposts, which have appeared in the area, including the route of the walk.

* Community groups: Leon Jenkins talked about the plans for Trinity to become a community meeting place.

The youth club has proved very popular but an application to make the building more hospitable will not be accepted unless there is a clear need in the area.

Residents must show that they want and would use a community centre.

Carol Mason reported that the community centre in Crosskeys is thriving. Obviously it attracted a huge amount of interest when Groundwork and some local residents redesigned the garden last summer.

On Tuesday many locals go to the coffee mornings and bingo afternoons.

* Clean up Crosskeys and Pontywaun: Richard Terrell, chairman, suggested CAPRA runs a clean up campaign.

Several suggestions were made about contacting various charitable organisations to see what help was available.

Carol Mason said it should be done while the vegetation is not thick.

* The next CAPRA meeting is at the Cross Keys Hotel, on Monday, February 4, at 7pm.

The Really Cuckoo Company: Escape from the winter gloom with the Really Cuckoo Company and visit St Mary's Church Hall, Risca, for the swash-buckling family pantomime, Treasure Island.

The adventures begins on Friday , February 1, continuing on Saturday, February 2, and concluding on Sunday, February 3.

Shows start at 7.15pm on Friday and Saturday and 3.15pm on Sunday.

Tickets cost £5, all inquiries call 01633 612171 or visit www.reallycuckoo.com Risca People Rewarded: Two well-known people of the Risca area have been given certificates through the Don Touhig Unsung Heroes Reward.

They are Sue Moore, who has served the children of Ty Sign Primary School, as a school crossing patrol person for 25 years and the Reverend John Hayward, minister at Moriah Church for a number of years.

Congratulations are extended to both for their dedication over the years.

A Date for your Diary: Information has come to hand that Risca Rugby Club will be holding a fete at the Stores Field, Risca, on Saturday, August 9.

More details in due course and other organisations are asked to please note the date and so avoid potentially clashing with this event in the area.

If other organisations wish to give prior notice of an event, please contact your Grassroots correspondent with details.

Pancake Afternoon: Organisers of a Pancake Day event in St Margaret's Church Hall, Pontymister, are planning a flipping ace afternoon.

The event will be held on Shrove Tuesday, February 5, and will start at 3.30pm.

The admission charge is £2. Everyone is welcome.

Monthly British Legion branch meeting: The next meeting of the Risca Branch of the Royal British Legion will be held on Wednesday February 6.

The meeting starts at 7.15pm and will be held in the Branch Club, Pontymister. New members are always needed and will be welcomed, male or female. For more details contact the secretary, Glyn Noble on 01633 613909.

TLC Cafe Events: Come along and enjoy a night of clairvoyance on Tuesday, February 5, with Carl Lang.

There are a limited number of tickets available from the cafe at £3.50 each.

We have a full and enjoyable menu available, please come in and take a look.

There is also a special available everyday.

Come along and have an inexpensive lunch made for you.

Also have a chat to find out what is going on in our local area.

Don't forget that the cafe arrange pick-up from the food co-op every week.

Come in and order your fruit, veg, eggs and salad before noon on a Thursday and then pick it up from the cafe after 12pm on Friday.

Every Friday morning you can make an appointment to speak to our local councillors with regards to any housing issues you may have, but please make an appointment prior as they may not be able to fit you in without one.

The police surgery is also run every Friday morning, please come in and speak to our local police with any concerns you may have.

These are fully confidential meetings and help and advice can be given.

Cwmcarn OAP hall and Welfare Association: Cwmcarn Pensioners' hall is starting off the New Year with armchair aerobics every fortnight on Tuesdays at 4.30pm.

Thanks to the Sports Council they have now received a community chest grant to help fund these sessions.

Singing for fun continues every Monday, starting at 3.30pm during term time. Everyone is welcome to both of these activities.

In the spring the junior school choir will be entertaining members at one of their Friday meetings.

Towards the end of last year we were approached by the New Life Christian Church and have been able to offer them the use of the hall for their services on Thursdays and Sundays.

Brownies and Guides continue to meet on Wednesdays.

In addition to coffee mornings, lunch club and members afternoon, the hall is still available for booking.

Call 01495 270167 or 01495 271320 for details.

Cross Keys community group: The group based at St Catherine's Community church hall, Crosskeys hold a tea/coffee morning every Tuesday, 10.30am to 12pm.

Throughout the winter month the group will be serving tea/toast and marmalade so do come along and a warm welcome will be extended to all.

Bingo sessions begin at 2.30pm every Tuesday afternoon. Doors open at 2pm.

Organisers wish to encourage new punters. Come along and have some fun and win some cash. The snowball stands at £25.

On Tuesday, January 15, Caerphilly County Borough Council community safety officers called in and ideas were discussed and all present benefited from the group meeting.

The group would also be grateful for any donation of plants, bulbs, compost, etc, to begin its garden project in 2008.

Call Lynne on 01495 271947 if you can help.