Roadshows

Thanks to all the staff who’ve so far attended the roadshows.  It’s important that all staff have their opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about the Council as a place to work as well as hearing the progress that’s being made on improving our organisation and the city.  Please let us have your comments on the budget through the consultation link.  The final report will be considered and the budget agreed by Council on the March 5. In both of my roadshows this week I repeated my commitment to use all our efforts to avoid compulsory redundancies and I expect senior managers to work hard with staff and trade unions to achieve this.  Thanks to Chris Peters-Bond and Liz Edmonds for organising the roadshows. If you haven’t already come along, please try to make one of the roadshows.

Indoor market

We’ve always known it, but now it’s official – our city’s brilliant indoor market is the best of its kind in the UK. Swansea Indoor Market has been named Britain’s best Large Indoor Market for 2020 by the National Association of British Market Authorities, the leading authority on the UK markets sector.

It’s the second time in five years that we’ve landed this sought-after title. Judges said its rich history, central location and our plans for its future were among the compelling reasons why the market deserved the accolade. I shop there regularly and I’m continually impressed by the unfailing warmth of the welcome from knowledgeable traders, the quality and breadth of what’s on offer and the fantastic atmosphere.

I want to thank Cabinet Member Robert Francis-Davies, City Centre Manager Lisa Wells, Sarah Lawton, Rhiannon Steel and John Burns for their work to secure this latest honour. Credit also to the traders who make the market what it is and to all the customers who show their support for the jewel in the city centre’s crown every day.

An important appointment

This week the City Deal Joint Committee met to discuss a range of items.  It was my first opportunity to meet the newly-appointed Programme Director for the City Deal, Dr Jonathan Burnes.  Jonathan has held a number of senior positions at the university in the last 12 years. These include Director of Information, Services and Systems; Digital Strategy Development Manager; and Associate Director of Planning and Strategic Projects.  As the City Deal’s Programme Director he’ll establish and lead a new Programme Management Office to co-ordinate a portfolio of major projects across the Swansea Bay City Region, which is made up of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.  Jonathan is a local, educated at Gowerton Comprehensive School and is passionate about the area so I’m optimistic that progress will be accelerated even more quickly. This is an important appointment which ensures that the findings of the governance review by the UK and Welsh governments are now fully addressed.  The Joint Committee also agreed its implementation plan for the City Deal which can be found here if you are interested

Crowdfunding

The council has teamed up with Spacehive to launch its community crowdfunding platform. Several projects have already been submitted for financial support from the £75k available. Take a look at the projects and lend your support if you can. If you know any community groups who are looking to get an idea off the ground, point them to the Spacehive/Swansea site via this link

Staff departures

Two very experienced and long-standing officers are retiring from Cultural Services, having gained almost 86 years of service between them.  Nigel Lehane started with the city council in 1980 as a Temporary Sand Boy in Group B of the then Recreation Department.  Nigel retires after almost 40 years as the Foreshore Supervisor in the Leisure Operations Team. Dave Osborne retires having served almost 46 years. Dave started in 1974 with the Borough of Afan as a swimming instructor, progressing to the post of Leisure Centre Manager at Penyrheol and to his current post of Leisure Operations Manager. We wish them both a happy retirement.

Sybil

Yesterday I joined a huge number of people to celebrate the life of Councillor and former Lady Mayoress Sybil Crouch.  It was, as planned and requested, a colourful affair and a fitting tribute.  Not being renowned for sartorial flamboyance I simply wore the only tie Sybil ever told me she liked in all the years we worked together.  Our thoughts and best wishes go to her friends and family.