Crime and anti-social behaviour happens in all communities right across Wales and the rest of the country. It’s complex, it affects our reputation as a city and as a council and there’s no easy solutions. In Swansea we have been doing something about it, with officers and Councillors working with partners including the police to challenge anti-social behaviour and promote social cohesion. That’s why I was pleased to see so many people are planning to come to today’s Same Resident event at the Guildhall. It’s been organised by our community integration and partnership team and features discussions on policing, mental health, community relations and more. We’ll take the best ideas from the event and elsewhere and put them to work to support our city centre and local neighbourhoods. My thanks to Leanne Ahern, Paul Thomas and all the staff for their hard work in this important area of our work.
Well done this week to two of our Corporate Building Services team for taking timely action to help save a life. Lewis Barfield and Daniel Warne came across a runner who had collapsed on Llangyfelach Road. Thanks to swift action getting hold of a nearby defibrillator to help a passing nurse apply CPR, they kept him alive till the paramedics arrived. I’m told the runner is making a good recovery, which is great news for all concerned.
I met with BID, the Federation of Small Business, our partners at the universities and other businesses on Thursday for an update on plans to attract more inward investment to our city. We’re now looking to engage consultants to help us showcase our vision across the UK and internationally so even more investors know why Swansea is the best place for them.
Another example of our teams leading the way in boosting our communities, businesses and jobs was the successful City Deal digital infrastructure conference held recently at Swansea.com Stadium. Better digital infrastructure is critical to unlocking the economic potential of our communities and region and our current efforts are backed by City Deal funding. My thanks to Laura Jenkins and her team for their work.
There’s been yet another award for the brilliant restoration of Hafod Copperworks. Following last week’s RICS Wales Heritage Award, the project last night scooped the Sustainability accolade at the Insider Wales Property Awards. My thanks to all involved in a project that’s boosting our growing reputation for investing in the city’s heritage to stimulate wider regeneration and job creation. Along with Bishopston Comprehensive School, the project is also on the shortlist at tonight’s Constructing Excellence Wales Awards, so good luck to both for that.
Congratulations to the staff and pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, Parkland, Sketty and St Illtyd’s schools who were awarded School of Sanctuary status at a Swansea Arena celebration this week. It was hosted by Swansea City of Sanctuary with special guests Rocio Cifuentes, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, and Siân Summers-Rees CEO of UK Schools of Sanctuary. The schools join nine other city schools which are already Schools of Sanctuary.
And, finally, don’t forget to have a say in your staff survey. For the first time, you can do it as part of a team as well as an individual. The survey has a particular focus on staff engagement, it’s easy to do and doesn’t take long. Past surveys have helped influence what the council does for you today and I can assure you that we will take all responses into account, so it will help make a difference this time too. If you know a colleague who’s not got access to the intranet point them in this direction or suggest they ask for a hard copy from their manager. Thank you.
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