Cardiff Post Article May 2006

I was thoroughly delighted that the majority of Councillors supported an amendment laid in the names of Adrian Robson and myself relating to the removal of the Road Narrowings at Heol Llanishen Fach before the end of July 2006.  Congratulations to all the residents who have campaigned on this very issue for a number of years.  This really does prove that “people power” succeeds!

 

A large number of constituents have been in touch regarding the forthcoming Wheelie Bin Scheme.  I have visited a number of residents to discuss the issues.  If you have any questions or queries about the scheme, please let me know.  By starting this process early, it will help Councillors and residents to raise concerns to solve problems in advance of the roll out programme.

 

A report into Children’s Services in Cardiff was released recently.  Although there were improvements in this area, there are many important strands which need addressing, including the allocation of children on the Child Protection Register to Social Work Assistants.  Social Work Assistants do a wonderful job, but I feel it is unfair to put undue pressure on them to deal with often challenging cases.  During a question and answer session at County Hall with the Inspectors, I raised concern that the Social Work Assistants needed no Social Work Qualifications.  It was stated that the assistants sometimes found the work demanding, and put extra pressure on them.  It is essential for each child on the register to be allocated to a qualified social worker.  Until this is achieved, I feel that children could potentially be put at further risk. 

 

I hold a number of surgeries and public meetings on a regular basis.  For more information about the surgeries or public meetings, or if you have any problems and queries, please telephone 029 2062 7757 / 079 7001 3332, fax 029 2087 7005, E-Mail jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk or log on to www.rhiwbinaward.com