End of Week Message from Rob

07 August 2026

Hi Everyone, 

While out and about attending events this week, I was reminded of the value of public service and why our work is so important. 

On Wednesday, I visited Cadoxton House to see how a former office building has been transformed into temporary accommodation for people at risk of homelessness. 

The three-story structure is now a collection of modern, energy-efficient one-bedroom apartments in a development that has also been delivered ahead of schedule. 

It will provide a safe, secure and supportive environment where residents can rebuild their lives while taking the next steps towards permanent housing.  

The development is the latest example of the Council's wider housebuilding and regeneration programme, which focuses on making the best possible use of existing premises. 

Another project to turn the Old Police House in Cowbridge into accommodation for the over-55s is also nearing completion. 

These schemes have been led by Head of Housing and Building Services Mike Ingram, Operational Manager for Housing Development Andrew Freegard and a team of colleagues who work hard to plan and project manage all these sites. 

They directly relate to one of the five wellbeing objectives contained within Vale 2030 – supporting and protecting those who need us. 
Well done to all involved. By bringing vacant and underused properties back into productive use, we are not only helping to meet local housing need but also supporting sustainable regeneration and creating stronger and more resilient communities. 

I was also at Penarth Pier a couple of days ago to catch up on the fantastic work taking place there. 

Since the Council stepped in to run the pavilion building on the pier more than five years ago, it has gone from strength to strength, becoming a destination for visitors and a community hub. 

In that time, staff, including Libraries and Cultural Services Manager Jordan Forse, Cultural Venue Assistant Leah Staff and Cinematic Events Assistant Max Martin, have helped reopen the cinema, attract new groups and events to the pier and establish it as a wedding venue.

Alongside this, Big Fresh run a vibrant coffee shop and cafe with what must be one of the best views in the whole of South Wales! 

On Tuesday next week, there will be a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, a film about the UK’s climate and nature crisis, at the pier and all staff are encouraged to attend. 

The work outlined above led to the pier being named as one of the top 10 in the UK in a list compiled by the Guardian this week. 

That is much-deserved recognition. Congratulations to everyone that has helped put Penarth Pier firmly back on the map. 

With the school holidays now in full swing, many people are enjoying a summer break, but for some of our staff this can be one of their busiest times of the year. 

That is true for our resort teams managing the likes of the pier and Barry Island, but also those staff involved in organising summer activities. 

Earlier this week, I called into a National Play Day event at Gladstone Gardens, organised by the Play Development Team. 

That offered young people and their families fun and creative ways to spend some time and the chance to find out more about a range of Council services and support. 

Throughout the year, the Play Development Team works hard to create safe, welcoming and inclusive opportunities for children to enjoy. 

A host of other Council departments were also in attendance, including Adult Community Learning, the Youth Service, Communities for Work, Active Travel, Community Safety, Flying Start and the Family Information Service (FIS), amongst others. 

These teams also put on a wider programme of events for children throughout the summer break. 

The event at Gladstone Gardens relates closely to another of our wellbeing objectives – to give everyone a good start in life. 

It and the others I have mentioned illustrate the wide variety of work we do, the many ways in which local government affects people’s lives and the significant reach this has. 

These events also underline the value of public service and the important contribution each of us make in carrying out our roles. 

This was emphasised by a message Craig Nichol, Our National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) Professional, received from a very satisfied client. 

The NERS helps people improve their health and wellbeing through leisure centre sessions. 

The person Craig helped wrote: “I have maintained daily exercise and am walking and attending the gym more regularly. My diet has also improved...  

“My main focus has been on getting to the gym more regularly and on the treadmill to improve my running.  I’m now managing two gym visits in addition to a parkrun most weeks, and a good walk other days - around 12,000-14000 steps…   

“The result is my back pain has almost gone and is certainly not bothering me constantly as it was when I was first referred… 

“My general health is better, my fitness has improved and I’m enjoying my walking more… 

“What I value is the regular updates - the initial assessment provided a good start but it’s easy to slip back into old habits and not to develop a positive routine and I feel I’m now feeling the motivation to make incremental improvements… 

“Many thanks.” 

This again closely connects with Vale 2030 and the ambition to boost residents’ health and wellbeing by working to prevent problems developing or worsening. 

Well done Craig – you are clearly making a real and valuable difference to people’s lives. Da iawn. 

Thank you also to all staff for your efforts this week – that is always appreciated. 

For those not in work, enjoy a restful and relaxing couple of days off. 

Diolch yn fawr iawn, 

Rob