End of Week Message from Rob

26 June 2026

Hi Everyone,  

This week has been hot - to say the least! – with such sweltering conditions making it much more difficult to operate a range of services.  

All staff, particularly those on the frontline, have also had to adapt the way they work to manage the heat and stay safe.  

But, as always, colleagues across the Council have risen to this challenge to continue delivering the provision on which residents rely.  

Waste Teams were up before dawn for 5am collection rounds and had to cope with masses of extra material left at our coastal locations, much of it littered.  

The Resorts Team had to manage the huge number of extra people visiting the likes of Barry Island and Ogmore due to the soaring temperatures, while our parks were also packed.  

Unfortunately, such big crowds also led to congestion, parking problems and anti-social behaviour, with some choosing to light fires, dump waste and swim in unsuitable locations.  

Of course, this makes life more difficult for the respective staff, but all responded positively and with trademark professionalism. Da iawn pawb. 

The situation was most serious at Cosmeston Country Park where an increasingly large number of teenagers had congregated as the week progressed.  

They were involved in anti-social and dangerous behaviour, jumping into open water without any supervision or safety measures in place.  

When staff at Cosmeston tried to keep these individuals safe by pointing out the risks involved, they were met with aggression and abuse.  

I’m sorry some staff was subjected to this reaction – it is completely unacceptable. 

Thank you for your attempts to protect the youngsters in question. It demonstrates courage and compassion to put their wellbeing first, especially when they showed no regard for it themselves.  

On Wednesday evening, the Police had to issue a dispersal order to break up the group and have also been patrolling the park over the last couple of days.  

There have also been similar situations at Penarth Pier and Rhoose Point.  

I am grateful to all colleagues for the professionalism they have shown whilst working in these locations and also grateful to colleagues at South Wales Police who have been very timely in their response and action. It illustrates the excellent partnership that exists between our two organisations.  

I am very aware that the situation in our schools also presented challenges. Many closed to protect their pupils, while others stayed open with a range of special measures in place.  

Decisions on whether to remain open or to close or to partially close were made locally and this is only right given that much will have depended on the nature of the school buildings and the facilities available.    

Regardless of this, I am very grateful to all school staff who had to contend with soaring temperatures and high humidity throughout the week – diolch yn fawr iawn pawb.  

Social Services staff maintained care for the people that needed it, whether in their own home, or one managed by the Council.  

The fact that there was very little disruption to services demonstrates the commitment of our staff in providing care to those who need it most – thank you.  

And colleagues in Housing were on duty to help tenants and those who are homeless in difficult circumstances, even handing out bottled water and suncream to people that needed it.  

A huge shout out to everyone throughout the organisation who worked in such uncomfortable conditions.  Diolch pawb. That commitment is very much appreciated.  

The sterling efforts of staff during the recent heatwave has also attracted national attention. 

ITV were at Barry Island yesterday, where they spoke to Recycling Officer Carys Stephens about the extra resources needed to manage the resort at such a busy time.  

They again filmed the extensive clean-up operation and reported on exactly what’s involved in keeping the Island looking its best at times of huge popularity.  

Well done Carys and everyone involved – your efforts are clearly not going unnoticed.  

Then today, the ITV cameras will visit Cosmeston for a piece about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised locations.  

This is such an important message, one that we have been working with partners to promote.  

The risk of death or serious injury from swimming in open water is very real.  

Cold water shock, strong currents and hidden hazards are dangers that can have devastating consequences.  

Already this year there have been numerous reports of people dying across the UK whilst swimming and it is important that we don't shy away from continuing to communicate the dangers involved.  

Many will criticise us for doing so, but we would be failing our residents and visitors if we didn't take every opportunity to communicate these important messages.  

Finally, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone for your work this week.  

It has not been easy, but you have produced a top performance yet again.  

To those not in work, enjoy a resting, relaxing and chilled couple of days off, especially given that temperatures will be falling closer to the average expected for this time of year.  

Diolch yn fawr iawn,  

Rob