Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Neath Port Talbot Council has launched a new campaign with the aim of reducing littered gum in the local area. Encouraging residents to ‘Bin it your way’, the council has partnered with the Chewing Gum Action Group (CGAG), an organisation chaired by Defra and funded by the chewing gum industry, to tackle gum litter in the UK. The campaign, now in its eighth year, sees industry working with councils and BIDs to develop local initiatives to reduce chewing gum litter. Neath Port Talbot Council is among 16* local authorities and BIDs taking part in the 2013 activity. Results from previous years demonstrate the significant impact of the campaign on gum litter levels. Following 2012’s activity, gum litter levels fell by an average of 54% in participating areas, with some authorities reporting even better results. Cardiff Council reported a 93% decrease whilst Nottingham City Council and Coventry City Council announced drops of 88% and 85% respectively. The new advertising campai...

A South Wales social enterprise has provided the specialist, state-of-the-art technology needed to restore an iconic Bronze Age stone landmark in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Maen Llia is a popular destination for tourists, but the protected Ancient Monument was defaced with graffiti earlier this year. The moss-covered 3.7 metre tall standing stone has now been restored to its former glory by a team from n-ergy works, who are specialists in graffiti and chewing gum removal. “It was a very delicate job, requiring a great deal of thought and expertise,” said Steve Hicks, operations director at n-ergy works. “Maen Llia is a heritage sight and there was a huge degree of sensitivity applied to the operation as we wanted to maintain the integrity of such a valued and well-loved ancient monument.” Natalie Ward, Heritage Officer (Archaeology) with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, said: “The heritage of the National Park is the legacy left to us by our ancestors and it c...