www.neathferret.co.uk Neath's Private Eye Looking for Community Problems Blaenhonddan Edition Weekending 25th April 2009 Version 17.8
Lively Letters on our letters page Some of our readers are very perceptive and have the knack of putting their finger on a particular problem. Below we print an extract of a letter sent to us - you can read the rest on our Letters Page:- "There’s one in every group, be it a classroom of eight year olds or a bevy of politicians. The class clown! Known for their disruptive behaviour and their lack of concentration they grasp every opportunity to divert attention away from the business of the day and on to them. Look a bit deeper and you will usually find that this behaviour masks their incompetence and their lack of power. They, almost always, find it difficult to understand deeper meanings of discussions so they ‘clown’. Another possibility is that the friends of the ‘clown’ have asked him to behave in this way to disrupt proceedings and stop the whole group from accomplishing anything....." Read the rest on our Readers Letters Page Has Health & Safety gone too far? .... and how about the underlying threat? We have replaced our last leading item with this one in order to give a balanced view on Health & Safety in view of the fact that the Caewern Community Centre is being kept open on the understanding that the Health & Safety issues will be given attention. Having said this, many people agree that Health & Safety laws have gone too far in the UK as highlighted in the BBC Panorama programme on 20th April 2009. In addition to this there have been cases of local carnivals being cancelled because using lorries as featured floats have been classified as unsafe for those performing on them, in spite of the fact that they have been used for this purpose for many years. The Heath & Safety at work Act etc Act 1974, is based on matters and solutions that were said to be reasonably practicable. Having made that fact clear, it must be said that ten years ago the Government introduced laws that enabled anyone having a so called Heath & Safety accident to be entitled to legal assistance on the basis of no win, no fee. In other words, help to win cases at no cost to themselves. This has developed a culture where the public are on the look out for when they can make a claim against employers and local authorities. As much as this is not condoned by the BBC Panorama programme, it should be remembered that this is the environment we are living in. To ignore basic Health & Safety issues could lead to a case of negligence for those responsible, which could lead to making insurance cover invalid - and who is going to pay then? If you have not already done so, we suggest you look at the BBC Panorama programme by clicking on the link below - and judge for yourselves. BBC Panorama Programme FOOTNOTE & COMMENT Whilst keeping the Caewern Hall open delights the minority using it, it should be remembered that the majority of council tax payers will, in the end, have to pay for the Health & Safety costs and the cost of running it. Residents at Brookfield and other areas remote from the Caewern Hall (the silent majority) have already come to a conclusion on this issue and will no doubt keep the facts in mind when it is time to vote. However, we believe in taking a positive attitude and sincerely hope that those who have supported keeping it open will find groups to hire it after it is made fit for purpose. If they make a success of this we will be the first to applaud. We must wait and see. Concerned County Councillor 
County Borough Councillor, Tony Wyn-Jones, is very concerned that the majority of residents
do not understand the difference between a Community Councilor and a County Borough councillor.
It is his intention to make this clear and also to visit residents in the area that he covers, commencing with the residents of Brookfield and Tailwyd Road week commencing April 27th 2009.
Cllr.Wyn Jones also says that he will be in attendance at the next PACT meeting scheduled for 6:30pm. Thursday, 14th May 2009, at the Bryncoch Community Centre, Main Road, Bryncoch. URGENT MEETING - for Council home tenants Tony Wyn-Jones will be holding a public meeting at the Owain Glyndwr community centre at 6pm on Monday, 11th May 2009 to discuss Council Housing Stock Transfer, including issues people wish to raise regarding their tenancies. Guest Speakers will be in attendance. The meeting starts at 6pm please make every effort to attend - the future of your council home depends on important issues. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION YOU WILL EVER MAKE REGARDING YOUR COUNCIL HOME Other residents are welcome to attend in order to be aware of what is likely to happen in the community - the issues could affect future generations. Neath Guardian lives The Evening Post - Neath Courier dies A look at our local newspapers We were rather disturbed to hear that around 60 local newspapers have ceased publication during the past few months due to the so called credit crunch. We were also sorry to hear of the Neath Guardian's office closing in Queen Street, Neath, as part of a cost saving excercise. We sincerely hope that this will not lead to more drastic steps as with some other provincial newspapers. In past versions of this website we have mentioned two recent prices rises in the cover price of the newspaper and have compared it with the cost of others. A publication called "Metro" published in Cardiff by the Mirror Trinity Group has come to our attention, which costs nothing - an interesting freebie with good percentage of news compared to adverts. This makes us wonder why the Neath Guardian is priced at 60p? The Neath Guardian has survived hard times in the past, including the second world war, so we hope and trust that the present financial climate will not cause them too many problems. The paper has the means of benefitting the community with honest and unbiased reporting based on fact and not speculation. We hope these words will ring true in the months ahead and that residents will support their local newspaper. EVENING POST - Neath Courier We are very sad to hear of the loss of the Tuesday supplement due to the current financial climate. We hope it will return sometime in the future Discrete or provocating reporting by Guardian Reporter? Report on so called media ban - we discuss the issues Neath Guardian reporter, Anthony O'Connell, went into print about Blaenhonddan Community Councillors agreeing not to talk to the media (this website included) about matters discussed at full council meetings. He went on to say that two councillors contacted him the following day to say that they would speak out freely as and when they thought appropriate. Mr O'Connell was discrete enough not to mention names - it is the privilege of any reporter not to divulge the source of information, a policy we adopt ourselves. No doubt his readers are wondering who the two councillors are? Perhaps it's clever reporting - you will have buy future copies of the paper to find out the answer - (maybe the names will appear on the newspaper's letter page?). In the meantime, is there anyone out there taking bets on who they are? We cannot agree with any councillor running to the press at every opportunity for the sake of getting his/her name and photo in print - maybe that is the underlying reason behind the so called ban, plus the possibility of bringing the council into disrepute. Finally, we must say that although we referred to Mr O'Connell's report as discrete by not disclosing the names of the two councillors, we do not agree with his opening paragraph which said: "Community councillors have 'thrown democracy out of the window' by voting to ban themselves from speaking to the press," - for the simple reason that the press and public are present at council meetings to see and hear what is going on and can therefore form their own opinions. The so called ban may very well be a case of an attempt to ensure factual reporting from the horses mouth rather than something that comes out of its rear end. Please also see our topical and up to date readers letters page. Is this Councillor an outsider? We look at the facts and let you decide 
Martyn Peters (on left in photo) is a Neath Port Talbot County Borough Councillor and a Community Councillor for two areas - Bryncoch North for the Blaenhonddan Community Council and the Dyffryn Clydach Community Council.
As far as the Blaenhonddan Community Council is concerned, he is continually accused of being an outsider by his political opponents who are envious of his achievements and political standing. This accusation must be considered after looking at the following facts:-Cllr.Peters mother was brought up on Blaenhonddan Farm, from which the community had its name and his father was born in Cadoxton, part of the same community. In fact he has more roots in Blaenhonddan than in Dyffryn Clydach. It was Cllr.Peters who instigated the Blaenhonddan Commuity awards that took place at the end of last year - an on going scheme for the future to acknowledge those who have benefitted the Blaenhonddan community over the years. 
Cllr.Peters is proud of the fact that his mother's photograph appears on the front cover of the book 'Voices of the Children' being serialised in the Western Mail and the reference to her on the back cover of the book.It is no secret that Cllr.Peters helped to revitalize the Dyffyn Community Council, who was given a cheque for £130,000 (see photograph above) presented Derek Vaughan, Council Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to refurbish the Longford Memorial Hall. Cllr.Peters said that he would like to help Blaenhonddan Community Council along the same lines but is finding it hard going at the present time with some opposition councillors failing to grasp financial matters and not working in the interests of the majority. Cllr.Peters firmly believes in democracy and people making up their own minds, as in the case of boundries and the council housing stock transfer issue that will shortly affect 242 houses in the area. "I've an open mind on these issues and one must look back at what has been done (or not done) in other areas. Residents must be given the facts for them to decide for themselves - they should not be influenced by those in authority who may gain from a new administration," he said. In forming a conclusion about Cllr.Peters, one must remember that Community Councillors are not paid - not even expenses. It is no doubt about the satisfaction they get in making their own community a better place to live - especially when their roots and family are there. Caewern Community Centre Saga Background facts We have been careful to report facts only in the public domain in view of the speculative rumours that have been circulating with fingers being pointed in the wrong direction. The Neath Guardian (2nd April) devoted a full page to the saga with a fairly balanced report - except they did not go back in time and mention that the hall was originally built from donations from local residents to set up a club for youngsters. Also it was not stated that that centre was later owned by Blaenhonddan Community Council, who under a Labour administration, let the lease lapse and allow the building to be owned by Neath-Port Talbot County Borough Council as it is today, when it is now being leased back to the BCC. This lease is due to expire in two years time. In the meantime it has been said that it will cost tens of thousands of Pounds (council tax payers money) to keep it open and deal with health and safety issues. Linda Ware, chairperson of the Community Council's finance committee is on recored as saying: "This is a total mess." In her comments to the Neath Guardian she said that the decision to close the community centre was a financial one (supported by all members of the council) and would have released money for other community needs. She went on to say that keeping it open would cost £30,000 to £40,000 and that this year alone it has cost £18,000 to date - and that a figure in excess of this would have to be added to the remedial work relating to health and safety issues. Cllr. Ware states her figures are based on those supplied to her by the clerk of the council and are are there for anyone to see, and explains that the finances are governed by statuary rules and regulations which state that approximately 33% of the precept must be kept in reserve. Although it is understood that the internal auditor for One Voice Wales recommends that at least one years precept should be kept in reserve. With the precept set at the present level it would give the council just enough money to run without the Caewern Community Centre being open - but to keep it as mothballed if necessary. But keeping it open now will obviously mean a drain on the recommended reserves. No doubt many residents feel sad and ill at ease when an individual councillor, who does not agree with Cllr. Ware, fails to grasp the financial implications, which result in problems that could have been avoided, were it not for the minority support he/she had for the sake of party politics and playing to the those in the public gallery who had a personal interest in the centre being kept open - as it will be for the time being because of a controversial legal ruling that could quite possibly be disputed. Struthers Church use the Caewern centre and do not want to be involved in a political arguements. It can be revealed, however, that they are not happy with recent developments and have yet to decide what is best for their members. At the Caewern centre they have not got space for the younger generation who have to use a gazebo outside the main building. It must be remembered that the Llwyn Helyg (White's Folly) development near the Owain Glyndwr community centre has not got the church that was once mentioned and that there is no spiritual building in the area. It was thought that a move there could be a big step forward. A church can be the basis of a happy community beyond the need for weddings and funerals. We should not lose sight of the moral need for those who care for others, not only in their hour of need, but in everyday life. See late extra below for the latest news on Struthers Church. NOTE....We have to mention (in fairness) that the Neath Guardian reported far more accurately on the foregoing than the Evening Post. It goes without saying that fair and accurate reporting gains the respect of readers (and advertisers) on whom their bread and butter depends. Community Housing Stock Transfer The future of council houses? Neath Port Talbot Council intends to spend several millions of pounds promoting the venture which will be the subject of discussion in the forthcoming months. There is much information on the Internet and we give some links below. Neath Port Talbot councillors have unanimously agreed to consult with tenants on whether or not to transfer the authority's housing stock to a new, not-for-profit Registered Social Landlord (RSL). Every local authority in Wales is required, by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), to demonstrate that it can meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) by 2012 and maintain that standard for thirty years. The decision to consult with tenants was taken at a council meeting on 30th September. This is likely to lead a confidential tenants' ballot in the autumn of 2009. It should be remembered that council tennants in Swansea rejected the scheme along with some other areas in Wales - see link below. The final decision rests sorely with the tenants who must decide what is best for them. The following information may be helpful for those concerned:- How tennants voted in other authorities Wales Green Party Oppose the Transfer Readers are invited to send in their views to our letters page. Letters to Evening Post A matter of concern? We feel very concerned when we get emails from our readers saying that their letters are not being published in the Evening Post. We refer to (non-published) replies to a letter they published from Leighton Veale who is allegedly said to be living in Neath and being registered on their electors register - although the Merton Borough Council of London lists him as one of their councillors and living in Cardiff, claiming relevant expenses. It can be revealed that Mr Veale's letter inflamed those to whom it was directed to the extent that they looked at his political record and were very disturbed at what came to light. Perhaps the Evening Post editor erred on the side of caution because he may have thought that Mr Veale's character was at stake - but surely someone in politics has to stand up to this sort of scrutiny? The moral is: don't throw bricks at others if you live in a glasshouse. Read the report in the Merton Guardian Bridge Toll - Health Costs A case in point One of our reader's letters mentioned he felt sore at paying £5.40 to come into Wales via the Severn bridge crossings. We must agree with this when we consider that the cost of building the two bridges has been recovered several times over by the foreign company now responsible for the crossings. We are therefore going to highlight cases where the charge is more than unjust and deserves public attention. CASE A....The first case concerns a young lady from Neath-Port Talbot who is attending Bristol Eye Hospital with an exremely rare eye condition that cannot be treated here in Wales. She has been attending the eye hospital at least once a month since 2001 and since that time her father, who takes her to the hospital, has paid over £440 in toll charges. We must ask if this is fair when disabled drivers, or their passengers, cross the bridges for free? It is bad enough to have a medical problem of this nature, let alone paying a charge that should be waived - as in the case of a disabled person. We would like your thoughts as to what can be done about this? Home of the Green Arrow BNP on the wrong track 'Home of the Green Arrow' is the name of a website that supports the British Nationalist Party (BNP). In it they have criticized our website and have said: "The Neath Ferret is nothing but a kiss ass site and safety valve supporting the establishment." If this were true we would not be drawing attention to their website or their rantings. Our aim is to provoke thought and stimulate arguements in order for people to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong. We all know that we not not live in a perfect world - but surely we can all make an effort to make it better? Maybe this is the aim of the BNP - in the end one should look at all points of view and decide for for one's self. If we all had the same political views it would be a very dull world with no opposition to criticize and spur us on. Having said that, we all have the right to vote and have our say. However, in a democratic society we should respect the views of the majority in order that law and order prevails. But this basic common sense statement should not prevent us listening to minority views - if they can perhaps contribute peacefully to a better way of life in the end. Ed Note.... In our last version we highlighted letters from readers in an effort to present balanced views. We give below a link to The Home of the Green Arrow website without fear of favour, knowing that we will fairly criticize anything that is unfair or unjust. Will the website in question have the courage to report our further comments? We must wait and see. The Home of the Green Arrow Website Councillors to pay for surgeries ...for a service they are providing to the community! Blaenhonddan Community Council have decided to charge County Borough Councillors (who are also their Community Councillors) £10 for conducting their monthly surgeries at the council's community centres. The Council thought that this was only fair in view of the fact that the County Borough Councillors are paid for their services by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council - unlike community councillors who are unpaid and get no expenses at all. Previously there was no charge for opening the centres for residents to consult councillors on the basis that a public service was being performed. It has been previoulsy acknowledged that the community centeres are run to benefit the community and not to make a profit, the running costs, however, was a factor that the council considered. It was not a political decision, even although it is argued that Plaid Cymru councillors hold more public surgeries than other parties. One PC councillor stated that he could not claim back the £120 a year that it would cost him personally and thought that street surgeries were the alternative. He is now seriously thinking of doing this. Another councillor said her telephone was continually ringing and that the matter was eased by having surgeries - something that she mentions to her telephone callers. We would like to have your thoughts on the matter, especially if you have attended the monthly surgery of Cllr.Janice Dudley and Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00am at the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre. These sessions have proved to be very informative and have developed into friendly interactive forums with a representative of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme being in attendance. Drop us a line with your thoughts as to if you think the council is being unfair to their members - or write a letter on our readers page with your views. FOOT NOTE.... When we checked these facts with Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones he put us straight on the matter - he said that in common with other County Borough Councillors he only get an allowance, not a wage. This surely makes a stronger argument for not charging councillors for conducting sugeries at community centres. Tony, who now has no other job, adds that being a County Borough Councillor is vertually a full time occupation when the job is done as it should be and says that he has even received urgent telephone calls at 1:00am in the morning. We therefore support the need of regular (free) sugeries for all County Borough Councillors (of all parties) to give residents the service they deserve. It should be noted that Community Councillors also refer matters of concern to them because of their access to council officials and those in authority. Remember, we want your views and opinions. Late Extra - Exclusive Struthers Church - second thoughts Unhappy with past events We can reveal that members of Struthers Church are most unhappy with the uncertainty of their present venue, the Caewern Community Centre, where they have held their meeting for several years. The officials of the Church are down to earth sensible people who understand the health and safety problems of the centre and its serious financial implications to the community council - a building they do not own, but lease from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. With the problems of the Community Council allowing them to move to the Owain Glyndwr, just a short distance away, they are now moving to the Longford Community Centre run by the neighbouring Dyffryn Clydach Community Council. The facilities there are very attractive and it appears that opening the centre on a Sunday does not present a problem. Separate rooms are available for the younger members of the Church with excellent car parking arrangements for those travelling by car. Moving away from Caewern is a little sad for some members but it will be a form of relief to others who are aware of the cloud hanging over the centre, whose lease will expire in two years time anyway. We repeat! Is there life at the Welsh Assembly? Still waiting for answers 
It is six months since we asked Dr. Dai Lloyd, the AM for this area, if he could find out if the Welsh Assembly is paying Waterstone Homes (Bridgend) 20% of the delvelopment costs towards the "White's Folly" development at Waunceirch on basis that they are building so called affordable homes.
Dr Lloyd assures us that he working on the case. The longer it takes to answer this question will make people wonder what is behind all this? We are confident that Dr Lloyd will come up with the answers to the questions that so many people are now asking. Link to Dai Lloyd's website
Tell your friends about this website - or send them a copy by email, our website address is:- www.neathferret.co.uk Email news and comments to: news@neathferret.co.uk or use our readers letter page. Go to LATEST version Back to version 16 Neath Ferret v BNP, Economic comments, Environmental award. Back to version 15 Bryncoch Environment Group new website, Community Service, Bats petition, Community Centres under used, Back to version 14 BNP insult our MP, Community centre news, What has our Council done? Back to version 13 Tesco disappoints, Colourful website for BCC, Chairperson change over at BCC, Peter Hain, MP. offers help. Back to version 12 The Caewern Community Hall. Questions about a 'lame duck' situation. Back to version 11 What Tesco wants Tesco gets. NOTE. Issues in version 10 are included in version 11 - including details of the Council's new complaint procedure following our item in version 9. Back to version 9 A Case for Public Services Ombudsman? Back to version 8 Councillor's website leads the way - an example for others to follow? Back to version 7 £5,000 reward for information Back to version 6 Councillor put in the picture. Back to version 5 PC Councillors scold Neath Ferret Back to Version 4 Neath Port Talbot dentist leaving NHS Back to Version 3 Anger over Neath Guardian Back to version 2 Planning consent for paedophiles? Information for this website is accepted and printed in good faith. It is gathered from various sources and may, or may not, reflect the views of the webmaster or any member of the community council or its officials. No responsibility is accepted for any errors that may occur from time to time. Sources of information must be made known to the webmaster but will not be divulged to any third party We aim to put the community first and make the residents of Neath aware of injustances and wrong doings. Neath Ferret,Neath Private EYE,Neath Ferret,Neath Private Eye,"Neath Ferret",Neath's Private Eye, Neath Ferret,Neath Private Eye,Neath Ferret,Neath Private Eye,"Neath Ferret",Neath Private Eye. Neath Ferret,Neath's Private Eye,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Private Eye - a sight for sore eyes! |