Neath Ferret - Latest edition

Neath Ferret
www.neathferret.co.uk
Neath's Private Eye
Looking for Community Problems
Blaenhonddan / Dyffryn Clydach Edition

PRINTS THE NEWS THAT NEWSPAPERS WON'T Contact: News or Comments: news@neathferret.co.uk or use our new readers letters facility
July 2009 Version 20.13 (13th update this month)
Welcome to the website that aims to inform everyone about what is happening in our community and to highlight what needs to be done when an injustice or wrong doing is apparent.
Now with more readers than the Neath Guardian in this area See our new website extension -- express your views -- have your say

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Please note that the latest news does not always appear at the top of the page.
Updates have been made to some existing items, we therefore suggest you make frequent visits to this website for changes and more news items.
Please note that the version number changes with every update.

What's New?
This month
Reader states that PC members let down electors View
Council unhappy with press letters and this website View
New website launched with a grave warning View
Linda Ware and her tomatoes in the Sun View
Dai Dust looks at the pockets of councillors View
New VOTE NO website View
Mobile Phone Spam Alert View See latest news 14.7.09
Careless talk in Neath Market - Dai Dust reports View
Green fingers ASBO View
Could your council house be owned by a foreign bank? View
Age Concern - THE FACTS View
Pipeline Twitter - first news of new website View
Council website updated View
Have we stll got a sense of humour? View
Did Neath Guardian go far enough with expenses? View
Council grass cutting cost View
Toilets in supermarkets View
Dai Dust's red hot web page View
Last month
New Older People's Forum View
Neath Guardian print letter at last View
Dangers of energy saving lamps - Council's concern View
Should dangers and disposal instructions be printed on the packaging?
Council dissolve Finance Committee View
LNG Pipeline Concern View
Should Linda Ware pay Council Ł24,000? View

YOUR VIEWS Have you written to the press and they have not printed your letter - or have they edited it unfairly?
Have you written to your MP or the Prime Minister and have had no reply?
If your answer is 'yes' then let us know. Remember we print what newspapers won't.
Libel laws must apply - also the right to reply.

Controversial website launched - Pipeline Twitter
Highlights grave dangers of LNG at high pressure
www.pipelinetwitter.co.uk
July 2009 will go down in history as the month the local press (and ourselves) were given notification of a new documentary and discussion website launched for everyone to be aware of the dangers of the jerry built LNG pipeline running from Milford Haven to Cilfrew and beyond to the boundary of Wales.
The pipeline will eventually work at the highest pressure of any gas pipeline in the UK: 94 BAR equivalent to 1,345 psi (pounds per square inch). The website contains startling photographs that have never been published before, showing the parlous route and conditions under which the pipeline was laid, in some places close to homes and schools. There is also the pressure reduction installation on the edge of Cilfrew village, which is said to be a potential hazard to the residents.
There is video evidence of what happened in the USA when a LNG pipeline blew up - and that was working under a lower pressure!
The press release of the new website can be regarded as a test to see how the local press react, as they tend to shy way from websites, regarding them as a rival news media. However, in this case, they must put the health and safety of their readers first, as it only fair and just that they should be made aware of the pending dangers.
National Grid, who is responsible for the pipeline installation say that it has been installed to the highest standards. This was said about the Titanic before the unexpected disaster in 1912, and the resulting discovery that second grade rivets had been used in its construction. Perhaps a hundred years later there will be another unexpected disaster - we hope not, but it must be said that experts have predicted that there will be one sooner or later.
View the pipeline website and read what the experts say

Council unhappy happy with press and website
Caustic comments at council meeting
Former community councillor, Cled Griffin, attended this month's council meeting of Blaenhonddan Community Council as a member of the public and tells us that the council is not happy with some letters sent to the press and the comments appearing on this website. Cllr Doreen Jones said she would like to know who Dai Dust was and said she had no time for those who would not put their name to what they write. The council discussed what could be done to readdress matters and one councillor said that perhaps the council's own website could be used to advantage.
After the meeting a member of the public, and a former community councillor, also told Mr Griffin that he was unhappy with with website, which he claimed to have an alleged vendetta against a certain council employee, however, he admitted that he had not read the reader's letters page, which gives different points of view.
Our response is that this website is not a one man band and includes several reporters including a member of the legal profession. All write under the same banner - in the same way as newspaper reporters write for a publication having its own name. Let's be clear about this, no matter what certain members of the council (or public) may think, we want this website to be as fair as possible and with this in mind we always give the right to reply and put matters straight. It should be remembered that many national newspapers have columns written by 'unknown' names - or pen names, so what is the difference? Those in office must stand up to scrutiny and have a thick skin - we are sure George Brown our Prime Minister will agree with that. Therefore the council must expect to be criticized in the same way as our Government is criticized - surely this is democracy and the freedom of free speech?
It seems to many that the council is over sensitive about being brought into disrepute. We say that they must be judged (like our Government) on their record and how the taxpayer's money is spent. Can anyone disagree with that?
By the way, Dai Dust does exist - he has never been a councillor or a politician, he just likes to sit back and laughingly mock them - especially at those taking advantage of their position - and says (as we do) if the cap fits then wear it!
Oh yes, regarding the alleged vendetta, we have to say we only highlight information in the public domain and it is in the archives for everyone to see. However, our comments on caretakers mobile phones may have been a little misleading because only one caretaker is said to have one provided by the council, others possibily have their own, but can be contacted by the ordinary phone network - therefore fair comparisions cannot be made. We apolgise for this incomplete report and to all concerned in good faith. We will make up for this by going more fully into moblile phone and Broadband costs next month and how savings can be made by users.
Reader's are invited to give their points of view on our reader's letters page.

Plaid Cymru let down electors
Claims reader on our letters page
A reader has written in with her views on the six community councillors who resigned at Blaenhonddan Community Council's AGM last May. Two ex-councillors have responded to the letter.
Full details appear on our letters page.

Chairman welcomes new community coucillors
New members co-opted on to council at July meeting
Chairman Dick Matthews welcomed the six new community councillors who were co-opted on to the Blaenhoddan Community Council to replace those who resigned at the May AGM. It can be argued that this was not a democratic process as residents had no say in the matter and that those elected were not their choice. However, it must be noted that the vacancies were said to be advertised in the press. There were four candidates from Bryncoch South for the two vacancies from that area, which resulted in the members of the council voting among themselves to decide which two should join them. The co-opting process saved the community up to Ł4,000 - which would have been the cost of an election, if one had taken place.
The Clerk of the council will be adding the names of the new members to the council's website: www.blaenhonddan.co.uk

Linda Ware and her Sun tomatoes
The Sun newspaper takes the micky out of NPT Council
First with the news, we reported last week about Linda Ware's tomato plant in the foyer of her council flat at Cilfrew and the visit of a council official objecting to it. We didn't mention Linda by name - we left that to the Neath Guardian (on their front page) and the Sun newspaper - but not their well known page 3. There was also a follow-up in the Evening Post and the national Independent newspaper as well mentions on BBC news programmes.
Linda said: "The whole episode has resulted in the biggest laugh I have had for years and it reflects on Neath Port Talbot Council who are getting their priorites all wrong. I didn't bargain for all this publicity but it has certainly made fools out of the council when it comes to issuing an ASBO warning notice to remove a tomato plant from a window in the foyer of my flat."
The actual plant had no tomatoes on it - the ones in the Sun's photogragh, which can be seen from the link below, was a string of vine tomatoes bought at a local supermarket. The whole situation is even more humorous if you consider that Linda is an environmentalist and has a website with the story of how she did not use her refuge bin for over a year.
However, we must question the prompt action by the council and their underlying motive. We say this because of Linda's recent campaigns linked to various council issues. One cannot help thinking that if she was a member of the Labour it would have been a different story.
The saga has given our local free-lance correspondant, Dai Dust, the laugh of his lifetime and he goes to town to put the council in its place as you will see from his website.
www.lindaware.co.uk
The Sun report with photograph
BBC News report
PS..... The Sun editorial on 16th July 2009 compares this trivial event with others, which makes a mockery out of law and order.
Linda Ware writes a letter about her tomatoes on our reader's letter page
Don't believe rumours!
Linda's tomatoes are now outside for our British Summer!

Linda's tomatoes are now outside for our British Summer!

There is no truth in the rumour that a well known coach company is running trips to Cilfrew to see the most famous tomato plants in the UK. The plants in question, photographed left with owner Linda Ware, are now outdoors and are suffering from the British summer weather. They are alleged to be the most photographed plants in the UK and one gardening expert reckons that they are likely to be purchased for a large sum of money for display at Kew gardens. A Sun reporter was heard to say that his editor intends to put the story on the front page of the newspaper after the report has been confirmed.
Support Kew Gardens

Dai Dust is at it again
This time it's local councillors
Our local columnist is at it again with his asbestos keyboard. This time Dai Dust expresses his views on local councillors and what they are putting in their pockets. We think he writes with a twinkle in his eye - but we challenge anyone to say that he is not saying the truth. One thing is certain, our local paper would not print his words - they would be afraid to do so for more reasons than one.
This then, is the power of the Internet in action - the freedom to express your thoughts as never before. We have even seen it in visual form on YOUTUBE - a website endorsed by our Queen with her Christmas message. And talking of YOUTUBE, we note that Dai has a video clip on his website.
But Dai goes one step further with his website, he give everyone the right to reply or deny his 'allegations' - a word he is careful to use. We feel that he will have no response from those he mentions who may take the ostrich attitude and ignore the matter, thinking that voters memories will fade before the time of the next election. But that will not be the case because Dai Dust will be back again to remind everyone - you can depend on that!
More views by Dai Dust

New VOTE NO website www.voteno.tk
to advise council house tenants
This news item has not been printed by the Neath Guardian - even although a Press Release was sent to them - we wonder why?
Due to the high number of visitors to this website and the interest in the discussion on the block transfer of council houses to a private sector Housing Association, a brand new website has been launched to advise tenants on how to vote. Facts and figures will be given as the website develops in the coming weeks to put everyone in the picture.
With Guestbook and Feedback facilities the website will give all visitors an opportunity to ask questions and express their views.
The Neath Port Talbot Council has postponed until January 2010 the vital ballot that will decide the ownership of the 9600 council homes in the area. It is widely believed that the postponement is because it has become increasingly clear that tenants do not want to see their homes transferred to a private housing company.
Further details are given on the new website with views from knowledgeable people who explain the situation in an easy to understand manner.
The Defend Council Housing Campaign is calling a VOTE NO meeting at 7pm on Thursday, 16th July, at the Glynneath Training Centre, Oddfellows Road, Glynneath.
All are welcome to come and hear Paul Lynch of DCH, Cllr Keith Davies and Keith Ross of the Wales Green Party.
Anyone wishing to help with the campaign should come along and chat to the speakers after the meeting.
Visit the VOTE NO website for further information

Mobile Phone Alert
Warning of possible Spam in future
Report from one of our agents
Maybe you've not heard about this but early next week all UK mobiles will be on a directory which will mean that anyone will be able to access the numbers (118800). It is easy to unsubscribe but it must be done before the beginning of next week to make sure that you are ex directory. The way the system works is 118800 send you a text from someone who is trying to contact you with their details. It is then up to you whether to contact them or not. You may want to suggest it to all your friends and family who have UK mobiles or they could be swamped by unsolicited messages. Removal is recommended by the BBC - see link below.
LINK to BBC video report for all the details
To remove your number use the link below (you need your mobile phone with you to do this, they text you a code)
Link to remove
Click on HOMEPAGE at the bottom of the screen then EXDIRECTORY at the top of the following screen then follow the on screen instructions.
You can remove your number from this list, and tell all your friends - especially those with children who have mobile phones. I personally believe my mobile number is private and I should be able to chose who I give it to - none of us agreed to this when we signed our mobile phone contracts.
LATEST NEWS---- The production of this directory has been deferred due to so many objections by mobile phone owners See BBC report

Careless talk in Neath Market
Dai Dust reports
Dai Dust, one of our former contributors now has his own website on which he express his own views. They are views that perhaps the local newspaper would not print for two reasons: the length of the reports and secondly their content - sometimes based on allegations that have yet to be proved. But where there is smoke there is fire and alarm bells start ringing.
Overhearing something being said in Neath Market is one thing but proving it is another. But it is something that is easily done with an administration that claims to be open and transparent. Moreover, it is surely something that residents are entitled to know, because it is their money that Dai is talking about.
Political expenses are currently the talking point at Westminster and Cardiff Bay, so is it wrong to look at and criticise what is happening on our doorstep? We think not. The Data Protection Act has been mentioned, but surely that covers bank account details and the items blacked out by Whitehall it does not cover wages and expenses! Perhaps council officials (and other civil servants) may say that revealing wages and expenses only applies to elected officials and not to them if they do, then why the difference? The money is still coming from the taxpayers pocket.
The expenses of Bethan Jenkins AM. (Plaid Cymru) are also being looked at by Dai Dust. It proves, at least to us, that no political party is immune from his watchful eye. We wonder what is he going to say next?
www,daidust.co.uk

Councillors Allowances and Expenses
Neath Port Talbot Council has just published the figures claimed by their councillors - Click to view
Is it a gravy train for some? Form your own conclusion!
Read what Dai Dust has to say in more of his views.

Council Tenant gets ASBO Ticket
For foyer decoration
A council flat tenant, aged 61, has been warned not to grow plants in the foyer leading to her flat. The plants (not cannabis, we hasten to add) were said to be not acceptable and were the subject of an email complaint by another resident to the council. The result was an Anti-Social Behaviour warning by a visiting council official with a request to remove it. Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones, who became aware of the incident, was absolutely amazed and said it bore no relationship to other problems he is dealing with.

Objection by 'NO' Campaigners
- to a play on words
Some councillors and residents taking part in the 'VOTE NO' for council house transfers to the private sector, have been labelled 'protesters' by a certain newspaper journalist. We think that is wrong to label people this way when they are taking part in what is supposed to be a legitimate discussion on the matter.
We would like to see both parties representented at an organised meeting, or television programme, so that the matter can be fully discussed with both sides giving their views.
The latest debating point put forward by the 'VOTE NO' campaigners is that with the volatility in the banking sector, any loan by an housing association (secured by the houses) could mean some council houses being owned by foreign banks in the event of a default.
See latest news

Councillor Janice Dudey apologises
for her absence
Councillor Janice Dudley apologises for being unable to take her monthly surgeries and attend council meetings because of ill health. She said she will deliver her newsletter as soon as she is well enough to do so. In the meantime Cllr. Dudley wishes to thank Cllr.Tony Wyn-Jones for dealing with certain matters during her absence from her duties.

Still Active! We are put in the picture - and get things straight
Mr Kirk Davies of Age Concern has written to put us in the picture, he writes as follows:-
"I can assure you, and Cllr. Martin Peters, that Age Concern Neath Port Talbot is not being "phased out in the future". The Organization is a going concern, but is currently suffering the same financial pressures being experienced by other third sector orginisations.We are looking at all ways of reducing our overheads and costs, including merging with other Age Concerns, to ensure that we can continue delivering free services to local older people and their carers for many years to come.
I understand that the new group, Neath Abbey and District Older People's Forum, has been set up to provide a voice for local older people and not to "make up for our departure."
Without doubt the voluntary sector are facing very difficult times, and Age Concern Neath Port Talbot is no exception. The so called "Credit Crunch" and the associate increases in everyday costs are hitting everyone hard.
Despite a 50% reduction in staff numbers, demand for our services is ever increasing, with almost 8000 older people and their carers seeking our support last year, an increase of 40% on the previous year.
Local unemployment and redundancies have also had an impact on us - people made redundant are turning to us for advice and guidance on claiming their entitlements. We have also seen a number of people coming to us wanting to volunteer as they see volunteering as a springboard back into employment or a way of gaining skills that will position them for a career change. - This can be treated as a positive, but only if the organisation has the framework to support new volunteers.
Our success in attracting external funding into the County Borough from funders such as the Big Lottery has been exceptional, with 5 major projects already successfully completed and a further 2 at the final stage of the application process, including an Assisted Shopping project. Other funders have included Help the Aged and the Department for Works and Pensions. All of this not only benefits local older people and their carers but also the local economy.
Our Benefits team, made up of one part-time staff member and 22 volunteers, have put ÂŁ1.6m in the pockets of local older people and their carers over the last year alone, plus have identified a further ÂŁ4m that they are currently helping local people claim.
Neath Port Talbot has an aging population. We know that there is a need for us and we know that local people want us.
Over the last 10 years, Age Concern NPT has successfully delivered numerous projects, all providing free support to local older people across the County Borough, allowing them to remain independent.
I believe the setting up of independent forums such as the Neath Abbey and District Older People's Forum is very important, as long as they are used as a platform for older people to voice their opinions and not used as a political soapbox."
Kirk Davies.... Principal Development Officer, Age Concern Neath Port Talbot.... Tel No. 08700602141
We are grateful to Mr Davis for the above information. The aim of this website is to benefit the community and we welcome any reports or corrections sent in to us.
Age Concern - Neath Port Talbot
Age Concern directory
Comment from Cllr.Martyn Peters
In fairness we contacted Cllr. Martin Peters about the above letter and asked him for his comments. He said that although he was involved in the setting up of the Neath Abbey and District Older People's Forum, he refused the nomination of being chairman and any other office as it would be seen by others to be political. Cllr.Peters went on to say that the forum was a way of helping the older people in the area independently to any political party and any other organisation. The work done by Age Concern has always been appreciated and the Forum would be an additional way of helping senior residents on an informal basis. Cllr. Peters says he wishes Age Concern the best of luck with the current financial situation.

Italian LNG Disaster
The fire ball resulting from the derailment of the Italian train carrying LNG - Liquid Natural Gas, shows how dangerous this fuel can be. Perhaps readers will now understand our concern about the Cilfrew LNG terminal that is so close to the village.
See below for further details.
BBC report dated 1st July 2009
Here a response from one of our readers?-
World Cup referee Pierluigi Collina who lives in Viareggio where two takers of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) exploded killing 16 people and maiming 30 more,says:-

"I can't believe that we allow bombs like this to travel through built-up areas"

I wonder how this makes the people of Trebanos feel where the 36" 94 bar pipeline travels under their main road; through their childrens school field and at the bottoms of their gardens in a land slip area feel. I wonder how it makes the people of Cilfrew living 600 metres from the LNG gas pressure reduction station feel. I wonder how it makes the people of Saron in Ammanford where the pipeline passes the bottom of their gardens feel? Time will tell perhaps. We the people of South Wales wonder exactly the same thing Pierluigi Collina, we live in fear of what happened to you, happening to us.
Details of new LNG website

Pipeline Twitter
A new website about the LNG Pipeline
Another website will shortly be added to the many existing ones on the Internet. 'Pipeline Twitter' is being developed and is rather different from the rest with video clips from Youtube. More photographs and information will be added shortly. It is felt that everyone should be aware of all the facts and dangers relating to LNG.
Pre-view --- www.pipelinetwitter.co.uk

Council website Update
Report by Clerk --- Council vacancies
The Blaenhonddan Community Council's website is now being kept up to date. As it develops it is likely to be a regular source of information for residents. The current update includes a report on the last council meeting, information about vacancies for community councillors and a press release by the Clerk.
View the website

Life is what you make it
It's too short and can be too serious!
Do you think that political correctness has gone too far? Are comedian's on stage afraid to tell jokes that may offend certain groups in our society?
We published a test joke to get a reaction - and we got it, so now it has been removed. But we still want to know what you think about jokes and if our sense of humour is being influenced with the thoughts and actions of others.
In life it is so easy to say nothing and suffer in silence. At least this website reflects the thoughts of others - but we want your thoughts too. Your name will not be revealed - if you so wish.

Did the Neath Guardian go far enough
in exposing Council Expenses?
Following the Daily Telegraph's controversiol exposure of MP's expenses, we must ask did the Neath Guardian go far enough with the publication of Blaenhoddan Community Councils expenses? Many residents think not.

This item has been removed at the request of Mrs Mavis Hewitt - Clerk to Blaenhonddan Community Council. Any enquires regarding the council's finances should be made directly to Mrs Hewitt. Website and address

A compliment for council work
Open areas look good - but at a price!
We feel we must compliment those responsible for cutting the grass in the open areas around Bryncoch. Having said this, we note that the cost of doing this is rather high. We wust question if this work goes out to tender as it should. We doubt if it does.
Very often a better price can be given for the same work by independent contractors. It is alleged that the council tends to stick with the same workforce on the basis of satisfactory work done in the past (and this does not only apply to grass cutting). This is not regarded as the best business practice. Here again it is a case for likely for consideration behind closed doors. It could have been a matter for the disbanded Finance Committee who could have looked at the matter in detail.

Toilets in Supermarkets
and other food stores
This may be a strange subject for us to deal with - but we feel strongly about it, so we are going to mention it.
We have noted with great concern the number of customers (and men in particular) who use toilets in food stores and do not wash their hands afterwards. We don't know about the staff - we hope it does not apply to them - but it could be a bad habit as with some people.
Cleanness in a food store is essential and, as highted lately with the swine flu virus, germs can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. We reckon that all toilet doors in shops and public buildings should have a reminder notice on them to wash hands after use.

Dai Dust on the net
His own new website is red hot!
Dai Dust, one of our regular contributors, now has his own website where he speaks his mind on the world around him - mainly the political scene. Everyone is entitled to have their own views and Dai is no exception. He publishes the letter he wrote to Peter Hain MP - and the reply he had from him.
He has posed the question: "Should the Secretary of State for Wales be a Welshman?" - and has mentioned this to Peter Hain. It is likely to be a red hot website - just have a look and see - he even suggests a lottery to pay for MPs expenses!
Dai Dust's website

Housing Saga Getting Hotter
Long letter from John Morris - see our letter page
More and more council tenants are beginning to take notice of the fact that our local authority would like to get rid of their council housing stock. Read what John Morris from Port Talbot has to say about it on our reader's letter page.
Remember to tell your friends about this web site - we print what the press will not - as you will see below.

Departing - Age Concern
Arriving - Older People's Forum
Cllr Martin Peters has informed us that with no funding available for the Age Concern charity it seems that it will be phased out in the future.** To make up for the departure, a new local organisation is being formed to help the older generation to be aware of the benefits that they are entitled to from the Government and local authority. The group will be called: Neath Abbey and District Older People's Forum. Further details will be given in due course.
Age Concern office to let at Neath Abbey
**Please see the clarification letter by Mr Kirk Davies, Principal Development Officer, Age Concern Neath Port Talbot. View letter

Warning on Energy Saving Lamps
Neath Guardian fails to alert readers of possible danger to health
Councillor Tony Wyn-Jones told members of Blaenhoddan Community Council that he was concerned the public were not aware of the dangers in using energy saving lamps. His comments follow a Daily Mail awareness campaign to highlight facts relating to their use.
The Daily Mail reports: "Energy-saving light bulbs are so dangerous that everyone must leave the room for at least 15 minutes if one falls to the floor and breaks, a Government department has warned.
The startling alert came as health experts also warned that toxic mercury inside the bulbs can aggravate a range of problems including migraines and dizziness. And a leading dermatologist said tens of thousands of people with skin complaints will find it hard to tolerate being near the bulbs as they cause conditions such as eczema to flare up." The Daily Mail report BBC news item

The same warning applies to fluorescent tubes
We suggest that you print a copy of the above and keep in a safe place - this information has been passed to the Neath Guardian who have failed to print it to date.
We think that instructions on how to dispose of energy saving lamps and florescent tubes should be printed on the packaging they come in. Do you agree?

Council dissolve Finance Committee
in favour of an agenda item
Members of Blaenhonddan Community Council have decided to disband the Finance Committee formed last year to look in depth at financial matters. Cllr. Doreen Jones said she was in favour of a regular financial report being put on the agenda of each meeting instead. Cllr. Gareth Morgan stated that a Finance Committee could look closely at certain items of expenditure in a way the full council would not have time to do - and they (the committee) would report back to the full council anyway.
The motion to dissolve the committee was agreed by the council after being opposed by the Plaid Cymru members. The Liberal member abstained from voting.
What is going to happen with tenders - who is going to open them? Surely not just the Clerk and Chairman as done in the past? Remember it is alleged that some time ago work was done by a councillor with no tenders involved - and we are talking about thousands of pounds. If this is true we certainly don't want it to happen again with no Finance Committee to keep a watchful eye on proceedings.
We would like to have your comments on this.

LNG Pipeline Earthquake Concern
Residents contact Neath Ferret

Several residents have expressed their concern about the recent earthquake (see link below for BBC report) and state that is was one of the reasons why they opposed the LNG pipeline being so near to their homes. They state that this area is one of the very few earthquake zones in the UK
The earthquake, the largest measured in South Wales for 34 years, was confirmed by seismologists.
The quake was felt at 2042 BST on Friday, 5th June 2009. with the epicentre near Nantyffyllon, 6.2 miles (10km) north east of Port Talbot.
BBC earthquake report
British Geological Survey Report

The ITV-1 'Wales This Week' programme broadcast on 8th June 2009, highlighted some serious issues regarding the LNG pipeline running through Wales with a pressure reduction unit near Cilfrew. Already there has been incidents in other countries with similar pipelines. It is important to be aware of the dangers before anything happens. The video below illustrates what has already been experienced elsewhere.

LNG Pipeline - High Pressure
The pressure of the gas in the pipeline is perhaps best compared with the pressure of air in the tyres of a car, which is around 35 psi (pounds per square inch). The LNG pipeline pressure is classified as "High Pressure" and is 1,324 psi. This figure is above what applies in some other countries.
Heath & Safety - LNG Pipelines
COMMENT --- It is considered that not enough thought has been given to the pressure reduction station near Cilfrew. The village has only one access and exit road and in the event of an emergency there could be a serious traffic problem. It is not just the remote possibility of an earthquake but a more lightly lightening strike - not to mention it being a target by terrorists. We do not want to be alarmists but it is wise to be prepared for any event. It is obvious that the Neath Port Talbot Planning Department were very short sighted when they granted the planning application for the station to be built so near to the village.
Futher thought should be given before the pipeline is fully pressurised.
What National Grid say about the system
"The methods and procedures we use to build pipelines are based on established best practice, the latest industry guidance and a number of British and International Standards and regulations."
Security
"In this day and age no major piece of engineering can be built without adequate regard for security and anti-terrorism measures. We can't reveal what these measures are, but we work closely with the police, the security services and the Ministry of Defence when designing and building all our installations."
Good Safety Record
National Grid state that they have an excellent safety record over the past 34 years. We must add that there have been no earthquakes of any significance during this period - until the one we mentioned on 5th June 2009.
Have you any questions?
You may get the answers from the following website, on which there is a means of contacting the company for further information. The more you know about the system, the better, because you then become aware of the dangers and the measures taken to avoid them. Apart from this, the more interest and concern the public show in the project, the better. It will hopefully reflect in an even higher standard of maintenance and prevent the temptation to cut corners to save money in what is basically a profit motivated scheme.
National Grid Pipe-line website.
National Grid Shareholders - information

Neath Guardian print letter at last!
Earthquake/lightening danger to the community highlighted
Fresh from his holiday break, Neath Guardian's chief reporter, Anthony O'Connell, assured a reader that his letter would be printed in the edition due out on 25th June 2009 - and we are pleased to say that it was. It's regarding the possible effect of an earthquake or a lighting strike on the Cilfrew LNG pressure reducing station.
Following the earthquake ten miles outside Port Talbot on 2nd June see report below the letter, submitted by a Guardian reader, states the concern of residents living near the Cilfrew station.
The LNG pipeline was the subject of an ITV-Wales broadcast on 8th June 2009, which highlighted some disturbing facts about the project. The programme was actually put together before the earthquake occured and therefore did not relate to it. Nevertheless, concern was expressed about its constuction. When fully operational the pressure of the gas in the pipeline will be 1,345 psi - a fact that was not mentioned in the TV documentary.
There is still a big question as to why a pressure station was built so close to the Cilfrew village, which has only one access road in the event of an emergency.

The cost of speaking out about the LNG Pipeline
Ł24,000?

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council are claiming Ł24,000 for court costs from Cilfrew resident, Linda Ware, as a result of her acting and speaking on behalf of her village residents in connection with the LNG Pipeline (see item above).
M/s Ware cannot currently comment on the matter because of a pending court hearing in conjunction with the Aarhus Convention. The Aarhus Convention grants the population a series of rights that act as a kind of "bridge" between environmental rights and human rights. Basically it is to ensure justice without penalty for genuine campaigners.
Dai Dust, a writer of a letter on our readers letter page, speaks out very forcefully on the matter. All we will say, at the moment, is that NPT-CBC are likely to he headline news in the national newpapers if they pursue this matter in what seems to be a vindictive manner to many people. They could well end up as the laughing stock of the nation.
Dai Dust on our letters page
A link to the Private Eye Magazine
About the Aarhus Convention
Legal matters (for reference) on Internet

Neath Guardian reveals council finances
for 2008/9
The Neath Guardian, edition dated 4th June 2009, has revealed figures relating to the finances of the Blaenhonddan Community Council for the year 2008/9. It is now up to residents to ask their community councillor about anything they don't understand - bearing in mind one has to respect the privacy of council staff and what they are paid. Ironically, the wages of MP's and AM's and their expenses are public knowledge.
It is no good asking one of the recently retired councillors for information because they have all just received the following letter from the Council's clerk:-
"Re: Information appertaining to this Authority
Council would like to remind you that information circulated to you, that is not in the public domain, remains confidential even after you have ceased to be a Member of this Authority - this includes information appertaining to individual employees, salaries & expenses - which are protected under the Data Protection Act 1998, including the full copy of the Income & Expenditure Report for 2008-9.
As this information is no longer required by yourself in the capacity of Member of the Authority it is recommended that it is shredded or returned to the Council Office where it can be destroyed."

LNG Plant Opens
What are the dangers?
The Queen and members of the Royal family opened the LNG plant at Milford Haven on 12th May 2009. There has been much concern about the safety of this plant and its pipeline with its associated 'pressure' stations enroute. We will be looking at potential dangers in due course because ever since it was first announced liquefied natural gas (LNG) is to be shipped to this port there have been safety fears.
We want to make residents aware of what is vertually on our doorstep and to know about the unknown factors of this source of energy - so watch this space.

We repeat!
Is there life at the Welsh Assembly?
Still waiting for answers
Dr Dai Lloyd AM

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

Letter Page where you can read what others have to say in the community.
You can comment or reply on the above or a new subject - remember your views will be read by those who run your Council, represent you in Parliament and the Welsh Assembly.
. Please note that complaints about the Community Council should go directly to the Clerk of the Council - see her address on the Council's website. Any letters that we receive relating to community council complaints will be forwarded for her attention.

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View versions 18/19 Council finances, LNG Pipeline
Back to version 17 Is Health & Safety going over the top?, Caewern Communuity Centre saga, Is Cllr. Martyn Peters an outsider?
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,
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Back to version 12 The Caewern Community Hall. Questions about a 'lame duck' situation.
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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?
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