www.neathferret.co.uk Looking for Community Problems Blaenhonddan Edition
Weekending 13th December 2008 Version 11.5 We are right - what Tesco wants Tesco gets! ATM and illuminated sign installed Although Neath Port Talbot Councillors and Planning Officials were warned of the dangers and potential trouble, the ATM (cash point machine) has been installed at the new Tesco Express store at Waunceirch due to be opened before Christmas (see report below, which has been left on for the benefit of first time vistors). We must now wait and see what happens We suspect that the planning application was just a formality to be rubber stamped by the powers that be. Councillors Wasting their time? Some act like sheep Certain County Borough Councillors are now convinced that they are wasting their time bringing matters to the attention of the Council's Planning Committee. This is because some other councillors vote like sheep just to tow their party line. One councillor said that everything is cut, dried and decided upon before the meetings take place - and they call this democracy? It seems that scoring a point over a political opponent is more important than deciding what is best for the community. All too often councillors look around them to see how the others are voting with their hands up - and then vote along with their party. What is a possible answer? Secret voting by pressing a button on a handset - just like they do in some other countries. At least, this would be a start in the right direction. NOTE The names of councillors have been withheld from this report to avoid personal embarrassment. Readers are invited to sit in the public gallery at a Council meeting and see what goes on for themselves. Dai Lloyd AM - Still Waiting Follow up to our report below 
Dr Dai Lloyd attended Councillor's Dudley's monthly surgery and forum on the first Saturday of the month (6.12.08) at the Owen Glyndwr Community Centre and told residents he is still waiting for answers about the Welsh Assembly funding the Neath Eye-sore development at Waunceirch, known as "White's Folly." Dr Lloyd was made aware of people paying deposits of up to £1,000 for houses that have not yet been built and that no work was being done on the site.
Peter Hain MP - Still waiting Follow up to our report below 
Mr Peter Hain has been requested to ask the Prime Minister if deposits made to house builders for houses they have yet to build can be safeguarded by the Government. This is in view of the fact that more builders went bankcrupt during the last recession than any other section of industry.
Caewern Community Hall Concern by residents This edition would not be complete without a mention of the Caewern Community Hall. Until a press release is issued by the Blaenhonddan Community Council's Clerk, all we can say is that the building, which has health and safety problems, is not owned by the Community Council who built the Owain Glyndwr Community in the same locality. The Clerk of the Council says that it is rather a complicated matter, which in the end is controlled by financial constraints. Full details will be placed on the Council's website in due course. LATE EXTRA --- Information is now in the public domain stating that the question of the Caewern Community Centre was not resolved at the last Council meeting (8.12.08) and that the time for dealing with this has been extended to the end of the financial year. The Council's website will hopefully give the official facts in due course. Updated 9.12.08 Now look back on what we said in our previous edition Left on for reference and for first time visitors Should the new Tesco store have an ATM? Two sides to the story The Tesco supermarket chain has put in a planning application for an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) - or in other words, a cash point machine, for their new store at Waunceirch. One side of the story is that it would be handy for residents to draw cash. The other side of the same story paints a dark and sinister picture. Read on and judge for yourself. A search on the Internet has revealed some disturbing results, including the fact that many local Post Offices have been closed because of Tesco ATMs. Examples have been quoted at Watford, Twickenham and Teddington, to mention only three. This means that an ATM at the Waunceirch Tesco could endanger the Caewern Post Office at sometime in the future. Crime and nuisance is another factor. ATMs attract undesirable people and crooks as outlined in the following links:- Crime at Tesco cash point Tesco Guard shot at ATM Councils refuses Tesco additional ATM at Richmond Many councils have refused them because of car doors slaming by late night party-goers. But apart from all this, we must ask why is a Tesco ATM necessary when a cash back facility is available at the store's checkout? Also there is cash withdrawal facilities at the nearby Caewern Post Office, which should be used as much as possible to prevent future closure. What will happen? Our guess is that the power of Tesco will prevail. What Tesco wants - Tesco gets! When discussing Post Office closures on the Internet someone said: "Why don't Tesco buy the Post Office? Because they are buying everything else!" Tesco Supermarkets create waste! One of our readers had a few words to say on the Richard Evans talk show on BBC Radio Wales about waste in household bins. Views were expressed on the programme that Tesco and supermarkets are responsible for creating much more waste than many households. You can read the reader's full letter on our letter page. Remember that newspapers won't print what we print because they don't what to offend their advertisers. We reckon that means must be provided for people to express themselves in an outspoken manner - we therefore welcome your views on our letter page. Tesco views and news Just as a matter of interest, you are invited to see what others say about Tesco by clicking on the link below:- Tesco info (via Google) Figures just published indicate that in the 12 weeks to 2nd November, £22m of spending was switched from Tesco to Asda, £10m from Tesco to Aldi and almost another £10m to Morrisons. . Having said this, while growth slowed in the UK, Tesco's worldwide sales grew by an impressive 11.7%. (BBC news scource). Do we really want a Fish and Chip Shop at Waunceirch? Site Developer puts in a planning application Apart from the nuisance and junk food aspect, the proposed Fish and Chip shop will be adjacent to a junior primary school and will attract children at a time when the Government is promoting healthy diets. Such a shop will degrade the area and attract motor cycle gangs from other areas with the parking space provided. Hopefully residents, teachers and responsible parents will join those who think that this is one type of shop we could do without.
Neath Eye Sore New website with concern for a new development If you search on GOOGLE for "Neath Eye Sore" you will find a factual website about Neath's latest development - Llwyn Helyg, better known by local residents as "White's Folly." There is much concern about the appearance of the development, even at the early stages. The frontages of the new houses are close to the footpath and are reminiscent of houses built early in the last century, affording little privacy. Are deposits safe for this development? Community Counciller Cled Griffin has informed us that he written to his MP, Peter Hain, to ask the Prime Minister if deposits paid to builders for houses yet to be built can be safeguarded by the Government.
He says that the developers, Waterstone Homes, are taking deposits of up to £1,000 for houses they have not yet built.We are aware that more builders went bankrupt during the last recession than any other section of industry so we understand his concern. Already many building firms are laying off workers and there may be no exceptions. We note that activity on the Waterstone site has come to a halt - is this a sign of what is yet to come? More details ALDI at Neath Abbey? Signs of activity on proposed site It appears the German foodmarket chain, ALDI, have applied for planning permission to build a new store on ground opposite the Court Herbert playing fields adjacent to the A48 main road. A disturbing report has revealed that work has began on the site BEFORE planning permission has been granted. It is not the first time that a German company have flouted British legislation and have proceeded to build premises without planning consent. Several years ago Lidl did the same thing with a store at Gorseinon. A favourite trick with developers is to start building and then get permission on a retropective basis. Many planning authorities are too weak to stand firm and refuse permission once a site has been started. To be fair, it must be said that a Swansea based evening newpaper has already printed news about the proposed development and has asked certain councillors for their views. The concern by residents is that site is in a very congested area near Tesco, Neath College and almost opposite the entrance of the Court Herbert playing fields. Whilst ALDI would be welcome in Neath with their low price policy, residents would not welcome them on the site in question on grounds of road safety,congestion and plain common sense. We hope that the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Officials will take note of what is happening and not let yet another developer make fools of them. Follow-up With our fair and unbiased reporting policy, we must now state the clearing of the above site is to determine if the ground is not contaminated and is suitable for such a development. Nevertheless we must say that developers do sometimes take short cuts with a profit motive in mind. Llwyn Helyg - White's Folly Laughing Stock Already the Planning Department of the Neath Port Talbot Borough Council has become a laughing stock with local residents and neighbouring authorities because of the ridge top scheme at Waunceirch - the top of Dwr-y-felin Road, Neath. It has been said that no other authority in this country - or even Europe would have been allowed to build this monstrosity of a development. The commercial section, with provision for six shops, looks like a row of garages - in fact some visitors to the area thought they were garages. As for the houses, they are vertually on top of the road with the access on a bend. To make things worse, the roofs are built with a 30 degree angle, which makes them appear even higher. It is sad to think that Geoff White, the Council's Chief Planning Officer, has to live with the knowledge that this Neath eye sore has been named after him in the most unkindly way - residents call it "White's Folly." It is something that will not go away or be forgotten - it is there for everyone to see. It is also infuriating to think that the Welsh Assembly Government is allegedly giving 20% of the costs to the developer on the basis that they are building affordable homes. Dr Dai Lloyd the AM member for the area has been asked several times to confirm this - so far there has been no response or denial, which suggests that the claim is correct. Follow-up A group of residents have got together to highlight the development with a website called: Neath Eye Sore. The comments from readers of the website highlight the strong feeling about it. Blaenhonddan Community Council New Website www.blaenhonddan.co.uk The Blaenhonndan Community Council's website has now been made official and has its own registered domain name. The site will, when fully developed, be very informative under the control of the Clerk of the Council, Mrs Mavis Hewitt. The website has a facilty for residents to send emails to the Clerk and also to post messages relating to council matters. Another page on the website gives a list of useful telephone numbers associated with council administration. The map page allows the viewer to see roads in the area or a satellite view that can even zoom in for an aerial view of their own home. Blaenhonddan Community Council New Complaints Procedure A new complaints procedure was accepted by all members of the Council at its October meeting at the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre. The procedure allows residents to complain to the Clerk of the Council about its members or officials and related matters. It is likely that the complaint procedure will be printed on the Council's new website in due course. The procedure is another step in making future council business open and transparent with the means of settling possible problems at local level before they escalate and get distorted by the media. The complaints procedure is for complaints arising in the future and is not retropective. Concern For The Elderly A Non-caring Health Service?
Dr Dai Lloyd AM for this area of Wales, spoke to residents at the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre on 4th October 2008 and revealed some disturbing facts about health care for the elderly and how it has gone down hill since 1980 - the time that Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister.Previous to that year, elderly people who needed care were looked after in various village and cottage hospitals at the expense of the National Heath Service. Now an elderly person in a modern hospital is called a 'bed blocker' and is shifted out to a residential or nursing home as quickly as possible where the person is 'assessed' on what should be paid for care and accommodation. This has resulted in many elderly people having to sell their house in order to pay for being looked after in a care-home. However, it transpires that the 'assessments' are not conducted as they should be and has it has resulted in many thousands of Pounds being refunded to the famlies concerned. In all the cases contested, not one has gone to court and there has been 100% success - as if the relevant authorities do not want the facts revealed. This state of affairs is not acceptable and more information will be given, with contact information, very shortly - so watch this space. Road Speed Retarders Cause Problems Sudden death for batteries! A report from a RAC serviceman has revealed that the life of a car battery is shortened by cars going over those bumps on the road. This has been proved to be correct by some residents living in South Bryncoch. The problem is caused by the turbulance of the electrolyte washing particles off the battery plates to create sediment at the bottom of the case, which eventually shorts the plates out. So if you suddenly find your car wont start then this could be the problem. Usually there is no warning given as when a bettery is getting old. Apart from this, many of these so called 'road calming' bumps are potential safety hazards when stupid drivers park close to them. There is certainly a case for having no-parking lines either side of them. New Years Honours For Blaenhonddan Residents 
The Community Awards instigated by Councillor Martyn Peters (pictured), took take place at the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre at 2pm on Friday 5th December 2008.One person from each ward was nominated for an award to recognise the service they have given to the local community over the past years. It was the first of an annual award scheme, which means that many more people will be recognised in future years for their efforts in the Blaenhonddan area. We hope that full details will be given in due course on the Council's website. Community Fact Blaenhonddan Community Council The Council, with its eighteen community councillors, covers an area on the West side of the river Neath, which includes Aberdulais, Cilfrew, Cadoxton, Caewern, Waunceirch and Bryncoch. It represents approximately 11,000 residents and deals with an annual budget of over £170,000. The Council has a full time clerk, Mrs Mavis Hewett, who deals with administrative matters and can be contacted by email Not everyone is aware that Community Councillors do not get paid - and get no expenses. On the other hand, County Borough Councillers get paid, plus expenses, which they have to declare. 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. NOTE. Issues in version 10 are included in version 11. 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 Ferret,"Neath Ferret", Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret",Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,"Neath Ferret", |