www.neathferret.co.uk Looking for Community Problems Contact: webmaster@neathferret.co.uk July 2008 Version 3 Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret,Neath Ferret Anger over Neath Guardian and are taken to task for bad reporting The Neath Guardian newspaper for weekending 26th July 2008 printed a series of distorted facts on its front page. It is sensational journalism at its very worst. It is so bad that Blaenhonddan Community Councillors have demand that the editor print an apology in the next edition - giving it equal prominence on the front page. The newspaper gave the impression that a £25 donation to the Madam Curie Foundation should not go ahead, whereas in actual fact the majority of councillors wanted it referred to their Finance Committee, hoping that a larger donation may be given to the charity. The newspaper did, however, report that Cllr Tony Wyn-Jones offered a personal donation of £25 in the interim period. The Neath Guardian seem unaware that several of the councillors have lost loved ones due to cancer and want to give the charity their full support. The Neath Guardian stated that councillors were in favour of making payments for training modules and stated a figure that was totally inaccurate for the few members who were prepared to devote their own unpaid time in attending the sessions. The newspaper also failed to report that the cost of the training sessions were already provided for and if money was not used for that purpose it would go to a separate account. The newspaper did not mention that Community Councillors are not paid for their services and act sorely to benefit the local community. Press Complaints Commission Many councillors are so annoyed about the irresponsible reporting in the Neath Guardian, with a personal reference to more than one councillor, that the matter has already been referred to the Press Complaints Commission. It is hoped that the newspaper will act sensibility and put matters right by telling their readers the correct facts on the front page of the next edition in the same way as the offending report. Why have a finance committee? This was a question posed by a labour councillor. It's because Plaid Cymru councillors insist there should be one. It is to have a tighter control over council taxpayers money allocated to the community council. A figure will be put aside for charity donations and it will be up to the members of the finance committe to ensure that there is a fair distribution of the money available. Like full council meetings, the public are welcome to attend and listen to the proceedings. An open and transparent policy will prevail to ensure that matters are run for the benefit of the community. Does it really cost £700 to 'strip and clean' some floors at community centres? This annual cleaning bill seems excessive to some councillers and is just one of the many things being looked at by the finance committee, including the fact that floors at some centres are Marley tiles. On another matter... Neath Guardian fails to accept a challenge We wonder why? On the evening of the May elections, a newly elected councillor challenged a Guardian reporter to report on our item on page 2. They did not do so as far as we are aware - and we wonder why? Is is because big business is involved - or is it part of a cover up for the civil servants working for Neath Port Talbot Council? The Welsh Assembly have been asked to look at the matter because the local authority say they own the land. We also wonder why the developers are rushing to put the houses on this ridge top site while builders elsewhere are slowing down with the financial situation that is effecting the building trade. The site is more suitable for bungalows - but this fact is being ignored for commercial reasons. It is going to end up as an eyesore and disgrace to the Planning Department of Neath Port Talbot Council. Another Challenge for the Guardian Newspaper This time we challenge Neath Guardian to mention the very existance of The Neath Ferret website. We don't think they will because they will regard us as a rival in the news media field. We would rather work with our local newspaper as we think we have much to offer in the future. Having said that, we think that if their edition for weekending 28th July 2008 is anything to go by, they would rather print news in a way that only suits them. We hope we are wrong and that the newspaper will put the community first and have the nerve to tell their readers about this website and its contents. Go to LATEST version Go to our page 2 Back to front page Information for this website is accepted in good faith. It is gathered from various sources and may, or may not, reflect the views of the webmaster. 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 Neath Ferret Neath Ferret Neath Ferret Neath Ferret Neath Ferret Neath Ferret Neath Ferret |