Cllr. Ryan Thomas

February 2012 Police report

2012-02-22T17:59:00.000Z

I have printed a copy of a report given by Sergeant Francis to the Town Council this month for your information.

Report given by PS Francis to Kidwelly Town Council on 7th Feb 2012.

Our crime statistics for January show that the Kidwelly Policing area had 21 recorded crimes; we also detected 18 crimes during January which is a detection rate of 85%. This highlights a very good month’s work by the local officers.

So far for this fiscal year we have recorded 178 crimes detecting 98 which is a detection rate of 51.1%. This compares very favourably with national rates.

However of more interest is that at the same period last year we had recorded 237 crimes which shows this year we have a reduction of 59 crimes which is a 25% reduction in recorded crime. I feel that pro-active partnership working has had a positive effect.

As a result of issues raised via the recent PACT meeting and reported in the press I have instigated the following actions.

Licensed premises have been visited and where appropriate have had letters sent to them by the Licensing Dept to remind them of their responsibilities with regard Anti Social Behaviour and where necessary a License review may be requested.

We will also be targeting local Take Away’s to ensure they operate within the agreed license re late opening.

Local officers will target areas where youths congregate and make use of powers to disperse them if they see evidence of Anti Social Behaviour related to drinking alcohol.

We will try and extend the already well populated Neighbourhood watch scheme and invite anyone interested to contact our local NPT officers (Garry and Liz).

I am also pleased to announce we will soon have a second PCSO to work alongside Liz in the Town and provide more visible presence and will assist in identifying and dealing with ASB. It is worth noting that despite limited powers the PCSO’s are a key part of the team. They are able to spend more time in the community, they can identify offenders and work with our partner agencies. They can also support the Police officers with information and evidence to support prosecutions and other proactive work.

I took on board the comments very seriously as reported from the last PACT meeting and asked our intelligence unit to conduct a review of crime and ASB in the Kidwelly Town area.

They reviewed 2010 and 2011 and their key findings were as follows.
“
Key Findings
• There has been a significant decrease of 33 offences between 2010 (137 crimes) and 2011 (104 crimes) this equates to a fall of over 24%. This difference stood at 42% when comparing January to September figures.
• Both years saw a spike in offences in December this was due in the main to a steep rise in criminal damage vehicle offences. In particular during 2011 where 8 of the total offences recorded were CDAMVEH. (2 x arrested and charged in January offences have now reduced, PC Calvin Lewis was the lead officer for these enquiries)
• There has been an 11% jump in the detection rate of offences in 2011 with 54.8% of offences having been detected when compared to 43.1% during 2010.
• Alcohol was a factor in 26 crimes during 2010 (19%) and 25 in 2011 (24%).
• Number of offences committed by under 18 year olds: 4 in 2010 and 6 during 2011.

• Anti-social behaviour incidents have also seen a marked decrease between 2010 and 2011 with a drop of 61 calls received (29.5% less in 2011 than in 2010). As a percentage of all calls received from the Kidwelly ward these numbers equate to a drop of 4.5% in real terms.
• Alcohol played a factor in only 24 incidents during 2010 and this has fallen to just 12 incidents during 2011.
• Of the ASB incidents recorded during 2010, 57 were youth related with 2011 seeing only 43 incidents involving youths.

• During the review period there has been a number of ASB related calls and offences linked with and address in Forde Court and the occupant therein.

During 2010 there were 5 offences and 11 Storm ASB calls relating to this address and occupant. 2011 saw 2 offences linked to the address but not with the occupant and 10 ASB related Storm calls.
For 2010 this highlighted address was responsible for 3.6% of all recorded offences and 5.3% of all ASB related incidents. This remained to be a problem area during 2011 with 6.8% of all ASB related Storm calls relating to this location. “ Multi Agency approach has seen this issue resolved through re-housing.

My request is that we continue to work in partnership with the community and where there are concerns they are reported to us. I am still happy to say Kidwelly is a safe place to live, what we do need is for parents to be aware of where their teenage children are, what they are doing and to take responsibility should they be found drinking alcohol whilst underage in public. It must also stress it is an offence to supply an underage person with alcohol and action will be taken where offenders are identified to Police. To highlight this a male has been arrested this weekend and dealt with for supplying alcohol to under age youths.

2012

2012-01-03T13:55:00.000Z

With the ending of one year and the beginning of another there is always a rush to predict what will happen over the next year. I won't be making any. All I will say is that it will be a busy and interesting year with County and Town Council elections in May and the changes they will bring. There will also be an extra election for us (anoraks) to look forward to in November with the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners. Any bets on who will be boss in Dyfed-Powys?

BT announce faster broadband

2011-12-28T13:27:00.000Z

The BBC reported yesterday that Kidwelly will be amongst 33 rural communities (including Burry Port) that will receive faster broadband by summer 2012. This is good news for the town and might help local businesses looking to promote and expand online.

Nadolig Llawen

2011-12-24T21:42:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Refuse collection during Christmas

2011-12-19T12:15:00.001Z

Please note that there will be no refuse collection on Monday 26th of December, refuse will be collected on Tuesday 27th . There will be NO change to NEW YEAR refuse collections, collection on Monday 2nd of January as normal.

Improvement at Kidwelly Railway Station

2011-12-17T22:15:00.001Z

Path to Platform 2

You will know that I have been working for improvements to be made at the railway station. It has been left in an exceptionally poor state for decades. During the summer the 1st Kidwelly Scouts and Arriva Trains Wales unveiled their landscaping project that was financed by the Welsh Government. I am now pleased to report that Network Rail (who own the station) have layed a new, smooth tarmac surface on the access path to Platform 2 (the Carmarthen-bound platform). They have also upgraded the fencing between the path and the railway line. These improvements should make it easier for the disabled, parents with pushchairs and passengers with luggage to get on and off the platform. No more dragging suitcases over puddles.

In other good news, Network Rail have submitted a plan to Carmarthenshire County Council to replace the Loughor Viaduct. The new bridge, which will be part-financed by the Welsh Government will enable the re-doubling of the railway line between Llanelli and Swansea. This will enable more services to run between Swansea and Carmarthen and will hopefully lead to more services calling at Kidwelly.

Olympic torch relay to travel via Kidwelly

2011-11-08T12:35:00.000Z

The Olympic torch relay will travel through Kidwelly on Sunday 27th May on it's route between Swansea and Aberystwyth. More information here.

Drink Bonds

2011-11-08T12:07:00.000Z

Having trouble understanding the cause of the financial crisis?

Helen is the proprietor of a bar in Detroit.

She realizes that virtually all of her customers are unemployed
alcoholics and, as such, can no longer afford to patronize her bar.

To solve this problem, she comes up with a new marketing plan that
allows her customers to drink now, but pay later.

Helen keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting
the customers' loans).

Word gets around about Helen's "drink now, pay later" marketing
strategy and, as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into
Helen's bar. Soon she has the largest sales volume for any bar in
Detroit

By providing her customers freedom from immediate payment demands,
Helen gets no resistance when, at regular intervals, she substantially
increases her prices for wine and beer, the most consumed beverages.

Consequently, Helen's gross sales volume increases massively.

A young and dynamic vice-president at the local bank recognizes that
these customer debts constitute valuable future assets and increases
Helen's borrowing limit.

He sees no reason for any undue concern, since he has the debts of the
unemployed alcoholics as collateral!!!

At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert traders figure a way to
make huge commissions, and transform these customer loans into DRINK
BONDS.

These "securities" then are bundled and traded on international
securities markets.

Naive investors don't really understand that the securities being sold
to them as "AAA Secured Bonds" really are debts of unemployed
alcoholics. Nevertheless, the bond prices continuously climb!!!, and
the securities soon become the hottest-selling items for some of the
nation's leading brokerage houses.

One day, even though the bond prices still are climbing, a risk
manager at the original local bank decides that the time has come to
demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Helen's bar.
He so informs Helen.

Helen then demands payment from her alcoholic patrons, but being
unemployed alcoholics they cannot pay back their drinking debts.

Since Helen cannot fulfill her loan obligations she is forced into
bankruptcy. The bar closes and Helen's 11 employees lose their jobs.

Overnight, DRINK BOND prices drop by 90%.

The collapsed bond asset value destroys the bank's liquidity and
prevents it from issuing new loans, thus freezing credit and economic
activity in the community.

The suppliers of Helen's bar had granted her generous payment
extensions and had invested their firms' pension funds in the BOND
securities.

They find they are now faced with having to write off her bad debt and
with losing over 90% of the presumed value of the bonds.

Her wine supplier also claims bankruptcy, closing the doors on a
family business that had endured for three generations, her beer
supplier is taken over by a competitor, who immediately closes the
local plant and lays off 150 workers.

Fortunately though, the bank, the brokerage houses and their
respective executives are saved and bailed out by a multibillion
dollar no-strings attached cash infusion from the government.

The funds required for this bailout are obtained by new taxes levied
on employed, middle-class, nondrinkers who have never been in Helen's
bar.

Now do you understand?

Please help us win Schools and Community Sculpture Workshops for Kidwelly in 2012

2011-10-17T19:08:00.000+01:00

Sculpture Cymru has applied for a grant from NatWest Community Force Awards to run some Schools and Community Sculpture Workshops in Kidwelly 2012.

To be successful the public needs to vote for the Project online at http://goo.gl/46eZl

When you get to our Page on their website you can read and see photographs/videos about the Project.

You will need to Register your vote by entering your Email and a Password.

Their Website is a bit slow, so you might have to refresh your search a couple of times - so keep trying and please forward this mail to everyone you know.

Registration is required to vote. Each voter has 3 votes. You can only vote once for each entrant.

Voting is free of charge and no purchase is necessary. Voters do not require to be customers of NatWest. Voters must be aged 16 years or over and be resident in Great Britain.

Votes are cast by using the online form at the NatWest CommunityForce website at www.natwest.com/communityforce. Those who are unable to vote online due to disability should contact the NatWest CommunityForce helpline on 0800 2100 246 or Minicom 0800 0155 545.

Voting will take place from 26 September 2011 and end on 23 October 2011. Votes made outside these dates will not be counted.

The Borough Offices - a final word

2011-10-11T23:02:00.000+01:00

I took the opportunity yesterday to take a look around the old offices. It's an imposing building in the centre of town, but on the inside it's a different situation completely.

It is a massive building, but it is a neglected building in a mess. It made me sad to see such a large useful space at the centre of town having been neglected for years by council after council. Large amounts of money have been spent in the past on refurbishment but nobody seemed to have thought of maintenance.

Now it's in such a state that it would cost the Town Council at least £600,000 to restore it back to working order. This would not have been completely against the Council's ability, but it would have taken so much time and money and it would have been wrong to burden people with such a cost at this difficult time.

At the public meeting last night, I got a feeling that a majority of those who attended felt that restoring the building required perhaps too much work. There was a 2:1 majority in favour of the Council selling the building.

Tonight, at a specially convened meeting of the Full Council it was decided to place the building back on sale and to put it up for auction as soon as possible. I and all other councillors present (except Cllr. R. Davies) voted in support of this decision.

It's a shame that this building will now be disposed of by the Town Council. The building has been part of the heritage of the Council and of the town for a long time. However, once the building sold, it will allow the Council to move on and concentrate on providing for the needs of the people who live in the community.

Public Meeting on the Borough Offices

2011-10-01T12:09:00.000+01:00

At the last meeting of the Town Council (20th September) the Council decided to hold a meeting on the future of the Borough Offices situated on Bridge Street in the Town Centre.

The meeting will take place on Monday 11th October from 7pm at Kidwelly Rugby Club. This meeting will be important for the future of the Council and the Community. I promise that I will take the lead in any further decision-making on the building from public feedback at both this meeting and through talking to individuals between now and when the Council eventually takes the final decision.

I have been a member of the Council since July 2010. The issue of the Council Offices has needed to be resolved since May 2008 and I am glad that there is now progress on this issue. The uncertainty over the future of this building has cause the Council much difficulty and has distracted us from the 'real' issues. I do not want the next Council (elected in May 2012) to inherit this problem from us. We need to decide on a direction (with a big public mandate) and move on. Please come along to the meeting on the 11th October.

Borough Offices

2011-09-21T07:39:00.000+01:00

Just thought I'd do a quick post on last night's Council meeting.

It was decided that the Council would take the Borough Offices (nee the Pelican) off the market and to hold a public meeting on it's future and the future of other public spaces in Kidwelly.

No date has yet been arranged for the meeting but I understand that it will be held as soon as possible.

Not a whole load of blogging going on

2011-09-20T14:54:00.000+01:00

I realise that I have neglected this website a lot lately, mainly because I am struggling to find the time to write about stuff. That's not to say there isn't a lot going on. I will try and write more in the future.

Tonight there is an extraordinary meeting of the full council to discuss the following motion:

In light of the concerns raised about the future uses of the Borough Offices (the former Pelican Hotel) by a significant part of the electorate, this Council should forthwith, remove the Borough Offices from sale. The Council will arrange a public meeting to enable the people of Cydweli to have their say about the future of the building and how the Borough Offices and other buildings can be best used for the benefit of the Town."

I have spoken to lots of people about this issue, and there is a significant majority in favour of the Town Council moving it's offices back into the centre of town. This does not necessarily mean that the offices should be in the Borough Offices, but there are a lack of other options.

This will be a difficult decision for individual councillors. There are pro's and con's for taking the building off the market, but I do support the principle of holding a public meeting. At least it will allow the people of Cydweli to air their views in a proper and democratic forum.

The second issue for discussion tonight will be for the Town Council to consider the adoption of the public toilets on the square. I know that Cllr Keith Davies has been doing a lot of work on this issue behind the scenes at County Hall in a bid to get the County Council to continue providing the service because of the unfairness of the County continuing to provide the service in other 'tourist areas'.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T22:29:00.000+01:00

It's ten years to the day since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and on the Pentagon in Washington, DC. I remember seeing the news on the kitchen television as I arrived back from school. I stood there shocked as I witnessed the significant act of self-harm by human beings on each other. 9 out of 10 Britons remember where they were when they first heard the news. It was immediately apparent that these events would change the world for years to come.

It's important to remember the innocent victims of this and other terrorist events. Whether it was the lives that were ended prematurely, the psychological harm on survivors and witnesses or the families and friends who grieve for their loved ones. It's events like these that should force us all to work together for the common peace, not to find fault, polarise and isolate people.

Dates for your diary - September

2011-09-02T13:30:00.000+01:00

Kidwelly's 5th Beer Festival tomorrow (3rd September) at the Princess Gwenllian Centre -huge variety of Welsh real ales, lager and cider, both bottled and barrel. There will also be 2 bands performing. Entry is only £3.00 whuch includes a festival glass. -there will also be food available . 2-11pm (please support your local hall by copy and paste to your friends.

Town Council Meeting - Tuesday 6th September 6:30pm

Kidwelly Station Landscaping Project

2011-08-26T13:06:00.000+01:00

This morning there was a short ceremony at Kidwelly Railway Station to unveil a plaque in honour of the landscaping project at the station. The project was a joint venture between 1st Kidwelly Scouts, Arriva Trains Wales, the British Transport Police and funded by the Welsh Government Local Environment Quality Fund.

I have been travelling to and from Kidwelly for years and I must say that the project has led to massive improvement to the look and feel of the railway station. You can sometimes feel a little isolated from the town while waiting at the station, but now it feels like it has been reclaimed by the town. The 1st Kidwelly Scouts will be maintaining the station as a garden, with future plans including a water capture scheme and a vegetable garden. Hopefully the improved environment of the station will encourage more people to make use of it.

With respect to other railway issues, the Town Council and rail users are continuing to lobby for more services at Kidwelly Station. The two services that were cut from the new timetable in April were restored at the beginning of July, and we are waiting for the new winter timetable. Network Rail are currently suppose to be making access improvements to the Westbound platform in November. I will be keeping and eye out making sure that they live up to their promise.

Carmarthenshire blogs

2011-08-25T12:20:00.000+01:00

I have been trying to pull together a list of active bloggers based in Carmarthenshire who blog about politics, particularly those who cover the business of Carmarthenshire County Council.

I haven't really been very successful in this venture so far, but you can see the results from my web search below, in the right-hand column. If you know of any other Carmarthenshire political blogs that I might have missed just drop me a comment below.

Elected Mayors

2011-08-24T12:20:00.000+01:00

The Western Mail writes that former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine has called for directly elected leaders to avert rioting in England. As somebody who supports more directly-elected 'leaders', particulary Mayors for local authorities, I'm not sure whether I can agree that having strong local leaders will necessarily stop rioting.

However, I believe that direct election of public officials is a good move and allows the public to take back a more direct control of their local services, as opposed to them being run by (as often is the case in Wales) faceless and unaccountable Council Leaders.

It will be interesting what kind of impact the introducation of Police Commissioners will have on democracy in Wales next year (if the Government can get the Bill through Parliament).

Nothing convenient about a place without conveniences

2011-08-01T22:16:00.000+01:00

Carmarthenshire County Council has announced for a second time that they will go ahead and dispose of all but five of the public conveniences that they operate. While communities have been aware of the Council's intention to get rid of toilets, a bad reaction from councils and the public has forced them to take another look at the arrangements.

The County Council will now offer £1,000 and an undertaking to pay business rates on the buildings. However, running toilets will be a significant undertaking for community councils, particularly smaller ones. Many people in Carmarthenshire may see their precepts rise next year as communities try and absorb the cost of providing this service.

Should community councils take over public conveniences? I suppose it depends. Councils in areas such as Kidwelly will be under significant pressure to take over the running of toilets because they are tourist areas. In other areas people might have to go without.

Anarchists vs. Terrorists

2011-08-01T11:35:00.000+01:00

A publication by the Metropolitan Police has recently stated that reporting Anarchists is a bigger priority that reporting Terrorists.

Next to an anarchist symbol, the briefing states:

Anarchism is a political philosophy which considers the state undesirable, unnecessary, and harmful, and instead promotes a stateless society, or anarchy. Any information relating to anarchists should be reported to your local Police.

The briefing fails to question the criminality of holding such views! Apparently being a criminal is not a pre-requisite of being investigated by the Met.

Also on the same page, but further down…

‘Your local anarchists should take higher priority than al-Qaeda operatives‘!

The police briefing was issued as part of the Met’s CommunitySafe initiative.

With confidence in Police at an all-time low, the organisation seems to be doing very little to reverse this trend. Maybe if they didn't spend so much time chasing after people who pose no threat and spend more time investigating crime.

Dimbbert

2011-08-01T00:39:00.000+01:00

I have not been a very active blogger recently. I have been concentrating too much on politics and issues local to Kidwelly, and think it might be better to diversify my range of subjects. Hence, another new blog - or at least the same blog, only different.

Carnival

2011-07-08T16:54:00.000+01:00

As you will all know, the Kidwelly Carnival is tomorrow. And yes, the Red Arrows will be making a fly past, at 4.25pm to be precise.

You can find out more about the Carnival and the day's itinerary here.

The Town Council and transparency

2011-07-05T17:41:00.000+01:00

I will shortly be leaving to attend two meetings of the Town Council. There are several ongoing issues on the agenda this evening for consideration, including the future of the Borough Offices, Approval of Council Accounts for the year 2010/11, the decision by Arriva to stop fewer trains at Kidwelly, the public conveniences on the square and possible Dog Control Orders.

One of the big issues I have been pushing for since my election is for the Council to make it easier to access information on-line. By visiting the Council website you can now find many of our policies, information on how to run as a Councillor in next year's election and over the coming weeks, much more. The Council has for a long time made minutes available on-line, and now meeting agendas are also published.

This week's Council meetings

2011-07-03T18:06:00.000+01:00

You can now find copies below of the Agenda's for this week's Full Council and General Purposes Committee meetings on Tuesday.

There are a couple of important issues coming up this week - I hope to get a chance to write about it here.

AGENDA Full Council 05-07-11 http://www.scribd.com/embeds/59239930/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-139ywtjtei061jzravuc(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

Agenda General Purposes Committee 05-07-11 http://www.scribd.com/embeds/59240031/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1v9t045vwg4yvxpp5bxb(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

The Llanegwad by-election and the County Council

2011-07-03T17:55:00.000+01:00

It's been over a week since the by-election in the County Council seat of Llanegwad, which was triggered by the disqualification of previous member Dilwyn Williams, a member of the Independent group. The result was as follows:

John Charles (Plaid Cymru) 494 (52.1%) - Elected

Clive Pugh (Independent) 455 (47.9%)

This result means that the Plaid Cymru group continue to consolidate their position as the largest group on the Council now with 31 members. Thinking ahead to next year's Council General Election, there are 74 seats on the Council, meaning Plaid will need 38 seats to form a majority.

With Labour likely to make gains next year in wards marginally lost during the low ebb of 2008, it's going to be a very interesting election.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Carmarthenshire County Council are now considering recording meetings to be made available to the public.

Surgery - Saturday 9th July

2011-06-25T13:24:00.000+01:00

Nia Griffith MP, Keith Davies AM, County Cllr. Keith Davies and Cllr. Ryan Thomas will be holding a surgery on Saturday 9th July between 11am and 12pm in the Princess Gwenllian Centre. Later on that day you can visit our stall at Kidwelly Carnival, where you can discuss local and national issues with us.

Speeches at the Rally Against Llanelli Fire Service Cuts

2011-06-25T10:56:00.000+01:00

Chris Howells - FBU
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3o4Fjhn04E&w=560&h=349]

Nia Griffith MP
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9hsyxilI94&w=560&h=349]

Keith Davies AM
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VlPGwPTnss&w=560&h=349]

Cllr. Carl Lucas
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgKmSY107BY&w=560&h=349]

Civic Society Meeting on Heritage Strategy

2011-06-20T15:44:00.000+01:00

Kidwelly Civic Society is holding a public meeting from 7pm on Tuesday 28th June at the Rugby Club, Kidwelly on a Heritage Strategy for Kidwelly and Mynyddygarreg. I believe that much of the emphasis will be on setting up a 'building heritage trust' in order to start on restoring some of the town's buildings that have gone into disrepair (e.g. the old town hall).

You can find more information about the strategy below.

Civic Society Heritage Strategy Meeting http://www.scribd.com/embeds/58302465/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-25a8vakrwp3isiyi5w9t(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

Carmarthenshire County Council and their fear of the public

2011-06-16T17:31:00.000+01:00

A story that has gained some media coverage (BBC, Telegraph, New Statesman) over the last few days was the arrest of blogger and Llanwrda Community Councillors Jacqui Thompson for refusing to leave the public gallery in County Hall, Carmarthen after filming proceedings.

Particularly since the controversy over Parliamentary expenses, there has been an even greater drive to open up the work of government and a great effort has been undertaken by the UK Government in this respect with projects like data.gov.uk and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles' advice to Councils to allow the public to film meetings.

However, the Welsh Government Minister has not made a similar statement, and so it is up to Welsh Councils to make their own rules about the recording of their meetings.

I was last in County Hall to listen to the debate about the proposed closure of Caemaen and St. Paul's care homes in Llanelli. There was a large, vocal crowd in the public gallery and the cabinet members and chief executive seemed less than pleased with the public listening in on them. It was as if public scrutiny and accountability was not a concept they understood. However, during the debate I noticed at least two members of the public taking audio recordings of the meeting, which in effect are the same as video recordings. This makes a nonsense of the entire issue.

I understand that Councillors may not wish a third party to record their deliberations for fear of being edited or taken out of context, but this is something that could have been happening anyway. It's also possible that anybody in the chamber may take a secret audio or visual recording of meetings without anybody else knowing.

What was really awful about this was the way that Ms Thompson was treated by both the Council and the Police. She was handcuffed and taken away simply for trying to participate in the democratic process i.e. through holding councillors to account via her blog.

It's time now that Carmarthenshire Council start living in the new age of heightened public scrutiny and accountability. It's no longer possible in the age of new media for these people to do as they like while hidden away in their corner of Carmarthen. But is it any real supprise from the Council who's leader was once quoted as saying that some councillors demonstrate weakness by listening to their electorate.

Help the Heroes @ the Nelson

2011-06-11T13:15:00.000+01:00

All day today and tomorrow (June 11/12) a free event in support of Help the Heroes charity. Local musicians doing all sorts of genres ... if you don't know what the local music scene is like, this is your chance to find out! Things for kids as well in the afternoons.

A cyclist's (exaggerated) experience of New York City

2011-06-11T13:13:00.000+01:00

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzE-IMaegzQ]

Dates for your diary

2011-05-17T12:05:00.000+01:00

There are a couple of events coming up over the next week...

PACT (Police beat) meeting at 6pm on Wednesday 18th May at the Rugby Club.
Kidwelly Youth Council meeting at the Parish Rooms, Lady Street at 5pm on Thursday 19th May.
Sculpture Cymru meeting on organising a bi-annual sculpture exhibition around Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg on Thursday 19th May at 7pm in the Upper Conference Room at the rear of the Princess Gwenllian Centre (see previous post for more info).
Kidwelly Camera Club exhibition, Saturday and Sunday 21st/22nd May at the Princess Gwenllian Centre. Doors open from 10am on Sat and (I think) 11am on Sun.
Beating the Bounds - a tradition (being resurrected by new Mayor Jeanette Gilasbey) where the townsfolk march the boundaries of the old parish (around 8 miles) - starting at 10:30am on Saturday 28th May.
Town Council meetings, Tuesday 7th June from 6:30pm in the Upper Conference Room at the rear of the Princess Gwenllian Centre.
Town Forum AGM, 20th June from 6pm at the Princess Gwenllian Centre.

If there's anything you think I might have forgotten or anything else I should add then simply add a comment below and I'll get round to putting it up.

Proposed sculpture exhibition in Kidwelly

2011-05-14T13:52:00.000+01:00

Sculpture Cymru, with the support of Kidwelly Town Council are proposing a new initiative to establish a bi-annual art/sculpture exhibition around Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg. If you would like to know more there will be a public meeting at the Princess Gwenllian Centre on Thursday 19th May at 7pm.

This is potentially a great way of promoting our town to the outside world and would follow the successful International Conference of Contemporary Cast Iron Art which was held at the Industrial Museum in July of last year (which included an exhibition of works at the Castle).

See the invitation below.

Invitation to

Proposed Kidwelly and Mynydd Y Garreg Art/Sculpture Exhibition by Sculpture Cymru

7pm Thursday 19^th May

Upper conference room (lift available)

Princess Gwenllian Centre

Hillfield Villas

Kidwelly

Dear Resident,

If you can say YES to any of the following, please attend the above meeting. Attending will not hold you to any commitment or obligations.

Would you like to see Kidwelly and Mynydd Y Garreg host to a

Bi annual Arts Festival?

Can you support Kidwelly and Mynydd Y Garreg in moving forward internationally within the Art / Sculpture world?

How can we let the World know what we have to offer in Kidwelly and Mynydd Y Garreg! Would you be able to help?

If you would like to know more, and perhaps have views, ideas you would like included, please come along and bring any family and friends with you.

You are welcome to turn up on the evening, or you can R.S.V.P your intention of attending by calling: -

Ali Lockhead on 01974 821358

Yours sincerely

Sculpture Cymru

Supported by Kidwelly Town Council

Phew

2011-05-07T11:32:00.000+01:00

I've had two days rest and had an opportunity to reflect upon the National Assembly election here in Llanelli. Llanelli was once again a very close fought seat and certainly caused a lot of stress for both Labour and Plaid Cymru members on the night of the count. I am delighted that Keith Davies won the election and I hope that it is part of a wider renaissance of the party both locally and nationally. As Keith said in his acceptance speech, I believe he will be a strong advocate for Llanelli, for Wales and for that distinctive brand of socialism for which Our area is famous.

What surprised me during the campaign was the growing number of people who were willing to come out and canvass, leaflet, make telephone calls, host fundraisers and help in many other ways. We had help from people of all ages, particularly young people and I feel that we are now returning to our progressive roots after the Blair/Brown years (even though Welsh Labour has represented that strand in the Assembly since 1999).

It's going to be an interesting 5 years in Welsh politics. With new law making powers, a possible Labour minority government, 24 new faces and a rethink for Plaid, there will be much to talk about. I hope that it will be a strong period for Wales as these institutions enter their teenage years.

I wish Helen Mary every luck for the future. She has been discerning representative for Llanelli over the three terms that she has served the area and has certainly shaken-up politics in our corner of Carmarthenshire.

New Yes campaign video

2011-04-23T19:00:00.000+01:00

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qFLuYJO2sA&w=640&h=390]

Rail station useage firgures 2009-10

2011-04-09T13:08:00.000+01:00

The rail station useage figures for 2009-10 were recently published. Here are the figures for the Kidwelly area, i.e. an arbritary area I invented to demonstrate the local figures.

Station Name	Total Entries and Exits in 2009-10	Total change since 2008-09	% change since 2009-80
Swansea	2,052,880	+38,838	+2%
Gowerton	42,674	+9,356	+28%
Llanelli	364,842	+356	+ less than 1%
Pembrey and Burry Port	112,866	+3,388	+3%
Kidwelly	19,696	+1,230	+7%
Ferryside	20,370	-2,664	-12%
Carmarthen	367,276	+1,798	+ less than 1%
Total	2,980,604	52,302	+0.2%

Kidwelly saw one of the strongest percentage growths in station usage, although starting from a lower base. Being the station with the worst facilities in the area, we can be encouraged by this growth. I hope that the railway companies take note and continue to invest in the station.

Video on the Alternative Vote

2011-04-05T18:23:00.000+01:00

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FstA45lxgFs&w=640&h=390]

Plaid confused on tax rises

2011-04-04T18:31:00.000+01:00

I was reading the latest Plaid newsletter that landed on our doormats today. It states that Plaid's Assembly candidate Helen Mary Jones has 'slammed' the County Council administration for a 3.74% tax rise.

I wonder whether Helen Mary will 'slam' Kidwelly's Plaid Cymru Town Councillors who all supported a higher council tax increase than Kidwelly's Labour Councillors? See the minutes here.

Will Helen Mary 'slam' Plaid Community Councillors in Llanedi who supported a massive 50% increase in council tax while Labour Councillors were campaigning for a 0% increase?

Or maybe we should slam Helen Mary for not turning up to almost a third of votes in the Assembly last year?

This is all happening at a time while senior Plaid members have been discussing a coalition deal with the Tories in the Assembly, an arrangement that would certainly put local services like libraries, bus services and the school building programme under threat, all having a direct effect on the people of Kidwelly.

On the issue of the closure of care home closures, the 'successful ammendment tabled by Plaid councillors' was seconded by Labour's Cllr Keri Thomas of Tysha and supported by many Labour county councillors including Kidwelly's Keith Davies, while Labour's Assembly candidate Keith Davies was a vocal campaigner against the closures.

Local Services - Use them or lose them

2011-03-07T18:16:00.000Z

The County Council is facing a tough time with cuts being passed down by central government block grants. These cuts could possibly affect county services in the Kidwelly area. One of the measures that the County Council is using to decide whether services should be cut or not is whether these services are being used by the public.

We have two important services in Kidwelly that are not under immediate threat, but will come up for review over the next financial year. One way in which we can safeguard these services is by using them.

One service under potential threat is the 'Bws Bach Cydweli' (Kidwelly's Little Bus) service that runs between the town, Mynyddygarreg and Four Roads. User numbers have been dropping recently and regular customers have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the service. The only way to safeguard the service is by using it (i.e. use it or lose it). You can find the service timetable and other information below.

B5 - Bws Bach Cydweli http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=50190984&access_key=key-j52s6bxv1j40vubt8ov&page=1&viewMode=list

The second service is the town libary. Although it's unlikely that the libary will be cut this year, the County will be looking for savings and Kidwelly library may be next on the list. So make sure that you visit the libary and borrow some books (even if you don't like books). It'll be worth it because as soon as these services are lost, it'll be much more difficult to get them back.

UPDATE: Library opening hours from April 2011

Tuesday: 2:30 - 5:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 12:30
Thursday: 2:30 - 6:00
Friday: 10:00 - 12:30

The Yes Campaign and the future

2011-03-05T14:41:00.000Z

On March 3^rd Wales overwhelmingly voted Yes to direct primary law-making powers for the Welsh Assembly. Although turnout was only around 35% the Assembly now has a Wales-wide mandate to get on with the job of making Wales a more prosperous and confident nation.

The truth is that this was a referendum that was difficult to get excited about. Even though I was a big part of the campaign in the Llanelli area, I often found it difficult to see the point of the poll. Constitutionally, the Yes vote represents an historic day for Wales, allowing us to make laws for ourselves, not done since the passage of the Laws in Wales Act of 1535. Practically, the difference seems somewhat technical.

In the end, the poll will be seen a vote of confidence in the Assembly and for Wales as a nation. I awoke this morning and Wales felt like a slightly different place, a stronger and more self-confident. First Minister Carwyn Jones aptly put it yesterday

an old nation came of age.

Deputy FM Ieuan Wyn Jones said

to demand respect, you must first display self-respect. Today we have done just that.

Today I have more respect and confidence in a nation that has persisted against all odds.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus i Chi / Happy St. David's Day

2011-03-01T00:28:00.000Z

A bit of referendum fun

2011-02-14T13:53:00.000Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsd72MmO9vI&feature=player_embedded

Rugby stars say Yes for Wales

2011-02-13T13:26:00.000Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH1UBzAEhIw

Tuesday

2011-02-08T16:03:00.000Z

I'm very busy at the moment, particulary with my involvment with the Yes campaign, and balancing it with work, the Council and my life.

I haven't been blogging much lately because I just can't find the time. I'll be attending the two council meetings this evening.

The Western Mail published 10 reasons to vote YES on March 3rd:

On Thursday the Western Mail declared its support for a Yes vote in the referendum on more powers for the National Assembly. These are the 10 key points that sum up our position...

1. A ‘Yes’ vote would end the cumbersome system under which the Assembly has to seek permission from MPs and peers at Westminster to make laws in specified policy areas.

This involves huge duplication and waste, with groups giving evidence to AMs in Cardiff and MPs in London. Delays of up to three years have occurred, making it very difficult to get a new law passed and institutionalising what we describe as slow-motion politics.

<img
src="http://trinitymirror.grapeshot.co.uk/wales/redirect.cgi?target=http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/ad/icwales2.5293/article_mpu;slot=article%5Fmpu;sect=wales%2Dnews;templ=page;cat=News;reg=Wales;st=r2;oid=28117629;sz=300x250;gs_cat=GS_CHANNELS;tile=4;ord=64537477?"

width="300"
height="250"

border="0"
alt="article_mpuAdvertisement" />

At a time when many people are disengaged from politics, such a system seems almost designed to create alienation and apathy.

2. Despite being the first legislature in the UK to pass a resolution backing a smoking ban in public places, the Assembly could do nothing for years because it did not have the power to implement a ban in Wales.

Eventually the ban was brought in, but only because an enabling Bill was passed at Westminster.

Because of the delay, the beneficial health impact of the ban was not available as quickly as it should have been, and thousands of people will have continued to suffer unnecessarily.

3. The current arrangements were not brought in because they were seen as the best way forward.

They were the uneasy result of a political compromise designed to paper over a split in Welsh Labour.

For years the party was torn between those who wanted the Assembly to have full law- making powers and those who were opposed.

Many of the opponents were Labour MPs who resented the creation of the Assembly because it took the spotlight off their political activities at Westminster, and because they feared that if the Assembly’s powers were increased, pressure would mount for a reduction in the number of MPs representing Wales.

4. Experts say the present system breaks from the usual constitutional practice of allowing a legislature to have responsibility for all its own functions.

Forcing one body to seek permission from another before it can make laws blurs accountability and makes it more difficult for voters to understand the political process.

For that reason, the system currently used in Wales has nothing comparable to it anywhere in the world.

The only rough historical parallel was an arrangement known as Poynings’ Law dating from 1494 under which the Parliament of Ireland sought permission to make laws from the English Parliament.

It was scrapped in 1782 when the Irish Parliament was granted legislative independence.

5. Many campaigners for a ‘No’ vote are simply revisiting the debates that occurred before the 1979 and 1997 referendums on whether a Welsh Assembly should be established at all.

The Assembly is not going to be abolished and it is fruitless to argue that it should be.

Instead of adopting a wholly negative attitude towards devolution, the focus should be on streamlining procedures to make sure the Assembly can be as effective as possible.

The current arrangements are hampering the Assembly as an institution and the Assembly Government as an executive.

6. ‘No’ campaigners claim granting the Assembly primary law-making powers would constitute a “reward” for politicians whose performance they criticise. This misses the point. The purpose of granting the Assembly full law-making powers is not akin to AMs winning a prize, but to their being given the tools they need to do their job more effectively.

Withholding from them the ability to make laws when it is appropriate to do so will entrench their status as second- rate politicians regarded as incapable of performing at a high level.

7. The referendum is not the occasion to make judgements about the performance of successive Assembly Governments or individual AMs.

The occasion to do that will be the election on May 5. It is wholly consistent to be a trenchant critic of perceived Assembly Government failings while strongly supporting a move to full law-making powers for the Assembly. It would be ridiculous to argue that the Westminster Parliament should be stripped of law-making powers because of the scale of the budget deficit or because some MPs made false expense claims.

Equally, it would be absurd to vote ‘No’ in the referendum because one is not wholly satisfied with the Assembly Government’s record.

8. An Assembly Government with primary law-making powers at its disposal would be more accountable and would find it more difficult to argue that its ability to deliver on its promises was hampered by Westminster.

It would force politicians to put forward a legislative programme with innovative and imaginative ideas that would capture the imagination of voters. Interest groups and individual citizens will know exactly where the responsibility lies when they want to lobby for legislative change – and they won’t have to duplicate their efforts.

9. A major plank of the ‘No’ campaign is that a ‘Yes’ vote will take Wales on the slippery slope to independence.

Such a campaigning tactic is inherently dishonest. The referendum question is wholly related to the issue of primary law-making powers in fields of policy that have already been devolved.

Independence simply is not on the agenda – and if at any hypothetical stage in the future it was on the agenda, it could not be progressed without a ‘Yes’ vote in a further referendum. Primary law-making powers of the kind on offer are already enjoyed in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, where they are supported by all parties, including successive Democratic Unionist Party First Ministers Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson.

10. Wales is currently at a disadvantage within the UK because it does not have primary law-making powers.

The other two devolved nations do, and the UK Parliament now acts as a de facto English Parliament too. Our Assembly’s inferior status in comparison with its counterparts gives Wales less influence at Whitehall and within the UK political establishment.

A ‘Yes’ vote on March 3 will go a long way to putting Wales on an equal footing with the rest of the UK.

County Council Budget Consultation

2011-01-28T17:59:00.000Z

Last week the Town Council voted to increase the precept by 2.9%. I voted against the rise because times are difficult enough for people without the Town Council asking for even more money. Over the coming year I hope the Council will take the opportunity to have an indepth review of finances and will give serious consideration to whether the people of Kidwelly get value for money for £75 a year (if you live in a band D property).

Also, the County Council are holding a 'consultation' into the coming year's budget. You can participate in the process online here.

Horizon on Climate Change deniers

2011-01-28T13:35:00.000Z

To my eternal shame, I often miss episodes of the BBC's long running science programme Horizon. However, this week I was lucky enough to catch it on iPlayer.

While this week's presenter Sir Paul Nurse was able to silence (for a short while) the journalist James Delingpole who broke the climategate story during an interview, very much in a way that only the President of the Royal Society could. As a good friend of mine would say, 'He got owned'.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuQLvK6kxeU&w=640&h=390]

Just a quick update

2011-01-25T15:11:00.000Z

I've been extremely buzy recently, between work, the Council and the Yes campaign I have a lot going on.

If anybody is interested in getting involved in the Yes campaign just drop me a message. We intent to go canvassing in Tumble/Cross Hands this coming weekend and we are awaiting the arrival of the leaflets from the national campaign imminently.

We had a Labour Party 'coffee afternoon' in Kidwelly on Friday which was a real success. There are serveral ongoing issues around town, such as the draining in Parc Stephens that are still being worked on, particulary by members of the different sports clubs. We also took time to talk about the big events that happend towards the end of last week like the appointment of Ed Balls as Shadow Chancellor.

Tonight the new Council Highways Sub-Committee meets for the first time. I hope that it will be an opportunity to resolve many of the highways-related problems around Kidwelly, including parking, speeding and better access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Obama's Speech at Tucson, Arizona

2011-01-16T23:59:00.000Z

This speech was delivered by President Obama on Monday at a memorial service dedicated to the victims of a shooting near Tucson, Arizona on the 8th January. I watched, I listened, and thought it worth sharing.

Coffee and a Chat

2011-01-16T15:37:00.000Z

Message from the Kidwelly Labour Party!

You are warmly invited to come and meet your MP Nia Griffith and Labour’s Assembly Candidate Keith Davies on Friday 21st January between 4-6pm at the Parish Hall, Lady Street. Your local Labour County and Town councillors, along with members of Kidwelly Labour Party will also be there to welcome you.

Kidwelly's Most Wanted

2011-01-11T13:24:00.000Z

I caught this picture a heron surveying what was on offer in our pond this morning.

Town Council Budget

2011-01-07T14:26:00.000Z

The Town Council budget and precept will be agreed at the meeting of the Council on Tuesday (11th January, 6:30pm at the rear of the Princess Gwenllian Centre.). You can view a copy of the draft budget below. The current proposal is that the precept be raised by 2.86% for the financial year 2011-12.

Please be aware that this is a draft budget and not necessarily the budget that will be accepted on Tuesday night.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on the draft budget before the meeting.

Kidwelly Town Council Draft Budget 2011-12 http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf

A Petition to Honourable Members

2010-12-28T16:23:00.000Z

There's news today that the Government are to have a Parliamentary e-Petitions system up and running within a year. It is hoped that such a system will herald a new age of public involvement in politics.

I'm slightly pessimistic about the idea, not because I think the idea is bad, but because of the old Conservative and Labour ideology of parliamentary sovereignty. Parliamentarians have too long thought of their selves as the popularly elected dictators of the United Kingdom.

For e-petitioning to work, it will require a new attitude from MPs whom will need to accept participatory politics in a similar to the way the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly where petitioning has been successful and has acted as a means for citizens to express their grievances directly to their representatives.

So far the Labour Party's response has been clumsy at best, with Paul Flynn outlining the dangers of people submitting silly petitions. This is about equipping citizens with more tools to be involved in the political process. I hope that MPs will fully accept this new policy as a small step in the right direction.

Nadolig Llawen - Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T12:18:00.000Z

Dyminwn Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

Yes for Wales - Llanelli Launch - 10th January, 7pm, Selwyn Samuel Centre

2010-12-20T12:13:00.000Z

INVITATION FROM LLANELLI SAYS YES

As you probably know by now the campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the forthcoming referendum on more legislative powers for the National Assembly in Cardiff on March 3^rd is under way.

There will be a launch meeting on Monday January 10^th in the Lliedi Suite, Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli at 7pm. The Rev'd Barry Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, will be joining the Rev'd Eldon Phillips, Nia Griffith MP and Helen Mary Jones AM to address the meeting.

May we extend a cordial invitation to you organization to attend this very important meeting.

You are also welcome to extend this invitation to any interested members of your community.

If you feel you or others you know can help us organise the Yes Campaign in Llanelli then please get in touch with us at crosspartycoalition@hotmail.co.uk.

GWAHODDIAD O LLANELLI'N DWEUD IE

Fel rydych yn gwybod erbyn hyn ni’n siwr mae’r ymgyrch am bleidlais ‘Ie’ yn y referendwm ar Fawrth 3^yddam fwy o bwerau deddfwriaethol i’r Cynulliad wedi dechrau.

Fydd cyfarfod lawnsio yn cael ei gynnal ar Nos Lun, Ionawr 10^fedam 7 o’r gloch yn y Lliedi Suite, Canolfan Selwyn Samuel yn Llanelli. Mae'r Parch. Barry Morgan, Archesgob Cymru, wedi cytuno i annerch y gynulleidfa yn ogystal a Nia Griffith AS a Helen Mary Jones AC.

Estynir gwahoddiad cynnes i chi a’ch cyd aelodau i ymuno a ni ar y noson holl bwysig hon.

Os rydych yn teimlo y gallwch chi neu rhywrau arall chi’n adnabod fod o gymorth i’r ymgyrch fyddech mor garedig a chysylltu gyda ni ar crosspartycoalition@hotmail.co.uk.

Council Report

2010-12-15T18:17:00.000Z

There were meetings of the Estates and Finance Committee as well as an adjourned meeting of the Full Council. The two things worth mentioning are:

It was agreed to raise cemetery fees, including the introduction of one off maintenance fee on every plot. I proposed a motion that the increase should be delayed until the beginning of the new financial year which was defeated. The new fees will now come into force in January.

The Council unanimously backed the motion 'Kidwelly Town Council supports full law-making powers within the devolved areas for the Welsh Assembly.'

Now I'm off to the Civic Carol Service in St. Mary's Church.

Out and about

2010-12-14T16:09:00.000Z

On my day off today I took the opportunity to have a wonder around town. I happened to meet the Mayor, Deputy and Town Clerk who were with an ITV news crew filming vandalism done to the Christmas lights on the tree near the Castle wall gate. The report should be on tonight between 6 and 6:30pm. The vandalism to the tree was part of a crime spree on Friday night which saw drivers speeding through town and the quay and also vandalism at Ysgol y Castell. I'm told that the Police were around at some point that night although they're presence seems to have been ineffective. I've also received a number of complaints today about a lack of police presence.

I also passed by Morfa Maen where work is going ahead demolishing the complex. I believe that it will be replaced by bungalows and Cllr. Keith Davies is negotiating with the County Council for a day room to be placed on the site.

A belated 'that was the week that was'

2010-12-13T19:37:00.000Z

It's been quite a week, particularly with the tuition fees decision/protests in England and the ongoing Wikileaks leaks and the arrest of it's founder Julian Assange.

I find myself conflicted over the Wikileaks revelations. On the one hand, I strongly believe that any information should be in the public domain - to hold all information is to hold all power - which is wrong because Government, particulary 'Western' governments often abuse this (case in point, Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell and the dodgy dossier on Iraq). On the other hand, a small amount of this information released by Wikileaks, such as sites that could be targeted by terrorists is worrying. However, I get the feeling that international terrorists might get their hands on this information anyway. In these sort of cases I tend to agree with journalists; it's better out than in.

I am sympathetic with hacking group Anonymous and their so-called 'cyber war' against companies that have withdrawn services from Wikileaks. It is wrong that massive corporations should have the ability to stop, or at least hinder any organisation from disseminating this information. At the end of the day, this information has already been leaked from the US Government and Wikileaks is simply acting as a platform to publish the information to a wider audience, much like the Guardian newspaper in the UK.

Anyway, I am busy with the 'Yes' campaign and getting ready for Christmas. Last Saturday we had a stall in Llanelli Town Centre, handing out leaflets and free minced pies. We had a positive reaction although I am a little worried about how few people seem to be aware that the referendum is coming up. The national campaign better hurry up!

December Diary

2010-12-12T12:12:00.000Z

More dates for your diary in December...

Tuesday 14th December - 6:30pm - Full Council (adjourned); Finance Committee; Estates Committee, Kidwelly Town Council - Upper Conference Room, Rear of Princess Gwenllian Centre

Wednesday 15th December - 7pm - Civic Carol Service - St. Mary's Church

If you are organising an event in Kidwelly and would like a mention on this blog just leave a comment or send me an email.

Yes Campaigning in Llanelli

2010-12-11T23:05:00.000Z

I was out in Llanelli today with the constituency 'Yes' campaign group for further law-making powers for the National Assembly. We were a large group, made up mainly of Labour and Plaid Cymru members, but also a Liberal Democrat and a few independent supporters.

There was certainly a positive feedback, although many didn't seem to be sure that there was going to be a referendum on 3rd March. The national campaign really needs to get going soon (I understand the launch is on January 4th) so that people actually know about the referendum and what it's about.

Liar Liar

2010-12-08T19:30:00.000Z

Hat tip to Syniadau.

Our Assembly

2010-12-08T19:07:00.000Z

There is a great website outlining why we should support further powers for the National Assembly for Wales here.

That was the week that was

2010-12-05T11:28:00.000Z

Another very busy week, and the first in December, which made me acutely aware of the need to pull my socks up and start getting everything ready.

There are many things that have caught my eye this week, but none more so than the Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews' announcement on university tuition fees for Welsh domiciled students.

The content of the announcement came as a shock to many, including myself who through that the Assembly Government would not have enough cash to fund extra tuition fees for students and would therefore pass the cost on to the student, quite rightly placing the blame at the door of the Westminster coalition government.

However, the Welsh Government decided to do what's best for students ('the sensible option' as described by John Sergeant on Question Time) and cover the cost of higher tuition fees for students. The English solution is totally regressive and will no doubt make social mobility even more difficult that it is today when young, poor students contemplate massive debts.

I felt proud to be Welsh and to be Welsh Labour that day. It's another example of the Assembly and the Assembly Government protecting us from the most regressive aspects of Westminster politics, and exactly why we should all vote YES in the Assembly powers referendum on the 3rd March.

That was the week that was

2010-11-28T11:45:00.000Z

It's been a very busy week for me and for everybody else. So, here I try and catch up.

I'll start with the story I enjoyed the most. The Shard (or the London Bridge Tower) has been in the news this week as the under construction tower begins to dominate the London skyline. I really like the design of the tower and think that the city, considering its worldwide importance and lack of space needs more elegant structures like this.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="580" caption="The Shard under construction (Credit: urban 75 blog)"][/caption]

I hope that before long we will start to see tall, beautiful buildings like this (but of smaller scale, initially) start popping-up in Cardiff City Centre.

The story that has angered me the most is the Westminster Government's decision yet again to delay a decision on ordering a new feet of Intercity class trains and the electrification of the Great Western Main Line to Swansea. However, announcements of £8billion investment into railway infrastructure is a good sign that the Government is not going to let rail infrastructure rot like their Tory ancestors. But early indications show that Wales is not really on their agenda! I will also point out that one of the announcements was that the Great Western Main line will be electrified up to Didcot, where a branch line leaves to head towards Oxford. So, a delayed decision over electrification to Wales won't necessarily hold up the actual work.

The Welsh Assembly Government has continued to announce how it will spend it's budget. I think Government Ministers have done an extremely good job in managing to get the best possible settlement for local government even though they faced very tough cuts. I also believe that their decision not to to ring-fence health spending (as the Tories have advocated) was also important; there is no way our young people should have to suffer a reciprocal 20% cut in education because of people playing politics with the NHS.

Ed Miliband gave a speech to the Labour Party National Policy Forum yesterday (text available here). I haven't had the time to read the speech in detail yet, but there are some interesting points he makes about the process of renewal and the importance of ensuring that everybody in the Labour movement has some involvement.

And, to finish again on a kind-of positive note. I was pleased to see another day of student action on Wednesday with sit-ins, walk-outs and marches over the Governments planner increase in university tuition fees.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="464" caption="Protecting the police van: Pupils waded in to keep vandals away (Credit: BBC)"][/caption]

It was good to see some students from south London trying to rekindle the meaning of why so many young people are filling the streets by stopping vandals attacking a police van. They don't want anarchy, or trouble, or for anyone to get hurt, all they want is to be able to afford to go to university.

More November/December Dates

2010-11-19T13:04:00.000Z

Princess Gwenllian Hall Christmas Fayre - 20th November 10am till 4pm.

REMINDER: Christmas lighting switch-on – Thursday 25th, 6pm at the Town Square (if it rains, the joviality will continue indoors in the Rugby Club).

Full Council - Tuesday 7th December, 6:30pm at the Upstairs Conference Room at the rear of the Princess Gwenllian Centre.

Budget Time

2010-11-16T18:04:00.000Z

At tonight’s meeting of the Town Council we will be setting the budget for the next financial year. It will be a difficult budget and I’m certainly aware of the financial strain that everybody is under. I will be looking to limit any increases in the Council Precept as much as possible as promised in my manifesto. I will publish the figures in full once the final budget is agreed by the Council in a couple of weeks.

More on Murdock

2010-11-15T17:49:00.000Z

Readers will know that I am concerned about the growing influence of Rupert Murdock over the media, particularly over the current attempt by NewsCorp to take over BSkyB. I signed the 38 Degrees campaign letter to my MP and have today (along with some 6000 over people at the time) written to Ofcom to express my concerns. For your information, here's the reply I received off Nia Griffith MP:

I am pleased that the move by News Corp to acquire the BSkyB shares that it does not already own has been referred to OFCOM.

Ivan Lewis, the Labour shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, and John Denham, the Labour shadow Business Secretary, had both demanded a referral to ensure "proper scrutiny" before Vince Cable’s decision.

Ivan Lewis said:

"News Corp's bid to take total control of BSkyB raises important questions about the future of media in Britain... It is essential both sides of the argument are heard and tested, if we are to reach a conclusion truly in the public interest."

"It is important for democracy in Britain that the power to influence opinion and shape debate is in the hands of a broad range of organisations and prevents any one organisation dominating the landscape.

"It is a fundamental part of the answer to the question – what kind of country do we want to live in?"

I believe that the rules governing media ownership must be applied fairly, irrespective of the status or size of media organisation. But as you say, we need a tough and wide ranging inquiry, and I will therefore be demanding Vince Cable to ensure that this is the case, both by writing to him, and raising parliamentary questions on the matter.

Nia

Paul O'Grady on Education

2010-11-15T17:37:00.000Z

Who knew?

Hat tipped to Liberal Conspiracy.

Education should be a right, not a privilage

2010-11-12T17:36:00.000Z

I watched the NUS rally against tuition fees on Wednesday with a great deal of interest. I was lucky enough to start university in 2005, the last year before the introduction of tuition fees in England. I was also really disappointed because I wanted to join the demonstration with the 50,000 other students, lecturers and campaigners but with other commitments it's always difficult to get up to London.

Because of the rioting of a very small minority of far left maniacs, the message of these 50,000 people has been clouded. There are a great many people who believe that education should be free, FULL STOP. I know of people who will be put off going to university at the cost of £9,000 a year. No matter how fair a system of student loans is introduced, the though of so much debt will frighten young people. The real hypocrisy is that these increased fees will be introduced by millionaires (mainly through inheritance) who did not have to contribute a penny towards their higher education.

It was also good to see Labour Deputy Leader Harriet Harman reflect the public anger towards the Deputy PM Nick Clegg at PMQs while the demonstration was going on outside. Mr Clegg just cannot answer why he felt it was right to betray all those students on who Lib Dem MPs rely.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/external/player.swf

Education should be a right, not a privilege. Why should young people have to pay when the older generations got everything for free?

We will remember them

2010-11-11T00:03:00.000Z

November Dates

2010-11-09T17:29:00.000Z

This month's dates...

Remembrance Day Ceremony - Thursday 11th, 11am at the War Memorial

Remembrance Sunday Service - Sunday 14th, 9:30am at St. Mary's Parish Church, followed by a procession down to the War Memorial

PACT Police beat meeting - Wednesday 17th, 6pm at the Rugby Club

Christmas lighting switch-on - Thursday 25th, 6pm at the Town Square

Kidwelly Christmas Lights Event http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf

IDS and the benefit scrounger

2010-11-08T19:45:00.000Z

Iain Duncan-Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary announced yesterday that the unemployed who receive benefits to cover the cost of living should be made to work in community service-style placements for 30 hours a week. There are only two major problems with such a policy before you even start to get into the detail.

I know a lot of people who are struggling to find work at the moment and it’s difficult, especially under the current economic conditions. And herein lays the truth that these cabinet ministers have no doubt needed to worry about. If you are desperately seeking work, the process of searching for jobs on-line, at the job centre or simply walking around town asking employers whether they have any opportunities is actually a full-time job in its own right. By the time that you have filled in an endless pile of job applications, updated your CV umpteen times and had to travel 50 miles to the one interview you managed to get out of a hundred unacknowledged applications, you have little chance of getting a job after you've probably worked a 45 hour week for several weeks. How adding an extra 30 hour job into you ‘empty’ schedule is suppose to help, I have no idea.

Secondly, community services is what criminals do. Forcing people, who in the main will be young people to work sets a chilling precedent that will further diminish these people’s perceived role in society. Making people clear trolleys out of the local canal will not help people develop new skills and will not form any kind of work experience. It will only make people feel undervalued and useless.

It’s fair to withhold unemployment benefit if people refuse to look for work, but it won’t help those who are desperate to find that next job. The only thing this policy will do is to disenfranchise another generation of young people and the long-term unemployed. Honestly, the government unemployment policy should not be drafted by people who want to appease Daily Mail readers.

Cenarth ward by-election

2010-11-05T12:59:00.000Z

Yesterday there was a by-election in the Cenarth ward of Carmarthenshire County Council after the death of Cllr. Haydn Jones. The result was as follows:

Cenarth Ward, Carmarthen CC.

Plaid Cymru gain from Independent.
Plaid Cymru 636 (81.9%, +59.4),
Conservatives 141 (18.1%, +18.1).
Swing of 20.7% from Con to PC since 2008.

As a result, the current composition of the County Council is as follows:

Plaid Cymru - 30
Independent - 29
Labour - 11
People First - 2
Liberal Democrats - 1
Unaffiliated - 1
Total - 74

As a result, Plaid Cymru becomes the largest group on the County Council for the first time*. The ruling Independent/Labour/Lib Dem coalition has 41 seats in total, with a majority of four seats over the total opposition.

*At the last general election, Plaid were tied with the Independents until Cllr. Siân Caiach (Hengoed) left to set-up her own party, People First.

Welsh Question Time

2010-11-03T18:56:00.000Z

Today's Welsh Questions to the Secretary of State are well worth watching. There a growing body of opinion that seems to believe that the Secretary of State for Wales does not have the clout to stand up for the interests of Wales in the Cabinet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/external/player.swf

Whether this is simply politics or whether there is a real concern that Cheryl Gillan is not very good at her job, the Secretary of State should work to maintain the confidence of her Welsh Government colleagues, otherwise there could be a breakdown in relations between the two governments with any number of bad consequences for Wales and the Union in which Conservatives vehemently believe.

Should we reintroduce school league tables in Wales?

2010-11-02T18:03:00.000Z

A study by the University of Bristol has found that league tables help to improve school standards in England. The research, which compares the school system of England with that of Wales, where league tables were abolished in 2001, found that the tables help drive up standards in weaker schools and schools in deprived areas. They found that the effect of abolishing league tables is as much as two GCSE grades per pupil per year.

The study concludes these tables help raise average school performance and reduce educational inequalities. So, it seems that, contrary to the opinions of teachers and unions, the Welsh Government should reintroduce league tables for schools in Wales.

And it shouldn't cost much either. The Welsh Government already collects the information and so it wouldn't take much to publish it.

The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

2010-11-02T00:29:00.000Z

Some of the funnier placards that were on show at Jon Stewart's rally to restore sanity and/or fear in Washington D.C. on Saturday have been uploaded to the Huffington Post website.

News from the PACT meeting

2010-10-23T12:07:00.000+01:00

There was another PACT (i.e. Police beat meeting) on Wednesday (20th October). Here is a quick update of what was discussed.

The County Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator (yes, I know) is working with the Licensing Department of the County Council to try a coordinated approach to tackle drinking on the square and in the town centre.

The Police are working with Pub Landlords to implement BOB (behave or be banned) in Kidwelly. For some reason, the county-wide scheme has not worked in the town so far.

Speed bumps have been installed at the entrance to Glan-yr-Afon car park.

A notice will soon be published of the lighting changes in the Glan-yr-Afon car park. I think the lights will be switched off at 10pm. The Police have been assured by the young drivers that they would not congregate in the car park if there was no light.

There were 9 calls relating to anti-social behaviour and 8 calls relating to traffic to the Police since the last meeting.

Speed checks have been conducted by the Police on Ferry Road and Monksford Street. Of those found speeding, many have opted to go on a speed awareness course, although those travelling in excess of 40mph (in a 30 zone) have received a fine and points on their licence. The Police have promised to continue with spot checks over the next couple of months.

The Police will be providing extra cover over the Halloween weekend and retailers have been 'briefed' on the sale of eggs and flower.

The residents at the meeting reported that the town centre did seem to be much quieter.

If you want to know any more just leave a comment of get in touch.

Dates for your diary (October 2010)

2010-10-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

Kidwelly Town Councillors are holding surgeries on Monday 18th October at the Parish Rooms on Lady Street, with a lunchtime session between 12:30 and 2:30pm and an evening session between 5:30 and 7pm. I hope to be around at some point during the evening session.

There will be a PACT meeting (i.e. Police beat meeting) on Wednesday 20th October from 6pm at the Rugby Club. These meetings are a good opportunity for you to address any concerns with Police Officers and members of the Council. There will also be an update on steps being taken by the Police and Town Council to prevent crime in the area.

Finally, there will be a community litter pick of the Kidwelly Quay and Kymer's Canal area on Thursday 28th October from 10am. The event which will last for about 2 hours is being run in conjunction with the Tidy Towns team from the County Council after a suggestion from the Quay and Canal project delivery group. All members of the community are invited to take part.

Llanelli says YES launches online campaign

2010-10-12T13:30:00.000+01:00

The campaign for a YES vote in the forthcoming referendum on law-making powers for the National Assembly in the Llanelli constituency has launched its online campaign. You can find out more about it here.

The campaign also has a Twitter and Facebook page.

That was the week that was

2010-10-09T12:14:00.000+01:00

I've had a busy week, and now I have a bit of time this weekend to relax and collect my thoughts. It has been the week of the Conservative Party conference and a mix of PR blunders, a week where for some fairness has come to mean unfairness and the week where we welcome Lord Sugar and the Apprentice back to our screens.

On Monday I attended a meeting of the Mynydd-y-Garreg Hall Committee for the first time. I hope to attend those meetings regularly so as to find out how the Town Council can continue to support the hall.

Tuesday was Full Council and the General Purposes meetings of the Town Council. During the meeting the Standing Orders were updated. Normally this would be rather uninteresting, but we now have a provision whereby any member of the public (living within the Community of Kidwelly, obviously) can speak before council on any business on the agenda for two minutes. You can find those agendas on the Town Council website here. There is also a new procedure for community groups to apply for support from the Council. I will post further information when I get the updated copy of the procedure.

On Friday the inaugural meeting of the Llanelli "YES" campaign was held at Llanelli Town Hall. The meeting was well attended and we now have a good idea of how to proceed with the campaign.

One of by bugbears is the lack of plurality in the media. There is a good post on Left Foot Forward about the increasingly concentrated media ownership in Britain. There is also a good piece of comment on the Guardian website by Henry Porter and Will Hutton about Murdock's domination of the British press.

And Thursday was National Poetry day. I can't say that I've read much poetry, but here's a link to probably the best known piece in the world, by none other than that legendary super-tramp Welshman W. H. Davies.

Llanelli Referendum 'YES' Campaign

2010-10-06T11:43:00.000+01:00

There is a cross-party public meeting being held at Llanelli Town Hall this Friday from 7pm to discuss forming a 'YES' campaign group for the upcoming referendum on Assembly powers in the Llanelli constituency.

Everybody interested in taking part in the campaign are welcome to attend.

Labour's Leader

2010-09-27T12:56:00.000+01:00

As somebody who voted for Ed (twice in actual fact), I was really pleased on Saturday to see him win. I have been really impressed by him in government and was attracted to some of the more progressive elements he introduced into the General Election manifesto. I'm sure that as he takes up the opportunity to lead, from the centre, he will continue to be a strong advocate for the progressive values that I and many of my Comrades hold.

In the meanwhile, he will need to weather the storm from the right-wing press and will have to come up with a definitive plan for deficit reduction so as to build a platform against the ideological and indiscriminate cuts of the Westminster coalition government.

I look forward to the Labour Party starting afresh with Ed. As he said on the Andrew Marr show yesterday morning, the Labour Government had become part of the establishment, as does every government eventually, and they run out of ideas. Now it is time for the entire movement to regroup, form an effective opposition and prepare for government after the election in 2015.

Please support 38 Degrees' Stop Murdock campaign

2010-09-17T11:40:00.000+01:00

From the 38 Degrees website

Our campaign to stop Rupert Murdoch taking 100% control of BSkyB might be on the verge of a massive breakthrough.

Tens of thousands of us signed the petition to Vince Cable to stand up to Murdoch's power grab. Now the BBC have revealed a leaked document showing that even Vince's own advisors are telling him not to wave the deal through.

It's a huge step forwards but we need to act fast, together, to stop Murdoch fighting back.

Right now Murdoch's army of lobbyists and lawyers will be in panic mode - they'll be piling the pressure on Vince over the next few days.

Add your name to our huge open letter telling Vince to hold firm - we'll be presenting it to him early next week.

I think it's really important to have plurality of media, and allowing Murdock to acquire a further stake in BSkyB as well as his ownership of several big newspapers will have bad effect on the UK's media. So, please sign the 38 Degrees letter to support Vince against Murdock.

Getting it right

2010-09-16T20:36:00.000+01:00

There was another well attended PACT meeting last night down the rugby club. This time a good number of young people turned out to express their side of the story. A number of issues were discussed and a number of them will be taken forward to try and find solutions.

Firstly, a correction on my behalf. I have been referring to PACT meetings as police and community together meetings, but I was suitably informed by the Sergeant that they are actually called partners and community together. I am still unsure whether this is to bring several organisations together or a way for the police to shrug responsibility.

Sgt. Ian Francis opened by outlining what the polices had been doing since the last meeting to police anti-social behaviour. He reported that the police had received two calls relating to vehicles being driven anti-socially and two calls relating to general anti-social behaviour. Considering the feedback I and other councillors have received either residents are not reporting the crime or residents find the process of making a statement prohibitively inconvenient. Sgt. Francis also added that the Dyfed-Powys area has the lowest levels of crime in the whole of England and Wales. I thought it reasonable point to make, but it should not be used as an excuse not to police further as an attempt to prevent even more crime. Although we do not suffer from much 'serious' crime, anti-social behaviour can have a dramatic effect on neighbours' quality of life.

When the floor was opened for residents to air their concerns, issues that were raised included anti-social behaviour and drinking (particularly on the town square), speeding and some relating to anti-social driving. I noted that there were significantly fewer people complaining of anit-social driving that at the last meeting, which tells me that the problem isn't as bad as it was. Part of reason maybe the start of the new school/college term.

In answer to these points, Sgt. Francis asked residents to provide full descriptions of people/vehicles where a crime has been committed to ensure that action can be taken; he will ask for a traffic unit to monitor speeds on Ferry Road, although this seemed unlikely to happen before traffic calming is installed along the road (funding has been allocated for the project by the County Council in next year's budget, but will be subject to public consultation) and the Mayor said that the Town Council will look into installing CCTV cameras overlooking the square at the cost of more than £3,000 (something that I will support).

The young people that attended the meeting complained of a lack of facilities for people and cited the limited hours that the youth hut is open and the council ban on motorbikes and quad-bikes from the 'track' up the Mynydd. One of them also said that he had been asked to move on from the Glan-yr-Afon car park even though he had done nothing wrong. I think it's important to apply the law equally and not isolate younger members of the community through over-zealous policing. The point was made that people of all ages are responsible for driving and parking offences.

I promised in my manifesto that I would campaign for more Town Council resources to be spent on young people. I believe that we should be providing for the needs of people from the age of 5 all the way up to their early twenties, but obviously each age group have their own very different needs and expectations. I doubt that there is an easy solution to this but I will be looking for a substantial amount of money to be appropriated in the 2011/12 Town Council budget for young people.

With the budget process for the 2011/12 financial year starting soon and the UK Government Comprehensive Spending Review, I will probably be writing a lot about about finance in the near future. If any of you have any suggestions on how the Town Council can help provide services to the community, just drop me a comment or an email.

PACT this Wednesday

2010-09-13T21:51:00.000+01:00

A reminder that the PACT (Police and Communities together) meeting is being held at Kidwelly Rugby Club on Wednesday at 6pm.

We are expecting police officers to be present to answer questions about how they are tackling the problem of 'boy racers' in town.

Kidwelly Ecology Festival

2010-09-11T10:40:00.000+01:00

The first ever Kidwelly Ecology Festival is being held today down the Quay from 11am. Organised by the Town Forum in conjunction with several other community groups, it should be a really interesting event.

It is also the first event that is being held down the underused Quay in some time. At the moment, the heavy rain has subsided. Let's hope it'll keep dry for the event.

Supporting Science

2010-09-10T13:31:00.000+01:00

[caption id="attachment_457" align="alignright" width="300" caption="We can lend any unsued computing power to a scientific research project"][/caption]

After Business Secretary Vince Cable announced cuts to government funded research projects on Wednesday, we should be asking ourselves what we could be doing as private citizens to support science during the ConDem budget cuts.

One of the things I decided to do was to install the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (or BOINC). This is a piece of software that you can install on your computer and will use any free processing power to calculate computer models for scientific research projects. And, if you need the processing power back (for instance to play a video), the software automatically pauses any calculations.

Universities across the world are having to put off buying that new supercomputer, so what better that for everybody to collaborate and share all that spare computing power, of which there is much, just sat doing very little in your front room.

Hospital Petition

2010-09-06T22:55:00.000+01:00

Labour Assembly candidate for Llanelli Keith Davies and Nia Griffith MP are collecting a petition asking the Hywel Dda Health Board to maintain all current services at Llanelli's Prince Philip Hospital. If you would like to support the campaign you can sign the petition online here.

Leading Labour

2010-09-04T13:40:00.000+01:00

[caption id="attachment_442" align="alignright" width="298" caption="Blurred photo of Me with Ed Balls"][/caption]

Ed Balls paid a flying visit to Llanelli yesterday to answer the questions of local members, activists and union members. Although I am not the greatest fan of Ed Balls I must say that during the leadership campaign he has been one of the two men who have really impressed me, the other being Andy Burnham. Ed B has really demonstrated his knowledge of the education system and has taken the fumbling English Education Secretary Michael Gove to task time after time.

Andy Burnham has been extremely strong during this campaign. He has made the most of this opportunity and really made a name for himself. I see both Ed B and Andy playing integral roles in future Labour shadow cabinets and governments.

My favourite candidate throughout this campaign has been Ed Miliband and he will get my first preference in the election. I have been impressed by Ed M's work over the past couple of years, especially in his role as Secretary for Energy and Climate Change. I see him as somebody with experience but who is not the finished product, a brake with New Labour and the previous Blair/Brown regime if you like. If he wins, I see him as the only candidate who can develop into a leader who can take Labour back into power. With his strong showing amongst trade unions and socialist societies, a large amount of people seem to agree.

Update: The Tribune magazine editorial neatly sums up my thoughts on the Miliband vs. Miliband contest.

Improvments to Kidwelly Railway Station

2010-09-02T15:51:00.000+01:00

Having been in correspondence with Arriva Trains Wales it has been confirmed that Network Rail has now scheduled improvement works to be carried out on the railway station early next year.

These improvements will include resurfacing the paths, levelling the ramp access to the platform and renewing the line side fencing adjacent to the paths.

Hopefully these improvements will allow disabled and elderly passengers to access rail services with greater ease.

I will continue to keep and eye on the situation and will follow up if any of the work does not meet the satisfaction of railway station users.
Kidwelly Railway Station http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf

Anti-Social behaviour in Kidwelly

2010-08-21T14:07:00.000+01:00

I, along with Cllr. Keith Davies and other town councillors attended the monthly PACT (police and communities together) meeting on Wednesday where around 50 residents turned up to make their views known about the effect of boy racers and other anti-social behaviour in town has had on their lives.

The problem, particularly of some young people racing their cars through the town during the day and very late at night has been causing a great deal of disruption to peoples’ lives, notably loss of sleep. A straw poll of people at the meeting indicated that at least 30 of the people present at the meeting had made at least one call to the police, which suggest to me that the police must have received at least one hundred calls over very similar offences committed in Kidwelly over the past few months.

My most serious concern is that the police have received so many calls but, as yet have failed to agree a plan of action to tackle the problem. Several other problems came to light, including the fact that there is no police presence in Kidwelly between 11pm and 6am and that although the police often respond to calls in a reasonable time, the perpetrators of any offence are long gone by the time of their arrival.

There were also concerns that action by police in Llanelli and Burry Port has simply moved those towns’ problems down to Kidwelly.

Residents were informed about a legal device called a Section 59 (of the Police Reform act 2002). It gives police powers to deal with anti-social use of motor vehicles on public roads and off-roads. The police can stop and seize vehicles where they are being driven on the public road or other public place without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other road users. The law requires the officer to warn the person before seizing the vehicle, to enable its anti-social use to be stopped. Residents were advised to report any vehicle being used in a disruptive way to police so that can make full use of their Section 59 powers. [You can read Section 59 in full here.]

On the day after the PACT meeting (Thursday), a site meeting was held at the Glanyrafon car park with PC Gary Cutler, PCSO Liz Kempster, Carmarthenshire County Council Traffic Management Operation Manager John McEvoy, and Councillors to discuss what CCC, as owners of the car park can do to prevent boy racers creating a disturbance in the car park.

CCC will install a permanent CCTV camera at the entrance of the Glanyrafon site. The previous camera at that location was portable and has since been relocated to a site in Burry Port. Bollards will be installed throughout the car park to prevent the boy racers from spinning their cars and a proposal to switch the lights off at a set time of night will be investigated. The police added that these people tend not to meet in dark areas.

The next PACT meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of September (15^th) from 6pm at Kidwelly Rugby Club. Sergeant Ian Francis (who is in charge of policing the Kidwelly area) is supposed to be present at this meeting to answer residents' concerns. I would encourage as many residents to attend as possible. You can visit Kidwelly Police's website here.

The Big Society

2010-08-12T21:33:00.000+01:00

As with every big policy launch by the Westminster Government these day, I always question what the real implications will be on Welsh communities. Whether due to a lack of sensitivity by the national press or simply the result of poor news coverage in Wales, we are always left in a quandary over what policy changes mean for us in the post devolution age.

The aim of the Conservative strategy is “to create a climate that empowers local people and communities, building a big society that will 'take power away from politicians and give it to people”. Reading the statement from a completely literal point of view it is an admirable aim. I believe strongly in devolution to communities, against government centralisation, be it in Brussels, London or Cardiff and my belief is cemented through my growing experience as a Councillor.

The policy’s priorities are

Give communities more powers

Encourage people to take an active role in their communities

Transfer power from central to local government

Support co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises

Publish government data.

I agree with transferring further power to communities and local government. I also believe that people should be encouraged to take an active role in their communities, albeit encouraged through real support from professionals as opposed to expecting volunteers to take all the responsibility. Another concern is that the Government expects co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises to take responsibility for the provision of public services when there are thousands of community and parish councils who could take on these responsibilities with the added bonus of being democratically accountable through elections held every four years.

But there are two big problems with the proposals. During the last Labour Government’s term in office they provided vast amounts of money to the voluntary sector which allowed it to grow and provide many of the services that make our lives so comfortable today. But as these massive and unnecessary cuts start to bite, the voluntary sector will be put under extreme pressure in responding to the cuts. Simply asking volunteers for more of their time won’t necessarily make a difference as the voluntary sector is more complicated than that. If a charity has a big influx of volunteers, it has to find money to train them for their purpose as well as training in health and safety, first aid etc etc, plus any additional costs such as CRB checks.

Secondly, the Government is expecting volunteers to take the strain. But they are making these expectations during a time of economic difficulty, when many are working longer hours for less money and the increasingly unemployed that have to save their own money rather than donate to community charities.

The Big Society is a big idea but nothing new. Similar projects were run during Labour’s term of office and in reality there are already millions of people who are active within their community, whether they run a youth club, sit on a management committee of a community hall or deliver meals on wheels. The big difference with this and the Tories’ idea is that the Tories don’t want to help pay for it.

My first meeting

2010-07-14T12:04:00.000+01:00

I attended my first meeting of the the Full Council last night. It was fantastic to finally take my place around the table and start to have a direct input into the affairs of the Council.

I'm already learning the in's-and-out's of the Council and am sure that I'll be ready to start delivering on my pledges very soon.

Assembly highlight

2010-07-05T12:00:00.000+01:00

There was a good debate last Wednesday led by the Conservatives on 'democratic accountability'. This debate, especially surrounding directly elected police commissioners will become more relevant as the ConLib Government seek to deliver on their election promise and will no doubt lead to a difficult debate about the role that the Welsh Government plays in delivering criminal justice in Wales.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/external/player.swf

Going to the polls

2010-07-02T11:56:00.000+01:00

After it emerged yesterday that the Coalition Government plan to hold a referendum on the Alternative Vote electoral system for Westminster elections we now face the prospect here in Wales of going to the polls three times in so many months.

Current speculation puts the date of the referendum on further powers for the National Assembly somewhere in March. Nick Clegg has announced that the referendum on AV will be on the 5th May 2011 which will also be the date of the National Assembly elections. First Minister Carwyn Jones and Tory leader in the Assembly Nick Bourne are calling on the Secretary of State Cheryl Gillan to delay the date of the Assembly elections for four weeks to avoid the debates surrounding the referendum and the elections getting mixed up.

As a result, we could be expected to go to the polls once in March for a referendum, once in May for another referendum and for a third time in June for an election.

Elected

2010-06-21T11:40:00.000+01:00

After about three weeks of campaigining in my spare time and help from party collegues I have been elected as a Town Councillor for the Mynydd-y-Garreg Ward on Kidwelly Town Council. Thanks to all those who supported me.

Result:

Ryan Thomas, Labour - 167, Elected
Byron Huws, Independent - 156, Elected
Andrew Jenkins, Independent - 76

Government spending details published

2010-06-04T12:53:00.000+01:00

The government has taken another great step forward today by publishing its spending charts for 2008/09 and 2009/10. The combined online information system (or COINS) includes what departments were authorised to spend, what they actually spent and what they are forcast to spend.

The data published today is in a difficult format and will take a long time to analyse. However, the Government has promised to start publishing data in a common accessible format by August, and so that will be the starting point in which everyday people without a great knowledge of accounting and IT can start to look at the date theirselves. But, if you can't wait that long the Open Knowledge Foundation has made a start here.

It will no doubt be a major tool for scuritising the spending decisions of Labour ministers in the past, but I am wondering whether this data will continue to be published as it comes available. It seems not after reading Mark Rossenberg's blog on the BBC;

Update 1130: This morning, I have also received a freedom-of-information response [570Kb PDF] from the Treasury which makes clear there are limits to the coalition government's open-data policy.

The Treasury is refusing to provide access to the current contents of the Coins database. The information it has provided today is historical data for 2008/9 and 2009/10, although the figures for the latter year are not yet complete. It is planning to issue previous years' data back to 2005/6 within the next fortnight.

However, the Treasury has told me today that it will not release data for current and future years, because this relates to the formulation of government policy, and some of it - for example, that relating to government trading funds - is also commercially sensitive. It argues that the material is exempt under the Freedom of Information Act because the balance of the public interest is against publication. It says that Coins data for 2010/11 will not be issued until June next year.

Last year George Osborne attacked Gordon Brown for not giving him access to Coins data. He was clearly referring to current data rather than historical information. In an interview with the BBC's political editor Nick Robinson, he said: "We will publish all this information, we will make it available to future oppositions".

It's a good start but not good enough. Transparency should not be a tool for attacking previous governments but as a means of holding the current government to account. I'm sure spending on any commercially sensitive areas could be censored on the COINS list until those policies have been announced.

Beware the media

2010-06-03T23:47:00.000+01:00

See below a video from an Australian blogger about a TV cameraman that was provoking a young Muslim man and his father outside a Magistrates Court in Melbourne. I find myself being ever more suspicious of the media as they scramble for the story that they want instead of reporting the facts, especially during a week that has had some big, shocking news stories and this video highlights the issue in the clearest way.

Transparency is key to a stronger democracy

2010-06-01T18:05:00.000+01:00

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition does seem, for the moment to be committed to greater transparency throughout government. Their publication yesterday of a list of top Government earners was a great leap forward for what is one of the most centralist and despondent bureaucracies in the world.

Francis Maude, the new Minister for the Cabinet Office will also chair a new Public Sector Transparency Board that will ‘drive the government transparency agenda’. The board will include members such as the inventor of the web Sir Tim Berners-Lee and the founder of mysociety Tom Steinberg.

There is always an argument for greater transparency and politicians on the whole have been enthusiastic about opening up the books on their own activities, perhaps encouraged by several expenses scandals and public anger. But what I really want to know is how this new movement of transparency will help open up access to the activities of government leaders and officers.

All too often it is not the MP or PM that provides a barrier to people but a bureaucrat making mistakes at the end of a telephone line. Will transparency helped by technologies like the internet help us make sure that politicians are holding their Permanent Secretaries, their Directors, contractors and others to account.

There is much use of the word ‘new’ and a misused use of the word ‘radical’ but I’m not holding my breath. However, this idea seems to be holding traction as some members of the government appear to be really enthusiastic about the entire project.

I have maintained that our kind of democracy is about electing our dictators. Maybe greater transparency can the public play an active, everyday role in the work of government, but it could simply add another complicated layer of spin and confusion between the Minister and the Constituent.

News release on transparency

List of high earners pay details

Too much information

2010-06-01T12:47:00.000+01:00

Like most people I seem to find myself too busy to absorb much information. The is a great post on Tech President about our obsession for raw facts but our failure to absorb those stats and act on them in a meaningful way.

One of the reasons I am currently busy is because I am contesting a community council by-election for the Labour Party in Kidwelly. I hope to get a chance to day to catch up on everything that's been happening over the past few days.

When Governments Attack

2010-05-26T01:04:00.000+01:00

What is becoming obvious is that young people will suffer disproportionally from this financial crisis. The child trust fund will be scrapped, the young people’s guarantee, cutting funding of 20,000 extra university places to 10,000, freeze on public sector recruitment etc etc.

Whether you’re a newborn or not so newborn, you’re going to suffer. And if you do manage to get onto a career ladder you better not hope to retire before the age of 66, or probably 70ish by the time you reach it.

What really hurts is that young people are paying the price for the risky gambling of a very small minority of the population based in the Square Mile who are most likely already rich enough to retire already.

What can young people hope to achieve in a society that no longer places and value or respect on them?