County Borough Councillor
Tony Wyn-Jones Speaks Out
In a honest communication to this website, a former community councillor speaks from the heart. He says why he resigned from Blaenhonddan Community Council and make comments on affairs outside it.
Tony Wyn-Jones must be commended for speaking his mind to the residents he represents. If only other councillors would do the same!
"Are councillors to blame for shops closing in Neath?
Simple answer is YES - the cost of rents is far to high if a big company like Burton's can't afford the rent. It seems that our market is not as busy as it used to be - why ? Parking charges - I must admit we need to charge but not as much as it is. Neath is like a ghost town even the Big Issue sellers have left town - what next, the pigeons?
Yes, I am (and remain) a County Borough Councilior but I have always stressed that I am no politician, I am only interested in the community, helping the elderly and trying, with the help of the PCSOs and local Sgt., to help youngsters and to try and see what we can do to reduce anti social behavior.
Whilst I am on my soap box you may be asking if I am only interested in the community why did I resign from Blaenhonddan Community Council? It's simply because they are not interested in the community. They are only interested in party politics and scoring points off Plaid, I think I can count on one hand the amount of times there was a peaceful monthly meeting. There have been times when the chairperson was unable to cope and had to call a recess for tempers to cool down.
I regret having to leave Janice Dudley and Gareth Morgan on their own, but I was fed up and could not take any more. I was attacked at one meeting even before the chair opened the meeting, so what she had to say to me was not even on the agenda. But now they have Mal Rees who like me is only interested in the community. However, I would like to say that I have great respect for Councilor Elwyn Jones.
At the meeting on the 21st Febuary, I, along with an other ex.councilor, plus the Police PCSOs and the public were accused of being hostile towards the council at a Pact meeting when all we were saying was just the truth.
Next thing, I suppose, they will be reporting me to the ombudsman. I look forward to it as I still have more to say, as under Blaenhonddan Community Council I was gaged and not allowed to speak to the press, now I can I have my freedom of speech back."
Editorial Note. Remember, Tony Wyn-Jones is not alone. In May 2009 six other Plaid councillors left the community council because they felt they could not speak their minds. It seems that this is yet another blow for democracy for the community council.
By the way, we don't agree with Tony Wyn-Jones about car parking charges. There should be trial period in Neath when there is NO charge - just like out of town parking. At the moment it almost like a charge to come into Neath to do your shopping! As for charging disabled drivers, CB councillors should hang their heads in shame. All councillors should always remember - PUT NEED BEFORE GREED,
Tony Wyn-Jones remains as a Neath Port Talbot County Borough Councillor.
