Candidates with cold feet

Candidates for the local council elections due to take place on 3rd May 2012 are advised that they have until 11th April to change their mind and withdraw their nominations.

For many people second thoughts are often best - and perhaps many may not want to be humbled and lose face due to the council's decision to get rid of the Neath Empire - the town's most popular entertainment centre.

An unconfirmed report states that many Labour councillors have decided not to put their names forward for re-election, leaving it to younger candidates who have nothing to lose.

Figures published on the NPT Gov website about allowances for 'special services' (shown in our menu under Councillors Pay) have also not helped certain members - including two in Baglan who changed sides at the last minute at the last election, and were rewarded with allowances for doing so.

In Port Talbot many residents feel the same way about the council dragging their feet over the Plaza cinema - where there is also a demand to turn it into an art centre.