South Wales Evening Post - 31 March 2006
Swansea Council's ruling coalition has lost its majority following the resignation of two city councillors.
Councillors Ray Welsby and Richard Lewis had been part of the Liberal Democrat-led coalition.
The Post revealed yesterday they were threatening to quit. Now they have done exactly that after failing to iron out differences with the leadership.
The pair have cited alleged secrecy and spiralling spending as major reasons for quitting the coalition.
Councillor Welsby is also unhappy at the prospect of transferring council houses out of the control of the local authority.
"We have made our decision to go and I am quite happy about that," said Councillor Lewis.
"Ray is very keen on fighting the council house sell-off and I agree.
"I think there have also been communication problems with some major decisions that have gone on.
"The cabinet has decided to keep some things private, whether that is for financial reasons or because they are controversial, I do not know."
Councilor Lewis, who was involved in a public spat two years ago after losing an automatic nomination to become Swansea's Lord Mayor, said he had kept quiet about a number of deals he had opposed, including the controversial Service@Swansea project that is reportedly going to cost at least £170 million.
The move means that the Liberal, Independent, Conservative (LIC) coalition that has been in power since ousting Labour in June 2004 holds just 34 of the council's 72 seats. Until now the coalition has held the same number of seats as opposition parties, but has been able to use a casting vote to break any deadlocks.
Despite losing majority control the LIC coalition says it remains confident of holding on to power.
Council leader Chris Holley denied the secrecy claims but admitted the decision would have an impact on the coalition.
He added yesterday: "It is going to make life more difficult, but that won't stop us carrying on with policies that will benefit Swansea. We will still be the largest group in the authority with 34.
"We will endeavour to keep on pushing forward with our plans. We already have consensus with parties on a lot of issues."
Councillors Welsby and Lewis were both part of Swansea's Independent Association during the 2004 elections, but both have since left that group as well.
Councillor Welsby said: "We do not get informed of what's taking place, decisions are made behind closed doors.
"I feel that it's been secretive and we're back to the old system where this should have been open government."
Labour Group leader David Phillips warned that more councillors could quit.
He said: "This is a principled stand by two individuals who clearly want nothing more to do with a Lib Dem-led coalition that deals in half-truths and is costing taxpayers millions in the process.
"I know that there are also equally principled people within the Swansea administration who may yet well follow their example."
LIBRARY SERVICE FACES THE AXE
South Wales Evening Post - 30 March 2006
A Mobile library service for Gower could be scrapped to meet the costs of moving Swansea Library to its new home in County Hall, a councillor has warned. Richard Lewis believes the authority will be forced to sacrifice the facility, which takes books around the peninsula, if the price of transferring the library to its new home continues to rise.
But his claims have been dismissed as scaremongering by his colleagues in the ruling coalition.
Councillor Lewis fears the cost of moving the library from its current base in Alexandra Road to County Hall will be much more than has been suggested by the authority.
The Gower councillor believes it will mean other library services getting the chop to cover the cost.
"I don't think we can afford to spend £6 million at this time," he added.
"We have started something which will end up costing considerably more than was estimated.
"We should call a halt to it and have a financial review before we spend any of that money.
"If the council was in a cash-rich situation, then it would be fine.
"But we have got huge expenditures coming up such as Service@Swansea and the leisure centre.
"Telling people who live in Port Eynon or Llangennith that they have to come to County Hall if they want to pick up a library book is ridiculous."
But other councillors have dismissed the claim as nonsense.
Councillor Gerald Clement, deputy leader of Swansea Council, said he had already told Councillor Lewis that the facility was safe.
"The Gower mobile library service will not face closure and I have reassured Councillor Lewis about this," he said.
A Mobile library service for Gower could be scrapped to meet the costs of moving Swansea Library to its new home in County Hall, a councillor has warned. Richard Lewis believes the authority will be forced to sacrifice the facility, which takes books around the peninsula, if the price of transferring the library to its new home continues to rise.
But his claims have been dismissed as scaremongering by his colleagues in the ruling coalition.
Councillor Lewis fears the cost of moving the library from its current base in Alexandra Road to County Hall will be much more than has been suggested by the authority.
The Gower councillor believes it will mean other library services getting the chop to cover the cost.
"I don't think we can afford to spend £6 million at this time," he added.
"We have started something which will end up costing considerably more than was estimated.
"We should call a halt to it and have a financial review before we spend any of that money.
"If the council was in a cash-rich situation, then it would be fine.
"But we have got huge expenditures coming up such as Service@Swansea and the leisure centre.
"Telling people who live in Port Eynon or Llangennith that they have to come to County Hall if they want to pick up a library book is ridiculous."
But other councillors have dismissed the claim as nonsense.
Councillor Gerald Clement, deputy leader of Swansea Council, said he had already told Councillor Lewis that the facility was safe.
"The Gower mobile library service will not face closure and I have reassured Councillor Lewis about this," he said.
BUS STATION OVERHAUL PUT BACK AGAIN
South Wales Evening Post - 29 March 2006
The multi-million pound redevelopment of Swansea's tatty Quadrant bus station has had to be put on hold because of a lack of funds, it has emerged. It was hoped that work would begin on the scheme this summer. But it has now been revealed that redevelopment work will not get underway until February.
The project has been on the cards for over three years, but was held up because the council did not own a parcel of land needed for access to the station. That deal was completed last December and councillors granted planning permission for the scheme in February.
That paved the way for work to begin in July, replacing the much-criticised bus station with a modern alternative.But that is now on hold yet again.
Reena Owen, the council's director of environment, said: "Unfortunately, the transport grant we have received this year will not give us enough money for work to start in July.
"It is going to be put back until February. The bottom line is we are going to be starting work in February."
The council got less than half the amount it was expecting from the Assembly.
Mrs Owen said: "We put in a transport grant bid for £15 million and we actually got £6.4 million."
Mrs Owen said that she expected the money to be in place by the end of the year.
She said: "We have had talks with the Assembly and are confident that the grant will be available. We have had it in writing.
"We are not starting the work until February because it will take 15 months and we do not want to disrupt Christmas shopping for two years. The plan is to wait until the January sales have died down and then begin work so only Christmas 2007 is affected.
"We have spoken to traders in the Quadrant about it and that is the most acceptable solution."
When work does begin on the Quadrant, buses and coaches will use temporary stops along The Kingsway.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "It's unfortunate that there wasn't enough money available to do it all in one year.
"But the public can be reassured that we are going to provide a 21st Century bus station for Swansea."
Bus users said yesterday the hold-up was unwelcome.Passenger Adrian Fleming, of Gowerton, added: "It is a little bit cleaner than it once was, but it is still not a nice place to be.
"It is a pity everything is being held up again.''
Sue Walters, of Woodville Road, Mumbles, said: "I can't say I am surprised.
"The council keeps making promises about this project but nothing ever seems to happen.''
The multi-million pound redevelopment of Swansea's tatty Quadrant bus station has had to be put on hold because of a lack of funds, it has emerged. It was hoped that work would begin on the scheme this summer. But it has now been revealed that redevelopment work will not get underway until February.
The project has been on the cards for over three years, but was held up because the council did not own a parcel of land needed for access to the station. That deal was completed last December and councillors granted planning permission for the scheme in February.
That paved the way for work to begin in July, replacing the much-criticised bus station with a modern alternative.But that is now on hold yet again.
Reena Owen, the council's director of environment, said: "Unfortunately, the transport grant we have received this year will not give us enough money for work to start in July.
"It is going to be put back until February. The bottom line is we are going to be starting work in February."
The council got less than half the amount it was expecting from the Assembly.
Mrs Owen said: "We put in a transport grant bid for £15 million and we actually got £6.4 million."
Mrs Owen said that she expected the money to be in place by the end of the year.
She said: "We have had talks with the Assembly and are confident that the grant will be available. We have had it in writing.
"We are not starting the work until February because it will take 15 months and we do not want to disrupt Christmas shopping for two years. The plan is to wait until the January sales have died down and then begin work so only Christmas 2007 is affected.
"We have spoken to traders in the Quadrant about it and that is the most acceptable solution."
When work does begin on the Quadrant, buses and coaches will use temporary stops along The Kingsway.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "It's unfortunate that there wasn't enough money available to do it all in one year.
"But the public can be reassured that we are going to provide a 21st Century bus station for Swansea."
Bus users said yesterday the hold-up was unwelcome.Passenger Adrian Fleming, of Gowerton, added: "It is a little bit cleaner than it once was, but it is still not a nice place to be.
"It is a pity everything is being held up again.''
Sue Walters, of Woodville Road, Mumbles, said: "I can't say I am surprised.
"The council keeps making promises about this project but nothing ever seems to happen.''
CITY ROADWORKS DRIVE BUSES ROUND THE BEND
South Wales Evening Post - 25 March 2006
Swansea's new bendy buses are not as flexible as they look. Bosses were left red-faced yesterday after a publicity stunt to promote the new StreetCar had far from the desired effect.
Councillors and user groups were invited to try out the advanced vehicle on a trial run around the city.
Operators First Cymru wanted to give them a sneak preview of Swansea's new and swanky Metro service.
But at the last minute, highway chiefs vetoed a plan to take the hi-tech bus from County Hall to the park and ride car park in Landore.
They feared the trip would take too long because of roadworks along Oystermouth Road.And bosses of First Cymru, who are running the service, refused to take it along a new route - claiming it was not fair to ask drivers from Yorkshire to pick their way through a place they did not know.
Eventually both sides reached a compromise, sending the bus to Cwmbwrla roundabout.
Anthony O'Sullivan, head of transport, said: "There was no point taking the bus along Oystermouth Road as it would have been stuck in traffic for most of the time because of roadworks."
First Cymru were not happy for their drivers to take an alternative route as they are not from the area and would have been uncertain of where they are going.
"The bus costs £300,000 a time and, at nearly 19 metres long, is huge by any standard.
Swansea will eventually get nine of the hi-tech vehicles.
Council leader Chris Holley called it a terrific project that aimed to create a real alternative in the city to the car.
It will heavily target men, with its backers hoping to persuade them out from behind the wheels of their cars and onto the buses.
The proposed route will use a combination of roads and dedicated lanes to speed users from the north of the city to the city centre and the bus station, before turning west to the new Civic Centre at County Hall and on to Mumbles.
Cabinet member for the environment John Hague was full of praise for the vehicles, despite the hiccup over its initial journey.
"First Cymru has brought the StreetCar to Swansea so that people can see for themselves how it will work in practice," he added.
"Swansea Metro will be the first of its kind in Wales and will be a major investment by the council in the future of public transport in the city."
Swansea's new bendy buses are not as flexible as they look. Bosses were left red-faced yesterday after a publicity stunt to promote the new StreetCar had far from the desired effect.
Councillors and user groups were invited to try out the advanced vehicle on a trial run around the city.
Operators First Cymru wanted to give them a sneak preview of Swansea's new and swanky Metro service.
But at the last minute, highway chiefs vetoed a plan to take the hi-tech bus from County Hall to the park and ride car park in Landore.
They feared the trip would take too long because of roadworks along Oystermouth Road.And bosses of First Cymru, who are running the service, refused to take it along a new route - claiming it was not fair to ask drivers from Yorkshire to pick their way through a place they did not know.
Eventually both sides reached a compromise, sending the bus to Cwmbwrla roundabout.
Anthony O'Sullivan, head of transport, said: "There was no point taking the bus along Oystermouth Road as it would have been stuck in traffic for most of the time because of roadworks."
First Cymru were not happy for their drivers to take an alternative route as they are not from the area and would have been uncertain of where they are going.
"The bus costs £300,000 a time and, at nearly 19 metres long, is huge by any standard.
Swansea will eventually get nine of the hi-tech vehicles.
Council leader Chris Holley called it a terrific project that aimed to create a real alternative in the city to the car.
It will heavily target men, with its backers hoping to persuade them out from behind the wheels of their cars and onto the buses.
The proposed route will use a combination of roads and dedicated lanes to speed users from the north of the city to the city centre and the bus station, before turning west to the new Civic Centre at County Hall and on to Mumbles.
Cabinet member for the environment John Hague was full of praise for the vehicles, despite the hiccup over its initial journey.
"First Cymru has brought the StreetCar to Swansea so that people can see for themselves how it will work in practice," he added.
"Swansea Metro will be the first of its kind in Wales and will be a major investment by the council in the future of public transport in the city."
CITY NEEDS TO 'BE BOLD' AND BACK TOURISM
South Wales Evening Post - 22 March 2006
Swansea needs to be bold and take tourism seriously if the city is going to prosper, says the boss of a top attraction. Geoff Haden, owner of the Clyne Farm centre, said leisure businesses in the area needed to be forward thinking and take the lead in promoting the city.
And he said he supported last week's call from industry expert Terry Stevens for Swansea to be more ambitious and aim to be the best.
Mr Haden said it was up to individual businesses to take the initiative in developing attractions.He said that Swansea had once led the way in innovation but that attitudes had changed.
And he cited examples of the building of the docks, the Mumbles railway and world-leading developments in the metal industry as examples of where Swansea had once been bold.
He said: "The entrepreneurial spirit has disappeared and projects that could make a huge difference are frowned upon.
"Tourism is now big business and Swansea has a village mentality when it comes to embracing the industry."
The Clyne Farm boss, who is vice-chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, said Swansea should be thinking about transforming itself into a modern European city.
And he suggested that a landmark building could be a major part in that process. He gave the example of the Spanish city of Bilbao as showing what could be achieved. He said: "Bilbao has gone from being a rather dreary industrial city to a major destination thanks to the Guggenheim Museum.
"It cost £30 million but it generated an extra £100 million of tourism income in the first year alone. Now the city is a must-see destination in Europe.
"That is what can be done with a truly great, iconic building.
"Perhaps it is that kind of spirit we need to see in Swansea."
Meanwhile, South West Wales AM Dai Lloyd has called for more help for entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses in Swansea.
He said the Assembly was "failing in its attempts to encourage and support small businesses within Swansea. Wales's second city should be an economic powerhouse".
An Assembly spokesman replied: "The economic background to starting a business in Wales is one of the most favourable in living history."
Swansea needs to be bold and take tourism seriously if the city is going to prosper, says the boss of a top attraction. Geoff Haden, owner of the Clyne Farm centre, said leisure businesses in the area needed to be forward thinking and take the lead in promoting the city.
And he said he supported last week's call from industry expert Terry Stevens for Swansea to be more ambitious and aim to be the best.
Mr Haden said it was up to individual businesses to take the initiative in developing attractions.He said that Swansea had once led the way in innovation but that attitudes had changed.
And he cited examples of the building of the docks, the Mumbles railway and world-leading developments in the metal industry as examples of where Swansea had once been bold.
He said: "The entrepreneurial spirit has disappeared and projects that could make a huge difference are frowned upon.
"Tourism is now big business and Swansea has a village mentality when it comes to embracing the industry."
The Clyne Farm boss, who is vice-chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, said Swansea should be thinking about transforming itself into a modern European city.
And he suggested that a landmark building could be a major part in that process. He gave the example of the Spanish city of Bilbao as showing what could be achieved. He said: "Bilbao has gone from being a rather dreary industrial city to a major destination thanks to the Guggenheim Museum.
"It cost £30 million but it generated an extra £100 million of tourism income in the first year alone. Now the city is a must-see destination in Europe.
"That is what can be done with a truly great, iconic building.
"Perhaps it is that kind of spirit we need to see in Swansea."
Meanwhile, South West Wales AM Dai Lloyd has called for more help for entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses in Swansea.
He said the Assembly was "failing in its attempts to encourage and support small businesses within Swansea. Wales's second city should be an economic powerhouse".
An Assembly spokesman replied: "The economic background to starting a business in Wales is one of the most favourable in living history."
NO FUND-RAISING FOR STAR'S TRIBUTE
South Wales Evening Post - 20 March 2006
Two new fund-raising ideas to help establish a permanent memorial to Swansea football legend John Charles in the city have been ruled out - at least for the time being. A £40,000 target was set just after his death two years ago with the aim of putting up something appropriate like a statue in the city.
But with only around £16,500 having come in that time, serious question marks have been posed about the appeal's future.
John Charles fan Roy Adams, of Yr Elain, Dunvant, has now called for collection boxes to be put around the Liberty Stadium on Swans match days to help make up the shortfall.
He has also floated the idea of high-profile Welsh managers like John Toshack, Chris Coleman and Mark Hughes getting a Premiership XI together to play an appropriate team at the stadium, with proceeds going to the appeal.
But council cabinet culture, recreation and tourism member Gerald Clement yesterday ruled out any possibility of a fund-raising match this season.
"Under the agreement with the manufacturers of the pitch there can only be 45 games played during the first season," he said.
"But next season the limit is up to 62 games, so everything should be okay."
Councillor Clement said a policy on charity collections was being drawn up.
"We are not unmindful about charity causes but, if we get too many, people will stop giving and no one will benefit.
"Officials are reviewing their options for the appeal in the light of the shortfall.
Two new fund-raising ideas to help establish a permanent memorial to Swansea football legend John Charles in the city have been ruled out - at least for the time being. A £40,000 target was set just after his death two years ago with the aim of putting up something appropriate like a statue in the city.
But with only around £16,500 having come in that time, serious question marks have been posed about the appeal's future.
John Charles fan Roy Adams, of Yr Elain, Dunvant, has now called for collection boxes to be put around the Liberty Stadium on Swans match days to help make up the shortfall.
He has also floated the idea of high-profile Welsh managers like John Toshack, Chris Coleman and Mark Hughes getting a Premiership XI together to play an appropriate team at the stadium, with proceeds going to the appeal.
But council cabinet culture, recreation and tourism member Gerald Clement yesterday ruled out any possibility of a fund-raising match this season.
"Under the agreement with the manufacturers of the pitch there can only be 45 games played during the first season," he said.
"But next season the limit is up to 62 games, so everything should be okay."
Councillor Clement said a policy on charity collections was being drawn up.
"We are not unmindful about charity causes but, if we get too many, people will stop giving and no one will benefit.
"Officials are reviewing their options for the appeal in the light of the shortfall.
ANGER AS FLOWER SHOW IS SCRAPPED
South Wales Evening Post - 20 March 2006
Gardeners are blooming furious after an annual Swansea flower show was scrapped - for the sake of just £4,000. The event has taken place in the Botanical Gardens every August Bank Holiday Weekend for the past 36 years.
But the council, which helps fund the show, claims it can no longer afford the cost.
Officers said it was a waste of money, insisting nobody was interested in these kind of events any more.But Jim Prosser, chairman of the committee, said today that many people would be disappointed by the news.
He has been involved in the flower show since its inception in 1969.The 74-year-old has been chasing the council for the past six weeks after hearing rumours that the show would be scrapped.
"It is terrible the way that the council has treated us," he added.
"I have written to them twice, but have not heard anything back.
"When it comes to flowers, you have to time these things.
"You can't just turn up on the day. You have to know months beforehand so you can start growing what you need.
"It is a shame that it is being cancelled - there will be a lot of disappointed people.
"It makes you feel so wild when you see the council wasting so much money elsewhere.
"The show only costs them about £4,000 or £5,000. It is a drop in the ocean for them.
"The trouble is you cannot fight the establishment."
But Mr Prosser is determined another flower show will still go ahead in November.
Swansea Chrysanthemum Society will be holding its own event in the city in November - despite a shopping centre in Southport pulling the plug on its local Chrysanthemum Society's show after five years.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said there was not enough interest in the summer flower show to warrant spending any money on it.
"The council has provided a significant amount of funding to the Flower Show over a number of years," he added.
"However, due to its declining popularity and the falling number of entries the council has reluctantly withdrawn funding.
"The council remains committed to supporting a wide range of community events and organisations across the city and county."
Gardeners are blooming furious after an annual Swansea flower show was scrapped - for the sake of just £4,000. The event has taken place in the Botanical Gardens every August Bank Holiday Weekend for the past 36 years.
But the council, which helps fund the show, claims it can no longer afford the cost.
Officers said it was a waste of money, insisting nobody was interested in these kind of events any more.But Jim Prosser, chairman of the committee, said today that many people would be disappointed by the news.
He has been involved in the flower show since its inception in 1969.The 74-year-old has been chasing the council for the past six weeks after hearing rumours that the show would be scrapped.
"It is terrible the way that the council has treated us," he added.
"I have written to them twice, but have not heard anything back.
"When it comes to flowers, you have to time these things.
"You can't just turn up on the day. You have to know months beforehand so you can start growing what you need.
"It is a shame that it is being cancelled - there will be a lot of disappointed people.
"It makes you feel so wild when you see the council wasting so much money elsewhere.
"The show only costs them about £4,000 or £5,000. It is a drop in the ocean for them.
"The trouble is you cannot fight the establishment."
But Mr Prosser is determined another flower show will still go ahead in November.
Swansea Chrysanthemum Society will be holding its own event in the city in November - despite a shopping centre in Southport pulling the plug on its local Chrysanthemum Society's show after five years.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said there was not enough interest in the summer flower show to warrant spending any money on it.
"The council has provided a significant amount of funding to the Flower Show over a number of years," he added.
"However, due to its declining popularity and the falling number of entries the council has reluctantly withdrawn funding.
"The council remains committed to supporting a wide range of community events and organisations across the city and county."
COUNCIL RULE OUT WASTE RECYCLE SITE
South Wales Evening Post - 15 March 2006
The controversial waste facility at Crymlyn Burrows will not be used to deal with Swansea's mounting rubbish crisis because of political opposition to incineration, it has been revealed.
Tenders for Swansea's 140,000 tonnes of rubbish are expected to be submitted to Swansea Council in the next month, but Crymlyn Burrows has already been ruled out as an option.
A council spokeswoman confirmed: "There are no plans to use the incinerator at Neath Port Talbot."
She added that any long-term strategy would provide the best deal for residents.
The spokeswoman continued: "Swansea has started the procurement process for a long-term waste disposal solution that is in the best interests of the city."
The £32 million site has been dogged by controversy since opening in January 2003.
Protesters have fought against it for years saying it could cause health problems.
Those claims have always been denied by management and the plant has to adhere to strict anti-pollution rules.
It was out of action for 18 months after a fire, and Neath Port Talbot Council was forced to step in and take control after the original operator, HLC (Neath Port Talbot), was put into administration because of spiralling debts.
A bid to take Swansea's waste failed last year.
Swansea Council was forced to close its own Tir John landfill and Crymlyn Burrows made it onto a shortlist.
The Post revealed that the tender would have cost taxpayers an extra £38 per tonne.
Instead, the firm that deals with the county's rubbish chose to sign contracts with landfill operators in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire at an extra cost of around £22 per tonne.
Those deals come to an end in November, but they can be extended.Swansea Council is currently looking at a long-term waste management solution, which could cost £500 million over the next 25 years.
Neath Port Talbot Council, which runs the Crymlyn Burrows facility, is not expected to put in a bid for the contract.
Swansea Council's cabinet member for environment John Hague said: "The only thing I can say is that Swansea Council was against any form of incineration of any kind.
"That was part of the reason for not accepting the tender."
The controversial waste facility at Crymlyn Burrows will not be used to deal with Swansea's mounting rubbish crisis because of political opposition to incineration, it has been revealed.
Tenders for Swansea's 140,000 tonnes of rubbish are expected to be submitted to Swansea Council in the next month, but Crymlyn Burrows has already been ruled out as an option.
A council spokeswoman confirmed: "There are no plans to use the incinerator at Neath Port Talbot."
She added that any long-term strategy would provide the best deal for residents.
The spokeswoman continued: "Swansea has started the procurement process for a long-term waste disposal solution that is in the best interests of the city."
The £32 million site has been dogged by controversy since opening in January 2003.
Protesters have fought against it for years saying it could cause health problems.
Those claims have always been denied by management and the plant has to adhere to strict anti-pollution rules.
It was out of action for 18 months after a fire, and Neath Port Talbot Council was forced to step in and take control after the original operator, HLC (Neath Port Talbot), was put into administration because of spiralling debts.
A bid to take Swansea's waste failed last year.
Swansea Council was forced to close its own Tir John landfill and Crymlyn Burrows made it onto a shortlist.
The Post revealed that the tender would have cost taxpayers an extra £38 per tonne.
Instead, the firm that deals with the county's rubbish chose to sign contracts with landfill operators in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire at an extra cost of around £22 per tonne.
Those deals come to an end in November, but they can be extended.Swansea Council is currently looking at a long-term waste management solution, which could cost £500 million over the next 25 years.
Neath Port Talbot Council, which runs the Crymlyn Burrows facility, is not expected to put in a bid for the contract.
Swansea Council's cabinet member for environment John Hague said: "The only thing I can say is that Swansea Council was against any form of incineration of any kind.
"That was part of the reason for not accepting the tender."
HARD EVIDENCE IS WHAT WE NEED
South Wales Evening Post - 11 March 2006
It may be stating the obvious - but there are times when it just has to be said. Plans to regenerate the centre of Swansea have been labelled shambolic by the city's civic society.
The society takes a hefty swipe at council leaders and says efforts to breathe new life into the centre are being thwarted by "lack of organisation and common sense".
Strong words - but council leader Chris Holley has countered with a robust defence of current city redevelopment plans.
The trouble is many won't believe redevelopment and regeneration is taking place until the guys with builders' hats move in.
And who can blame them?
It may be stating the obvious - but there are times when it just has to be said. Plans to regenerate the centre of Swansea have been labelled shambolic by the city's civic society.
The society takes a hefty swipe at council leaders and says efforts to breathe new life into the centre are being thwarted by "lack of organisation and common sense".
Strong words - but council leader Chris Holley has countered with a robust defence of current city redevelopment plans.
The trouble is many won't believe redevelopment and regeneration is taking place until the guys with builders' hats move in.
And who can blame them?
IS THERE MORE WASTE?
South Wales Evening Post - 11 March 2006
Despite the high cost of taking the city's rubbish by road to landfills in Pembrokeshire and Merthyr Tydfil, said a council spokeswoman this week, there are no plans to use the incinerator at Neath Port Talbot. Since it would be a much cheaper option, we should be told why not.
If the council has evidence of environmental problems caused by the incinerator, then the people living in its shadow should be told what they are.
If - and I suspect this is the real reason - it is a political decision not to use the incinerator, then it should say so.
Council tax payers in the city may fully support that stance, but they should not be left in the dark about why their money is being spent sending lorry loads of waste across South and West Wales.
Despite the high cost of taking the city's rubbish by road to landfills in Pembrokeshire and Merthyr Tydfil, said a council spokeswoman this week, there are no plans to use the incinerator at Neath Port Talbot. Since it would be a much cheaper option, we should be told why not.
If the council has evidence of environmental problems caused by the incinerator, then the people living in its shadow should be told what they are.
If - and I suspect this is the real reason - it is a political decision not to use the incinerator, then it should say so.
Council tax payers in the city may fully support that stance, but they should not be left in the dark about why their money is being spent sending lorry loads of waste across South and West Wales.
