South Wales Evening Post - 30 June 2006
An investigation has been launched into leaked documents on a political website. Council leaders could face action after it was claimed that a political blog is, in fact, run by them.
If true, it means they could be held responsible for its content, including a detailed discussion of confidential council papers.
A complaint has been made to the council's corporate complaints officer Alison White. It is understood she will now investigate whether the site is run by the administration and if rules have been broken.
It had been widely assumed that Insideswansea was an unofficial Liberal Democrat site. However, the latest posting suggests it has official backing from Swansea Council's Liberal Democrat-led coalition.
It reads: "This is not a Liberal Democrat blog, it is run by, and on behalf of, the administration."
That admission could now land political leaders in trouble over confidentiality rules.Council leader Chris Holley said he had no control over the website, and welcomed any investigation.
He said: "I have got no problem with it being investigated because it will prove that it is not our website.
"This blog is absolutely nothing to do with the administration. I know the Labour Party has the same problem. We cannot control what people put on these sites."
The unofficial status of the site meant that procedures and political etiquette could be ignored.
However, if the investigation shows that it is officially sanctioned by council leaders it would be subject to strict local government rules.
The council has confirmed that an investigation is taking place.
Former administration councillor Ray Welsby, who has lodged the complaint, said: "Whoever is writing the site has made it absolutely clear that it is from the administration.
"A few weeks ago they were discussing red papers on the site before they went to cabinet.
"These red papers are supposed to be confidential. Because the website is now an official administration site they have to answer some questions."
The documents that were discussed on the website relate to the write-off of loans to the Liberty Stadium and the increased cost of the leisure centre.
Councillor Welsby added: "I have spoken to Alison White, the council's monitoring officer, about it. She is now looking at it and has told me she will speak to Councillor Holley."
DEFECTION WAS PLANNED
South Wales Evening Post - 28 June 2006
Councillor Rene Kinzett has said being beaten at the AM selection by Councillor Peter May had nothing to do with his defection to the Tory Party. So can he tell me, and other Lib-Dem members, why he put himself up for selection at the Lib-Dem hustings in Guildhall a few weeks ago, knowing he was having discussions to defect to the Tory Party? He stated his intention to defect in the Evening Post of June 20.
If I was one of his constituents, I think I would be very worried about him representing me.
Mr L Newton, St Helen's Crescent, Swansea
Councillor Rene Kinzett has said being beaten at the AM selection by Councillor Peter May had nothing to do with his defection to the Tory Party. So can he tell me, and other Lib-Dem members, why he put himself up for selection at the Lib-Dem hustings in Guildhall a few weeks ago, knowing he was having discussions to defect to the Tory Party? He stated his intention to defect in the Evening Post of June 20.
If I was one of his constituents, I think I would be very worried about him representing me.
Mr L Newton, St Helen's Crescent, Swansea
ROAD PLAN BRINGS CITY TO STANDSTILL
South Wales Evening Post - 24 June 2006
Swansea city centre was gridlocked yesterday as the new one-way system came into effect. Hundreds of drivers found themselves in traffic jams as they discovered their usual routes were now one-way only.
The changes had been well publicised beforehand and there were council traffic marshals in place to help drivers.
But many drivers still found themselves in long queues with their tempers fraying.
The changes are part of a £10 million revamp of city streets in preparation for the introduction of bendy buses in 2008.
The plan centres on The Kingsway becoming a one-way road.Council chiefs are hoping to encourage more people to use public transport.But many drivers said they were unhappy.
Bill Francis, of Fairwood Avenue in West Cross, who is disabled, said: "It was absolutely unbelievable, absolute chaos.
"I was driving around for an hour trying to get close to the library, but all the roads were blocked.
"In the end I had to go home.
"If this is their idea to drive cars off the road, then I'm sure it will work."
"I think this scheme will strike the final nail into the coffin of city centre traders."
Motorist Ian Reeves, of Uplands, said: "I was trapped in a side-street for 45 minutes.
"It was terrible. People were getting very hot and bothered.''
Peter Birch, chairman of Swansea's Independent Traders' Association, said: "I have had a lot of adverse reactions from customers.
"As businesses, we are desperately trying to attract people back to the city centre.
"There is no doubt that while this goes on, it's going to put people off.''
A council spokesman said he expected the problems to lessen as drivers become more aware of the new system.
He said yesterday: "It was busy first thing, but traffic was returning to normal through the day.
"Motorists are already getting used to the changes and will settle down to the new system over time.
"The council worked hard to try to minimise the delays for drivers.
"The use of traffic marshals was very successful."
The Kingsway redevelopment is the first phase of a scheme to prepare the city for bendy buses.
It has been turned into a one-way street, with two special bus lanes running down one side.One-way systems have also been introduced in Christina Street, Mansel Street, De La Beche Street, Alexandra Road, Pleasant Street and Orchard Street.
The spokesman said it had been well publicised, adding: "The council has been planning the new Swansea metro service for the past 18 months.
"When the work is complete, the city will boast one of Europe's newest and most efficient public transport systems. It will ease congestion and pollution in the city centre."
Swansea city centre was gridlocked yesterday as the new one-way system came into effect. Hundreds of drivers found themselves in traffic jams as they discovered their usual routes were now one-way only.
The changes had been well publicised beforehand and there were council traffic marshals in place to help drivers.
But many drivers still found themselves in long queues with their tempers fraying.
The changes are part of a £10 million revamp of city streets in preparation for the introduction of bendy buses in 2008.
The plan centres on The Kingsway becoming a one-way road.Council chiefs are hoping to encourage more people to use public transport.But many drivers said they were unhappy.
Bill Francis, of Fairwood Avenue in West Cross, who is disabled, said: "It was absolutely unbelievable, absolute chaos.
"I was driving around for an hour trying to get close to the library, but all the roads were blocked.
"In the end I had to go home.
"If this is their idea to drive cars off the road, then I'm sure it will work."
"I think this scheme will strike the final nail into the coffin of city centre traders."
Motorist Ian Reeves, of Uplands, said: "I was trapped in a side-street for 45 minutes.
"It was terrible. People were getting very hot and bothered.''
Peter Birch, chairman of Swansea's Independent Traders' Association, said: "I have had a lot of adverse reactions from customers.
"As businesses, we are desperately trying to attract people back to the city centre.
"There is no doubt that while this goes on, it's going to put people off.''
A council spokesman said he expected the problems to lessen as drivers become more aware of the new system.
He said yesterday: "It was busy first thing, but traffic was returning to normal through the day.
"Motorists are already getting used to the changes and will settle down to the new system over time.
"The council worked hard to try to minimise the delays for drivers.
"The use of traffic marshals was very successful."
The Kingsway redevelopment is the first phase of a scheme to prepare the city for bendy buses.
It has been turned into a one-way street, with two special bus lanes running down one side.One-way systems have also been introduced in Christina Street, Mansel Street, De La Beche Street, Alexandra Road, Pleasant Street and Orchard Street.
The spokesman said it had been well publicised, adding: "The council has been planning the new Swansea metro service for the past 18 months.
"When the work is complete, the city will boast one of Europe's newest and most efficient public transport systems. It will ease congestion and pollution in the city centre."
TURNCOAT RENE FRUSTRATED BY 'BAD DECISIONS'
South Wales Evening Post - 24 June 2006
Turncoat councillor Rene Kinzett has launched a scathing attack on his former colleagues running Swansea Council.
The Lib Dem turned Tory councillor rounded on the current coalition over their alleged handling of a number of high-profile problems such as Swansea Leisure Centre, Service@Swansea and school reorganisation. He also says he has become increasingly frustrated by what he calls "a string of bad decisions" by cabinet members.
The Mayals ward councillor said: "The joint administration can't keep going through the next two years leading up to the local elections by claiming that 'at least we are not as bad as the previous lot'.
"I agree, it is much better to have a non-Labour administration in charge of Swansea, but we could at least put more effort into avoiding the obvious mistakes of the past regime - otherwise people will start to find it hard to tell the difference between us and them."
Councillor Kinzett hit back after claims he had been dumped as coalition spokesman following his surprise switch from the Lib Dems to Conservative.
The move has not changed the balance of power in Swansea as both parties are part of the coalition but Councillor Kinzett has shown the Post an email dated May 3 showing him standing down from his role as coalition spokesman.
He claimed: "I was growing ever more frustrated by the string of bad or poorly made decisions by cabinet members. I was only ever called upon to sort out messes left behind as a result of sloppy thinking.
"The administration also never seems to learn the lessons of the myriad of mistakes made under years of Labour misrule in our city. We rightly criticise Labour for failing to properly budget the fit out of the Liberty Stadium, but then we allow the budget for the leisure centre to rocket by £7 million for exactly the same lack of forward thinking."
Councillor Kinzett has also criticised his former colleagues for their handling of the controversial Service@Swansea project and conflicting budget reports coming from County Hall. He also attacked the way the schools reorganisation was handled. It saw parents challenge and defeat plans to close Dylan Thomas Community School and move the pupils to Bishop Gore. Councillor Kinzett said: "When public consultation is necessary, such as over schools reorganisation, there appears to the same lack of thought and planning applied to the matter.
"Cabinet members try to keep ahead of issues like schools reorganisation, but the advice from officers is at best variable and hardly ever timely."
Lib Dem Councillor Peter Black said: "I am astonished that Rene has sought to attack the administration, including his new Conservative colleagues, when he was a party to all these decisions and shared collective responsibility for them.
"He also remains a member of an administration which he purports to have lost confidence in.
"I do not accept the criticisms that Rene makes of the way that the council and the group operates. We will be judged on what we have achieved at the end of a full four-year term.
"I am confident that those achievements will be substantial despite the inevitable setbacks, the occasional mistake and the steep learning curve that we have all climbed over the last two years."
Turncoat councillor Rene Kinzett has launched a scathing attack on his former colleagues running Swansea Council.
The Lib Dem turned Tory councillor rounded on the current coalition over their alleged handling of a number of high-profile problems such as Swansea Leisure Centre, Service@Swansea and school reorganisation. He also says he has become increasingly frustrated by what he calls "a string of bad decisions" by cabinet members.
The Mayals ward councillor said: "The joint administration can't keep going through the next two years leading up to the local elections by claiming that 'at least we are not as bad as the previous lot'.
"I agree, it is much better to have a non-Labour administration in charge of Swansea, but we could at least put more effort into avoiding the obvious mistakes of the past regime - otherwise people will start to find it hard to tell the difference between us and them."
Councillor Kinzett hit back after claims he had been dumped as coalition spokesman following his surprise switch from the Lib Dems to Conservative.
The move has not changed the balance of power in Swansea as both parties are part of the coalition but Councillor Kinzett has shown the Post an email dated May 3 showing him standing down from his role as coalition spokesman.
He claimed: "I was growing ever more frustrated by the string of bad or poorly made decisions by cabinet members. I was only ever called upon to sort out messes left behind as a result of sloppy thinking.
"The administration also never seems to learn the lessons of the myriad of mistakes made under years of Labour misrule in our city. We rightly criticise Labour for failing to properly budget the fit out of the Liberty Stadium, but then we allow the budget for the leisure centre to rocket by £7 million for exactly the same lack of forward thinking."
Councillor Kinzett has also criticised his former colleagues for their handling of the controversial Service@Swansea project and conflicting budget reports coming from County Hall. He also attacked the way the schools reorganisation was handled. It saw parents challenge and defeat plans to close Dylan Thomas Community School and move the pupils to Bishop Gore. Councillor Kinzett said: "When public consultation is necessary, such as over schools reorganisation, there appears to the same lack of thought and planning applied to the matter.
"Cabinet members try to keep ahead of issues like schools reorganisation, but the advice from officers is at best variable and hardly ever timely."
Lib Dem Councillor Peter Black said: "I am astonished that Rene has sought to attack the administration, including his new Conservative colleagues, when he was a party to all these decisions and shared collective responsibility for them.
"He also remains a member of an administration which he purports to have lost confidence in.
"I do not accept the criticisms that Rene makes of the way that the council and the group operates. We will be judged on what we have achieved at the end of a full four-year term.
"I am confident that those achievements will be substantial despite the inevitable setbacks, the occasional mistake and the steep learning curve that we have all climbed over the last two years."
COUNCILLOR DITCHES LIB DEMS FOR TORIES
South Wales Evening Post - 20 June 2006
A High profile Swansea councillor has dealt the local Liberal Democrat Party a big blow by switching to the Tories. Rene Kinzett is the ward member for Mayals. He has been a member of Swansea Council since 2004.
Liberal Democrat councillor Kinzett had been hoping to become the party's prospective Assembly candidate for Swansea West, but was beaten by Peter May.His switch had been rumoured for weeks. It finally came late yesterday.
Councillor Kinzett said his decision to swap parties had nothing to do with that loss.
He added: "Who they chose to represent them is their business.
"I have been having discussions with the Conservative Party since before Christmas, well before that decision was made."
Councillor Kinzett said the appointment of David Cameron as the Tory party leader was a big factor in persuading him to leave the Lib Dems, but added he wanted to be sure the party was genuine about change.
"I wanted to make sure that changes happening in the party were not just on the surface.
"I wanted to make sure it was a deep change," said Councillor Kinzett.
His defection to the Conservative Party will not make any difference to the make-up of Swansea Council, as both the Lib Dems and Tories are part of the ruling coalition group. Councillor Kinzett said he believed other councillors could switch and said he expected Swansea voters to be attracted to the revamped Conservative Party.
"If the Conservatives were the only alternative but had Ian Duncan Smith or Michael Howard as leader then I would not be joining them.
"David Cameron is not tainted with the past."
Councillor Kinzett's move was welcomed by senior Tories.
Conservative Party chairman, Francis Maude, said: "Many Liberal Democrats have been attracted by the prospect of a new, re-energised, modern Conservative Party in Government and I am delighted that Rene has decided to join us."
The move has not gone down as well with Councillor Kinzett's former Lib Dem colleagues.
Councillor Nick Tregoning said: "It comes as no particular surprise to me that he has decided to jump ship to the Conservatives.
"The major policy he has aligned himself with over the last few years is Westminster or Assembly glory for one.
"I think people will question whether losing out to Councillor May is the real reason for his decision."
Andrew Davies, Labour AM for Swansea West also criticised the councillor , and accused him of opportunism.
He said: "It is no surprise that Rene Kinzett has joined the Conservative Party in Swansea.
"He is clearly an opportunist who desires power at any price and following his defeat in the selection process as a Lib Dem candidate he was clearly looking for another avenue to power.
"One has to ask, however, which specific policies of the Liberal Democrat Party and Swansea Council did Councillor Kinzett disagree with that led him to jump ship - Policies he had so passionately supported until this week?"
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Your Views
I have to tell people that 'Rachel Gonce' is actually the alias of Cllr Peter May...the former prospective Tory Councillor Candidate for Sketty. He has used this cover name many times when commenting on news stories on this website.
Alex Colling, Swansea
It seems that Swansea is full of politicians who dont just change their tune once they are elected but also change their parties. Richard Lewis, Sylvia Lewis, June Stanton, Keith Morgan, John Bushell, etc. Even Peter May once stood as an independent candidate and both John Hangue and Ray Welsby used to be members of the Labour Party.
James, Swansea
Rene Kinzett and Peter May tried to worm their way out of being associated with the planned closure of Dylan Thomas schools (which they both previously supported). They are just as bad as each other and neither of them will get any votes from those parents who remember.
Linda Matthews, Cockett
How can Mr Kinzett want to be joining the Conservatives at Christmas but hope to represent the Lib Dems until last month. I bet the Lib Dems are releived that Peter May did beat him otherwise they would be looking for another candidate had Kinzett won.
rachel gonce, uplands
How can Mr Kinzett want to be joining the Conservatives at Christmas but hope to represent the Lib Dems until last month. I bet the Lib Dems are releived that Peter May did beat him otherwise they would be looking for another candidate had Kinzett won.
rachel gonce, uplands
As a local elector, I would like to know if Councillor Kinzett is going to resign from his council seat and fight in again in his new guise or has he forgotten why people voted for him?
Martin Johnson, Mumbles
Lid Dem and Tory, what's the difference anyway? They are both screwing up Swansea at the moment.
Aaron, Swansea
As a Lib Dem activist I am elated with the news of Rene Kinzett?s departure to the Conservative party. I am sure that David Cameron?s principle of behaving like Dr Jekyll in one day and Mr Hyde the next, will appeal to Cllr Kinzett. Maybe now he can figure out his stance on Iraq and Taxation which always seemed to trouble him before. On a more personal note I am relieved that the local Liberal Democrats will no longer have to deal with his childish bullying which I wouldn?t wish upon anyone, not even the Tories. If the Conservative party want a former Tory in Lib Dem clothing they are welcome to him. Good riddance Rene, you are of no great lost.
Claire Smalley, King Edwards rd, Bynmill
A High profile Swansea councillor has dealt the local Liberal Democrat Party a big blow by switching to the Tories. Rene Kinzett is the ward member for Mayals. He has been a member of Swansea Council since 2004.
Liberal Democrat councillor Kinzett had been hoping to become the party's prospective Assembly candidate for Swansea West, but was beaten by Peter May.His switch had been rumoured for weeks. It finally came late yesterday.
Councillor Kinzett said his decision to swap parties had nothing to do with that loss.
He added: "Who they chose to represent them is their business.
"I have been having discussions with the Conservative Party since before Christmas, well before that decision was made."
Councillor Kinzett said the appointment of David Cameron as the Tory party leader was a big factor in persuading him to leave the Lib Dems, but added he wanted to be sure the party was genuine about change.
"I wanted to make sure that changes happening in the party were not just on the surface.
"I wanted to make sure it was a deep change," said Councillor Kinzett.
His defection to the Conservative Party will not make any difference to the make-up of Swansea Council, as both the Lib Dems and Tories are part of the ruling coalition group. Councillor Kinzett said he believed other councillors could switch and said he expected Swansea voters to be attracted to the revamped Conservative Party.
"If the Conservatives were the only alternative but had Ian Duncan Smith or Michael Howard as leader then I would not be joining them.
"David Cameron is not tainted with the past."
Councillor Kinzett's move was welcomed by senior Tories.
Conservative Party chairman, Francis Maude, said: "Many Liberal Democrats have been attracted by the prospect of a new, re-energised, modern Conservative Party in Government and I am delighted that Rene has decided to join us."
The move has not gone down as well with Councillor Kinzett's former Lib Dem colleagues.
Councillor Nick Tregoning said: "It comes as no particular surprise to me that he has decided to jump ship to the Conservatives.
"The major policy he has aligned himself with over the last few years is Westminster or Assembly glory for one.
"I think people will question whether losing out to Councillor May is the real reason for his decision."
Andrew Davies, Labour AM for Swansea West also criticised the councillor , and accused him of opportunism.
He said: "It is no surprise that Rene Kinzett has joined the Conservative Party in Swansea.
"He is clearly an opportunist who desires power at any price and following his defeat in the selection process as a Lib Dem candidate he was clearly looking for another avenue to power.
"One has to ask, however, which specific policies of the Liberal Democrat Party and Swansea Council did Councillor Kinzett disagree with that led him to jump ship - Policies he had so passionately supported until this week?"
--------------------------------
Your Views
I have to tell people that 'Rachel Gonce' is actually the alias of Cllr Peter May...the former prospective Tory Councillor Candidate for Sketty. He has used this cover name many times when commenting on news stories on this website.
Alex Colling, Swansea
It seems that Swansea is full of politicians who dont just change their tune once they are elected but also change their parties. Richard Lewis, Sylvia Lewis, June Stanton, Keith Morgan, John Bushell, etc. Even Peter May once stood as an independent candidate and both John Hangue and Ray Welsby used to be members of the Labour Party.
James, Swansea
Rene Kinzett and Peter May tried to worm their way out of being associated with the planned closure of Dylan Thomas schools (which they both previously supported). They are just as bad as each other and neither of them will get any votes from those parents who remember.
Linda Matthews, Cockett
How can Mr Kinzett want to be joining the Conservatives at Christmas but hope to represent the Lib Dems until last month. I bet the Lib Dems are releived that Peter May did beat him otherwise they would be looking for another candidate had Kinzett won.
rachel gonce, uplands
How can Mr Kinzett want to be joining the Conservatives at Christmas but hope to represent the Lib Dems until last month. I bet the Lib Dems are releived that Peter May did beat him otherwise they would be looking for another candidate had Kinzett won.
rachel gonce, uplands
As a local elector, I would like to know if Councillor Kinzett is going to resign from his council seat and fight in again in his new guise or has he forgotten why people voted for him?
Martin Johnson, Mumbles
Lid Dem and Tory, what's the difference anyway? They are both screwing up Swansea at the moment.
Aaron, Swansea
As a Lib Dem activist I am elated with the news of Rene Kinzett?s departure to the Conservative party. I am sure that David Cameron?s principle of behaving like Dr Jekyll in one day and Mr Hyde the next, will appeal to Cllr Kinzett. Maybe now he can figure out his stance on Iraq and Taxation which always seemed to trouble him before. On a more personal note I am relieved that the local Liberal Democrats will no longer have to deal with his childish bullying which I wouldn?t wish upon anyone, not even the Tories. If the Conservative party want a former Tory in Lib Dem clothing they are welcome to him. Good riddance Rene, you are of no great lost.
Claire Smalley, King Edwards rd, Bynmill
COUNCIL SILENT OVER SPENDING ON TEMP STAFF
South Wales Evening Post - 19 June 2006
Swansea Council has refused to reveal how much money it spends on temp workers and agency staff. A survey by the GMB union found that Welsh councils spent more than £63 million on temporary and agency staff last year, with Cardiff and Carmarthenshire each splashing out over £19 million.
Flintshire came third, spending £3.7 million.
But Swansea authorities have remained tight-lipped on the subject, refusing to answer GMB questions through the Freedom of Information Act.
The union has urged UK councils to cut the huge amount - reckoned to £1.5 billion - spent annually on temporary workforces.
Regional secretary Allan Garley said: "This is a horrific abuse of the public purse and is tantamount to back-door privatisation.
"Council spending on temporary and agency staff generally represents very bad value for money for the public. In most cases, the only winners are the employment agencies, who take a considerable slice for administration and profits.
"The temporary staff get paid less than permanent staff, while the councils pay more to the agency that it would cost to employ the workers direct."
Swansea Council has refused to reveal how much money it spends on temp workers and agency staff. A survey by the GMB union found that Welsh councils spent more than £63 million on temporary and agency staff last year, with Cardiff and Carmarthenshire each splashing out over £19 million.
Flintshire came third, spending £3.7 million.
But Swansea authorities have remained tight-lipped on the subject, refusing to answer GMB questions through the Freedom of Information Act.
The union has urged UK councils to cut the huge amount - reckoned to £1.5 billion - spent annually on temporary workforces.
Regional secretary Allan Garley said: "This is a horrific abuse of the public purse and is tantamount to back-door privatisation.
"Council spending on temporary and agency staff generally represents very bad value for money for the public. In most cases, the only winners are the employment agencies, who take a considerable slice for administration and profits.
"The temporary staff get paid less than permanent staff, while the councils pay more to the agency that it would cost to employ the workers direct."
BIG NAME STORE'S CLOSURE HITS JOBS
South Wales Evening Post - 17 June 2006
Swansea High Street's Iceland store has shut with the loss of around 14 jobs. The frozen food retailer has closed after more than 20 years.
The company was one of the biggest in a shopping street which once boasted a string of famous names such as Littlewoods, WH Smiths and Woolworths. All have now gone. Argos also wanted to open a third Swansea store, and was rumoured to be pulling out as well, but was stopped after Swansea Council put a block on it opening in a new out-of-town site at Morfa.
The High Street area's fortunes suffered their biggest knock-back when the Quadrant shopping centre opened in the late 1970s, attracting people to their doors instead.Adrian Day, manager of the Iceland store in nearby St Mary's Square, said there was no question about its future."
We have recently undergone refurbishment, so we are staying."It's business as usual for us,'' he added yesterday.
He said five staff from the High Street store had transferred to St Mary's Square.The closure in High Street could eventually help boost the street's fortunes, said the chairman of its traders federation, Tony Collins.
Mr Collins, who works at Formal Hire, said: "Hopefully the store will ultimately make way for smaller units in the street.
"High Street is known for its individual, more niche businesses, and Iceland wasn't one of those."
The street is currently undergoing a revamp, with small business premises to be created.
New shop fronts and housing will help breathe new life into the area as part of a £17 million flagship scheme to spruce up the area.
Swansea Housing Association is behind the scheme, which will include 170 apartments.
It is seen as a tremendous opportunity for the area, which has already seen a number of premises demolished.
Swansea Council has given cash backing for the project, and Swansea Housing Association has said it expects to draw on private finance to supplement a housing grant from the Assembly.
Shoppers yesterday said they were sorry to see the Iceland store go.
Sue Daniels, of Watkin Street, in Mount Pleasant, said it had been a favourite for many over the years.
She added: "I still like High Street because it does offer local shops rather than the big names. But I think a mix of both would have been best.''
Another, Bill Carpenter, aged 78, of Vincent Street, Sandfields, said yesterday: "I can remember when it was really the only place to shop in Swansea.
"It was thriving with people and local personalities. It has changed beyond all recognition.''
Swansea High Street's Iceland store has shut with the loss of around 14 jobs. The frozen food retailer has closed after more than 20 years.
The company was one of the biggest in a shopping street which once boasted a string of famous names such as Littlewoods, WH Smiths and Woolworths. All have now gone. Argos also wanted to open a third Swansea store, and was rumoured to be pulling out as well, but was stopped after Swansea Council put a block on it opening in a new out-of-town site at Morfa.
The High Street area's fortunes suffered their biggest knock-back when the Quadrant shopping centre opened in the late 1970s, attracting people to their doors instead.Adrian Day, manager of the Iceland store in nearby St Mary's Square, said there was no question about its future."
We have recently undergone refurbishment, so we are staying."It's business as usual for us,'' he added yesterday.
He said five staff from the High Street store had transferred to St Mary's Square.The closure in High Street could eventually help boost the street's fortunes, said the chairman of its traders federation, Tony Collins.
Mr Collins, who works at Formal Hire, said: "Hopefully the store will ultimately make way for smaller units in the street.
"High Street is known for its individual, more niche businesses, and Iceland wasn't one of those."
The street is currently undergoing a revamp, with small business premises to be created.
New shop fronts and housing will help breathe new life into the area as part of a £17 million flagship scheme to spruce up the area.
Swansea Housing Association is behind the scheme, which will include 170 apartments.
It is seen as a tremendous opportunity for the area, which has already seen a number of premises demolished.
Swansea Council has given cash backing for the project, and Swansea Housing Association has said it expects to draw on private finance to supplement a housing grant from the Assembly.
Shoppers yesterday said they were sorry to see the Iceland store go.
Sue Daniels, of Watkin Street, in Mount Pleasant, said it had been a favourite for many over the years.
She added: "I still like High Street because it does offer local shops rather than the big names. But I think a mix of both would have been best.''
Another, Bill Carpenter, aged 78, of Vincent Street, Sandfields, said yesterday: "I can remember when it was really the only place to shop in Swansea.
"It was thriving with people and local personalities. It has changed beyond all recognition.''
CRUNCH POLL AT CRISIS COUNCIL
South Wales Evening Post - 17 June 2006
The residents of Dunvant should get the chance to vote on the future of their community council next month, it has emerged. Swansea Council has confirmed that it has received an official request to hold a ballot of all electors on whether to scrap or save the crisis-hit body.
The vote, due to be held before the end of July, is the culmination of a campaign to get rid of a council which opponents say contributes little to the community and is poor value for money.
However, supporters of the council say that rather than dumping it, disgruntled residents should get more involved in its running and work to improve it.
The poll was requested after a public meeting in Olchfa school on May 17 attended by around 350 Dunvant residents.
One person at the meeting voted against asking for the dissolution ballot and two abstained. Everyone else at the meeting voted in favour.
A Swansea Council spokeswoman said: "The council has received an official request to hold a community poll to ask the question to the electors of Dunvant whether they wish to abolish Dunvant Community Council.
"As we cannot hold a poll until 42 days after the original meeting, it is hoped that a date can be set towards the end of July."
The residents of Dunvant should get the chance to vote on the future of their community council next month, it has emerged. Swansea Council has confirmed that it has received an official request to hold a ballot of all electors on whether to scrap or save the crisis-hit body.
The vote, due to be held before the end of July, is the culmination of a campaign to get rid of a council which opponents say contributes little to the community and is poor value for money.
However, supporters of the council say that rather than dumping it, disgruntled residents should get more involved in its running and work to improve it.
The poll was requested after a public meeting in Olchfa school on May 17 attended by around 350 Dunvant residents.
One person at the meeting voted against asking for the dissolution ballot and two abstained. Everyone else at the meeting voted in favour.
A Swansea Council spokeswoman said: "The council has received an official request to hold a community poll to ask the question to the electors of Dunvant whether they wish to abolish Dunvant Community Council.
"As we cannot hold a poll until 42 days after the original meeting, it is hoped that a date can be set towards the end of July."
140 JOBS ON WAY FOR CITY
South Wales Evening Post - 15 June 2006
Swansea is getting a jobs boost with 140 new positions on their way to the city. The old Littlewoods store in St Mary's Square is to become a new, larger Primark store, creating an extra 90 posts.
The new-look store will open its doors on August 24.
And NTL/Telewest is creating 50 jobs at its Swansea call centre on the Enterprise Park.
The vacancies, which have been advertised, are for faults management representatives.
The new Primark store is a boost for the city centre, coming after the closure of David Evans.
Store manager Elwyn Owen said the company had made a £5 million to £6 million investment in refurbishing and kitting out the new store.
The investment follows news that entrepreneur Roy Thomas paid £5 million for the Marks & Spencer building lease earlier this month. The new positions at Primark will be mainly part-time.
Mr Owen said: "We are looking at 90 new positions.
"A lot of them will be weekend positions because that is where we see the extra trade.
"The biggest thing customers will notice is the sheer size.
"It will be four times the size of our current store in Oxford Street.
"We can basically trade to the standard that Primark would be happier with.
"We have 10 tills at the moment, the new store will have 27. We have five fitting rooms, the new store will have 26.
"In store you can double the range of items we have now. The fashion content will be very much higher.
"We have a very small household department at the moment and that will also extend quite a lot."
Some of the Primark vacancies are being filled at a recruitment open day at the Dragon Hotel, Kingsway Circle, on Friday, June 23, from 9am to 6pm.
Application forms are available at local JobCentres.
Mr Owen said the new store confirmed the company's commitment to Swansea city centre.
The NTL vacancies are paying £12,000 a year.
A company spokesman said: "We are looking to recruit at least 50 enthusiastic people
Swansea is getting a jobs boost with 140 new positions on their way to the city. The old Littlewoods store in St Mary's Square is to become a new, larger Primark store, creating an extra 90 posts.
The new-look store will open its doors on August 24.
And NTL/Telewest is creating 50 jobs at its Swansea call centre on the Enterprise Park.
The vacancies, which have been advertised, are for faults management representatives.
The new Primark store is a boost for the city centre, coming after the closure of David Evans.
Store manager Elwyn Owen said the company had made a £5 million to £6 million investment in refurbishing and kitting out the new store.
The investment follows news that entrepreneur Roy Thomas paid £5 million for the Marks & Spencer building lease earlier this month. The new positions at Primark will be mainly part-time.
Mr Owen said: "We are looking at 90 new positions.
"A lot of them will be weekend positions because that is where we see the extra trade.
"The biggest thing customers will notice is the sheer size.
"It will be four times the size of our current store in Oxford Street.
"We can basically trade to the standard that Primark would be happier with.
"We have 10 tills at the moment, the new store will have 27. We have five fitting rooms, the new store will have 26.
"In store you can double the range of items we have now. The fashion content will be very much higher.
"We have a very small household department at the moment and that will also extend quite a lot."
Some of the Primark vacancies are being filled at a recruitment open day at the Dragon Hotel, Kingsway Circle, on Friday, June 23, from 9am to 6pm.
Application forms are available at local JobCentres.
Mr Owen said the new store confirmed the company's commitment to Swansea city centre.
The NTL vacancies are paying £12,000 a year.
A company spokesman said: "We are looking to recruit at least 50 enthusiastic people
COUNCILLORS URGE HEALTH PLAN FIGHT
South Wales Evening Post - 15 June 2006
Swansea councillors have been urged to reject hospital closure plans by city health bosses. Plaid Cymru AM and city GP Dai Lloyd and Plaid's group leader on Swansea Council, Darren Price, have called on members of the cabinet to oppose the restructuring plans, which would see the closure of Fairwood Hospital and ward one at Hill House.
A report by social services director Jack Straw to the cabinet today, said there was insufficient detail in the proposals by Swansea Health Board and Swansea NHS Trust.
Mr Straw said there were resource issues which needed to be spelled out and "much work to be done to provide greater detail about the new, community based service model".
He said: "Until the developmental path is clearer and more detail is available, the local authority is not in a position to give a view about specific service closures."
But Mr Straw's report did not go far enough, according to the two Plaid politicians.
Dr Lloyd said: "I find it absolutely staggering that Swansea Council can even consider taking such an indifferent stance on such an important issue for local people.
"The proposed closure of Fairwood and ward one at Hill House will be catastrophic.
"We must remember that 90 per cent of patients are already treated in the community - either by GPs or nurses.
"With an ever-increasing elderly population we need more community provision, not less. We should be looking to develop more services in the community, and this means community hospitals as well."
Councillor Price said: "The health board and trust have been unable to provide any details of how any alternative care will be provided if the closure of these wards goes ahead.
"Without any plans it seems that the council's already over-stretched social services department will have to take on an even bigger workload.
"In light of this, the council needs to take a much more definite stance on the issue and clearly show that without the recognition of the pivotal role of social and community services, these plans are doomed to fail and will result in a reduced quality of service to patients.
"As well as Swansea's community hospitals' review, shake-up plans for the region's big acute hospitals are also out to public consultation.While consultation on the Mid and West Wales review officially ends on June 26, an extra month has been added on to take in last-minute comments.
The biggest row to emerge so far is the battle between Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire over which area should be home to the lion's share of hospital services.
Tomorrow, health correspondent Susan Bailey looks at how patients in West Wales could be hit - or benefit - from the proposed changes.
Swansea councillors have been urged to reject hospital closure plans by city health bosses. Plaid Cymru AM and city GP Dai Lloyd and Plaid's group leader on Swansea Council, Darren Price, have called on members of the cabinet to oppose the restructuring plans, which would see the closure of Fairwood Hospital and ward one at Hill House.
A report by social services director Jack Straw to the cabinet today, said there was insufficient detail in the proposals by Swansea Health Board and Swansea NHS Trust.
Mr Straw said there were resource issues which needed to be spelled out and "much work to be done to provide greater detail about the new, community based service model".
He said: "Until the developmental path is clearer and more detail is available, the local authority is not in a position to give a view about specific service closures."
But Mr Straw's report did not go far enough, according to the two Plaid politicians.
Dr Lloyd said: "I find it absolutely staggering that Swansea Council can even consider taking such an indifferent stance on such an important issue for local people.
"The proposed closure of Fairwood and ward one at Hill House will be catastrophic.
"We must remember that 90 per cent of patients are already treated in the community - either by GPs or nurses.
"With an ever-increasing elderly population we need more community provision, not less. We should be looking to develop more services in the community, and this means community hospitals as well."
Councillor Price said: "The health board and trust have been unable to provide any details of how any alternative care will be provided if the closure of these wards goes ahead.
"Without any plans it seems that the council's already over-stretched social services department will have to take on an even bigger workload.
"In light of this, the council needs to take a much more definite stance on the issue and clearly show that without the recognition of the pivotal role of social and community services, these plans are doomed to fail and will result in a reduced quality of service to patients.
"As well as Swansea's community hospitals' review, shake-up plans for the region's big acute hospitals are also out to public consultation.While consultation on the Mid and West Wales review officially ends on June 26, an extra month has been added on to take in last-minute comments.
The biggest row to emerge so far is the battle between Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire over which area should be home to the lion's share of hospital services.
Tomorrow, health correspondent Susan Bailey looks at how patients in West Wales could be hit - or benefit - from the proposed changes.
