Ward words (From Barry And District News)

Ward words

IN response to Cllrs Charles, Hampton and Williams' letter, published last week (Barry & District News, March 11) concerning Jon Trew's criticism of the council's neglect of duty of care to pupils of All Saints Primary School, may I make the following comments:

Whilst inadequately dealing with the issue of children's safety, this letter, and the one that prompted it, are simply the beginning of the usual party political bickering that precedes every local election.

The use of the term 'local' needs explaining here, as only one of the 'ward councillors' - a term used three times in the letter - resides in the ward (Illtyd) - the other two wishing to reside elsewhere, although council literature does not yet reflect this fact.

The councillors' letter therefore is underhand when it seeks to rebuke Jon Trew for not living in the area! On the other hand, local people may be excused for asking, Janice who?

I would agree that Jon Trew was seeking, along with his colleagues, to raise political profiles as they are not known in the ward where the local Labour Party has selected them.

Since the letter, however, two of them - Pam Drake and Jon Trew have sought candidature in the Castleland ward, the former being successful.

What does this say about loyalty and allegiance to particular wards and local people?

As with all local debates it comes down to someone blaming someone else and little being achieved. Is this what the people of the Vale, and in particular those in the Illtyd Ward, want?

There will be 'a non-party political' alternative available to the voters of Illtyd this June - in every sense a 'local candidate.' Watch this space!

Neil Brown Salisbury Road Barry