PLANS to reduce the number of Welsh councils from 22 to single figures have been slammed by regional AM Andrew RT Davies.

Vale resident and leader of the Welsh Conservatives Mr Davies called the process a "shambles".

Reacting to maps released last week, showing how the 22 Welsh authorities would be merged into eight or nine councils, Mr Davies said: "Ultimately, whilst everyone agrees that the cost of politics needs to be reduced, steamrolling local opinion is not the way to take this forward.

“It’s also hugely disappointing that the minister’s plans were leaked to the media before they could be scrutinised in the chamber by members. It just reinforces the arrogance of his government

“This process has been a shambles from start to finish and I have little confidence in Labour’s ability to take it forward."

The maps show that the Welsh Government plan on merging the Vale of Glamorgan with Cardiff.

On what the plans mean for the Vale of Glamorgan, Mr Davies said: “All along we have said that any reforms of the council structure should be driven by local voices. If communities want it - and if councils can prove they can boost efficiency with a merger - no-one should stand in their way.

“It’s also important that we ask ourselves what roles councils are to be expected to play after a restructuring.

"How can we be sure that we have the right model in place, if we don’t know what councils are going to be expected to do?"