DEAR editor,

Someone needs to challenge the lack of substance in the statements from Andrew RT Davies regarding local government reorganisation.

Only one councillor in our local council has been willing to confront the self-interests of the political parties, whilst others who may hold a similar view are keeping their heads well below the parapet.

I have some regard for Mr Davies because he is a politician willing to challenge those in power, but there is little quantifiable data in his arguments on this matter, and in his determination to protect the Vale of Glamorgan Council from change. He refers to the cosy relationship between Labour and Plaid but I’m more concerned about the chummy culture between those in power at the Vale council and the well paid main opposition party.

His strategy and strong voice contrasts with the silent opposition of his councillor colleagues who believe the Vale council is the best in Wales, derived from the old-guard’s collective self-belief in their own success and a few kind words in an audit report.

There are several other audit reports that are much less flattering: we really do need change.

Look at the evidence rather than the alarmist strategy of the Save the Vale campaign and the Labour run Vale. Council tax is lower in 10 other Welsh Council areas, including Cardiff; exclude house building and cycle paths and economic activity is poor in the Vale compared to Cardiff; the dynamic city of Cardiff is a massive employer of people from our community; there are 20,500 daily commutes from the Vale to Cardiff; fantastic facilities, shopping and entertainment venues.

I believe we have far too many politicians in Wales, more than Scotland which has almost twice the population; 60 assembly members with strong hints that they believe more are required, and 47 councillors in the Vale which would be reduced to about 20 in a merged Vale/Cardiff council.

Eight merged councils in Wales would equate to about half the number of councillors and an annual saving of around £12 million on councillor payments alone.

Dennis Harkus,

FocusBARRY supporter