THE recent comments reported in the Barry & District News, February 18, by Labour AM minister Leighton Andrews that opponents of his council merger plans should grow up, reek of unbridled political arrogance.

He should remember that such arrogance led to the complete decimation of the Labour party in the Scottish Parliament.

The unification of Cardiff and Vale Councils is unsound on both economic and social lines. In a unified authority, decisions taken would be to the benefit of Cardiff (and its residents and ratepayers) and not to the Vale and its residents, Vale councillors would be outvoted every time.

I personally believe that Mr Andrews’ real reason and support for a unified authority is that it would enable Cardiff (as the dominant partner) to get its hands on the property asset of the Vale council, tell the truth Mr Andrews, that is your real interest.

Also Mr Andrews, would not your plans benefit Cardiff and its reported council pension deficit, whereby Vale residents would pay the bill with assets built up by the sound economic management of both Labour and Conservative Vale councils over the years.

It appears Mr Andrews you are blindly leading the Labour party in Wales down the same political path, with the same result as what happened in Scotland.

Co-operation between independent Vale and Cardiff councils makes economic sense, co-operation yes, unification no.

Stephen Newman

Osprey Court

Barry