In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer, Caerphilly Council leader Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Recycling and composting
I wanted to congratulate the green-fingered residents of Caerphilly County Borough Council for helping make us the top local authority in Wales when it comes to recycling and composting.
The latest figures on municipal waste produced by the Welsh Assembly Government show that between January 1 and March 31 this year the council recycled /composted 49% of its municipal waste – against the Welsh average of 37 per cent, and higher than any other authority in the country.
Last October the council introduced weekly recycling rounds, as well as weekly food waste and green waste collections, which clearly inspired our residents to back our efforts to boost recycling rates.
We all have to do more to protect the environment and it would be great if we could top the 50 per cent figure soon.
New Chief Executive
I mentioned last month the huge challenges facing the council as a result of the squeeze on public spending.
So I was pleased that the council agreed to make an internal appointment when the chief executive Stuart Rosser retires at Christmas.
By appointing from one of our existing directors it will save the authority around £150,000 a year or between £500,000 and £750,000 over the next five years which is very significant.
It shows that the council is working hard and looking at all options to save money while continuing to deliver good frontline services to our residents.
Blackwood by-election
Voters in Blackwood go to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) in a by-election for a seat on the council borough council.
Naturally, I’m hoping our campaigning Blackwood Town councillor Andrew Farina-Childs, who served as town mayor in 2008-09, will be triumphant. I’d like to think voters will give a positive verdict on the Plaid-led council while not forgetting the terrible mess the country was left in by the former Labour Government.
And I’m sure if elected Andrew would work very hard for the community of Blackwood as did former councillor Kevin Etheridge.
Lindsay Whittle,
Plaid Cymru leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council