In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Boundary Shake-up
I must say I was shocked by the proposals put forward by the Boundary Commission on the election of future MPs.
Caerphilly is being lumped in with leafy Cardiff North, where there are no links, while part of the constituency goes into a vast Newport West and Sirhowy constituency. We should not be part of a greater Cardiff and greater Newport.
Library Services
Despite the nonsense from blinkered Labour politicians, the outside observer recognises the fantastic job done by Caerphilly Council with library services.
As I mentioned in my last column, the Labour Welsh Government Minister Huw Lewis, speaking in the Senedd, praised the work done at the Hanbury Chapel in Bargoed.
Now, following a question raised in Parliament by the Islwyn MP, the Westminster Minister Ed Vaisey said and I quote: “What I would say to Caerphilly borough council, which I believe is led by Plaid Cymru, although there is no overall control, is that I am delighted it is investing in its library service and that it has opened or refurbished six of its libraries.”
It is clear that local Labour politicians are ignoring the reality.
Council Tax
Some Labour politicians seem rather obsessed about a proposed nil rise in council tax in Caerphilly. No wonder they are worried because under the last Labour administration council tax-payers were stung.
The facts are that under Labour Band D payers had to fork out an extra £136 over four years in council tax while in the three years so far when Plaid has sent bills out the rise has been just £45.34 – almost £100 less per household. The highest rise under Plaid has been 2.9% and the lowest under Labour was 3.5%, rising to almost 5 per cent.
Morfydd Williams
I attended the funeral of one of Penyrheol’s oldest residents Mrs Morfydd May Williams recently.
This lady was a true Christian who lived her life dedicated to her beliefs and practised them throughout.
Always willing to help others she was a most kind and thoughtful lady and it was my privilege to have known her since I was four years of age.
If we all lived her life the world would be a most remarkable place. Rest in Peace, Mrs Williams.
Lantern Parade
I wanted to give a belated congratulations to the 900 or so children that made lanterns for the parade through Caerphilly before Christmas. It was the most successful yet with colourful costumes, sculptures and fireworks.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM
In response to the news of the recent proposed boundary changes, I fully concur with the views expressed above. I think everybody is shocked and in my case appalled by the fact that the boundary commission have sought to merge Caerphilly with the leafy suburbs of Cardiff North. The electoral Wards of BTM, St. James, Morgan Jones, Penyheol, St. Martins and the Aber Valley Wards (currently in the Caerphilly Constituency)bare very little resemblance to the Wards of Lisvane, Llanishen, Rhiwbina and Whitchurch and Tongwinlais(currently in the Cardiff North Constituency).
A worry for the people of Caerphilly, of which Tory voting has never been popular, will be that for the first time ever due to the boundary changes, there is a possibility in future elections the new Constituency could return a Conservative MP. On the new projections (see link below) there would only need to be a 2.7% swing from Lab to Con to see the new seat turn blue. That surely is bad news to the people of Caerphilly who have for decades voted against the Conservatives in their thousands.
The public consultation will now run I believe until early April so all those who disagree with the shambolic new boundaries being imposed on the people of Caerphilly have a right to voice their objections. Whether your Labour, Plaid or not political at all. If you believe that the the we should retain Caerphilly's identity then please take part in the consultation.
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/
Thank you Lindsay for your touching tribute to my late mother, Morfydd May. As you say, her way of practising Christianity was to live it not just attend church. I found these words, in her hand writing, that explain, better than I, how she believed that actions speak louder than words.
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,
I’d rather one that would walk with me, than merely show the way;
The eye is a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.
The best of all the preachers are the ones that live their creeds,
For to see good put into action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it, if you let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do.
I may not understand the high advice you give,
But there can be no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.”
I think Lindsay is wrong, there is a convergence between Caerphilly Town and North Cardiff in lifesyle, aspiration and satandard of living. For better or worse Caerphilly Town is growing apart from the rest of teh County Borough.