In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer, Caerphilly Council leader Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
STRONG BACKING FOR YES VOTE
I’ve been delighted at the response locally to the campaign for a Yes vote in the referendum on more law making powers for the National Assembly.
People in Caerphilly are really coming forward to pledge their support and, personally, only three individuals I’ve come across have taken the opposite view, which is really positive for March 3.
It is also pleasing to hear that people like Max Boyce and the actor Matthew Rhys have come out to back a Yes vote.
The No campaign is so negative. If there was a No victory – which I don’t think there will be – it would mean continuing the procedure where Westminster has to give the nod to laws in Wales in the devolved areas. It doesn’t happen in Northern Ireland or Scotland. Why should people here be treated as second class citizens?
A Yes vote will be good for Welsh democracy and will ensure the Assembly is able to use its powers more freely and operate in a more efficient manner. That has to be good. Now, I will be trying to persuade as many people as possible to vote for the future and vote Yes.
VALLEYS HEART AND SOUL
Another vote is currently taking place – to decide the favourite attractions in the South Wales Valleys.
The Valleys Heart and Soul campaign, along with Rough Guide author Mike Parker, , has created a list of the Top 50 Valleys Essentials, which includes heritage attractions, events and scenic walks across the area.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor, The Big Cheese, Gelligaer Common, , Cwmcarn Forest, Eglwysilan Church, near Senghenydd, Ruperra Castle, near Machen, Parc Penallta, Ystrad Mynach, and, of course, Caerphilly Castle have been chosen by Mike Parker as the Top 50 Valleys Essentials
The number will be reduced to an eventual Top ten, which will then be used in a UK-wide campaign to promote the Valleys as a tourist destination this year.
Voting closes at www.thevalleys.co.uk/top-50 on January 31 so I hope residents will vote for their favourites in the county borough.
The final list will be revealed in March and a special plaque will be awarded to the Top ten Valleys Essentials.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council