Rocke
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Another week that was closer to ChristmasPerhaps one of these times I'll look on the bright side and say 'farther away from last Winter' or something like that.
However, events this week have left me more on the pessimistic side than optimistic.
Appeals Sub-committee on Weds.
No disciplinary action to rule on. This was a grievance not solved to the satisfaction of an employee. As a responsible employer the council allows staff who have an issue to ultimately appeal to the members of the sub-committee, if they're not happy with earlier outcomes.
Almost 4 hours - longer than any disciplinary one I've been on !!
Thursday - Full Council.
I think I've intimated before that I'm surprised at the way people behave once in 'the Chamber'.
Well, this one capped it all.
Members of the Indoor Bowls Club were out in force, despite there being nothing on the agenda concerning the Bowls Club, Centre etc.
Madam Mayor gives her usual welcoming greeting to those in the Public Gallery.
Cue one senior ( by experience anyway ) Member ( sitting, significantly and appriopriately in Cllr. McCarthy's usual seat ).
'Madame Mayor, they are members of the Bowls Club here to make a silent protest'.
Great start. It's going to be one of those meetings.
And it was.
The 'political banter', the arguing about whether to defer reports, political shots regarding the replacement of what in my view is one of the 'people first' councillors we have.
Highlight was a presentation/update by the Chief Exec. on the Eisteddfod.
Seems that Ebbw Vale will be invaded by druids or whatever they're called, accompanied by bands and others.
On 27th June Ebbw Vale will be proclaimed the place for the 2010 festival.
Unusually there will be a parade and service, since the Gorsaf stones ( don't any nationalist have a go at me if that's wrong ) are in place and the ceremony will take place at them.
Blaenau Gwent is expected to raise £300,000 as a contribution to funds.
Note - that's the area, NOT the Council.
However, there's an expected £8 million flowing into the local economy.
Lots of stats given - including one that the week-long event uses 21 miles of bog roll.
Questions ?
Well, the usual one makes a few statements before actually getting to a question, which the Chief Exec doesn't answer ( according to the enquirer ).
Another member asks what effect raising money for the E will have on the area's smaller charities.
He also feels he didn't get an answer.
So. on to me.
If we are so good on stats. how will the £8 Million be gained in terms of the spread of it.
If EV's holding the event, will not most of it come into that town ?
Moreover, the fund raising's been spread over 5 areas - £60,000 from the upper Ebbw Vach, Lower Ebbw Fach, Ebbw Fawr, Sirhowy Valleys and the rest of the HoV area ( Merthyr etc. )
So, Brynmawr down to Swffryd should raise £120,000, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar and the rest of the HoV area £60,000 each.
Does that mean that the organising committee will ensure that our valley will, benefit to the tune of £3.2 Million ( 40% of funds raised, so 40% of the economic benefit ) ?
Well, the intention is that local areas of interest such as Bryn Bach Park and the Big Pit will be publicised.
Supplementary question - there's been no mention of Cwmtillery Lakes, Beaufort Ponds etc. etc.
I hope we're not going to forget these.
We're no longer 'Costa del Coaltip' and we must show off the natural beauty we have and how welcoming our communities are.
Hopefully I made my point.
Any, good debate on the Eisteddfod and up stands Cllr. Lewis and proclaims how good it is that the Executive Member for Leisure ( Jason Owen ) is fully supportive of the E but has destroyed the Indoor Bowls Centre and how the club will be suffering.
Cue - yes, seal-like antics from the public gallery.
Madame Mayor rules him out of order but as he alluded 'he's made his point'.
Talk about playing to the gallery.
It looks like my optimism that we'd all play our part in sorting things out and trying to do and get the best possible for the citizens of this borough.
Never mind, Christmas is getting closer.
At least there's usually a few days of peace and goodwill.
Next week there might not be.
Got a constituent who simply can't get any idea as to when their roof's going to be done.
Neither can I - until Monday.
Cheers.
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