Rocke
|
What a week THAT was - Part 1PHEW !!!
I've split up this week's offering due to the length, and the number of issues.
Monday 9am and it was a meeting regarding the Boundary Commission's proposals for rejigging some ward boundaries.
Our democracy is based on everyone having an equal opportunity to be represented at all levels and a major aspect of that is having 1 MP per x number of population, 1 AM per y and 1 councillor per z etc.
That's how constituencies and wards come about.
Just after the elections last year I found out that Bournville is spilt into two, electorally. Believe it or not the terrace opposite the Tilers and South Griffen St. are in Blaina and the rest in Cwmtillery.
There was a longstanding arrangement that if any changes were planned which affected Bournville the Council would consult with and hopefully arrange a referendum for the residents.
Cue Boundary Commission planning changes, and a Blaina Councillor who proposed that all Bourneville come into Blaina.
Delwyn, Mark and I obviously backed the residents' referendum.
Cue Boundary Commission, who came up with a plan to put all of Bournville in - yes, Cwmtillery.
Up pops our Community Council, organising a meeting to drum up support for this - yes, more votes to be had and possibly increased salaries for paid staff.
The residents of Bournville have made it quite plain they want to be part of Cwmtillery. ( Distinct advantages, in their words, are Communities First and Ward Councillors have traditionally been supportive of them ).
So, a meeting to decide the Council's response to the BC's proposals and the prospect of an unnecessary referendum. And one where after it ended I was accused of speaking with forked tongue.
Strange, since when the person concerned first said he wanted to propose a Blaina takeover I said I wouldn't object to him making the proposal but Bournville residents were to be consulted and allowed to have their say.
And I didn't object to his proposal, and I have helped ensure they have their say.
Strange world, politics, always seems to be votes before people.
Anyway, another strange anomoly.
Aber Park is actually in Cwmtillery, but Old Blaina Rd. and Cyril Place etc. are in Aber.
Delwyn pointed this out and in his absence I spoke about his submission to the council.
The Council will now be asking the BC to place the Park into Abertillery.
( There's reasons why but don't ask because you'll think it surreal ).
|
