Lack of delivery - hallmark of Labour government

24/01/2012

Plaid Cymru AM, Bethan Jenkins, has said that Labour’s lack of delivery is a record to be ashamed of. The Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West said that the reality of Labour government has been uncertainty, confusion, downgraded services, reduced terms and conditions for council workers and a distinct lack of delivery.

Bethan Jenkins AM highlighted areas where she said that Labour has failed to deliver:

- On the economy - the Labour government has failed to deliver a proper economic stimulus plan to help the people of Wales through these tough economic times

- On education – the Labour government has delivered uncertainty in schools with the banding system which has undermined schools and cause confusion amongst pupils and parents

- On health – rather than delivering, the Labour government appears intent on dismantling the health service on a local level

- In local government – Labour councils have treated their workforces with contempt slashing 40% off the wages of some of the lowest paid workers, even threatening them with a lock-out if they did not accept.

Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins said:

“Labour should be ashamed of their record of delivery in the eight months since they formed the Welsh government. In education, health, the economy and local government they have delivered nothing of value. At a time when the people of Wales are looking to their government to help protect their jobs, Labour has failed to deliver a proper economic stimulus plan. In health they are intent on delivering what they promised they would not deliver – a downgrading plan which will dismantle the health service on a local level. In education, their school banding plans have caused uncertainty among parents, pupils and teachers and have undermined the standing of schools in their communities.

“In Labour run councils in Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and RCT, they have treated their workforces shamefully, slashing wages by up to 40% and threatening lock outs and dismissal for non-compliance.

“Labour seems content to sit-back and let Wales feel the full force of the economic crisis so that they can blame the Tories for all that goes wrong.” 

Campaign group challenged to run community centre

article from the South Wales Evening Post

RESIDENTS who fought to save their local community centre from closure are being challenged to run it themselves.

Neath Port Talbot Council had intended axing the existing Aberavon Community Centre and incorporating it into the £13.6 million replacement for the Afan Lido.

Now it has been given a temporary reprieve while the possibility of residents taking it over is restored.

The council is already in discussions with the New Sandfields Aberavon organisation with a view to it running Dalton Road Community Centre, which at the moment is also set to be absorbed into the new Afan Lido.

Council head of property and regeneration, Gareth Nutt, said of the Aberavon centre: "If the community is committed to that facility and want it to continue and believe the demand is there, if the community wants to run it our door is open for discussion.

"We will be engaging with the people who use it to see if we can find a way for them to take it forward themselves."

Councillors have now approved a programme for the demolition and replacement of the 50-year-old Afan Lido complex, which has been shut since the blaze in December, 2009.

Bulldozers are expected to arrive on site in September, but the £13.6 million new centre is not likely to be ready until the end of 2013.

The council has ruled out rebuilding the complex, which included the Aquadome theme pool, exactly as it was.

Instead, its plans include a six-lane swimming pool and a four-court sports hall, fitness suite and dance studio, along with a café.

The existing Sandfields Library, Seaway Parade Education Centre and (subject to the talks with NSA) Dalton Road Community Centre will be incorporated into the complex. Neath Port Talbot has emphasised all those facilities were being relocated rather than closed.

Deputy council leader Peter Rees said: "Here is an opportunity for people to come forward with proposals for the Aberavon Community Centre.

"They can take up the challenge and we would welcome that."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk

Afan Lido may be replaced in Neath Port Talbot by 2013

A new swimming pool, sports hall and community centre that will replace a seafront leisure complex destroyed by fire could open by late 2013.

More than 2,000 people took part in Neath Port Talbot council consultation on replacing the Afan Lido in Aberavon.

It was gutted in December 2009 and clearing the site has been hampered by the presence of asbestos.

The council is preparing to start rebuilding but said a like-for-like replacement was too expensive.

Although many people said they would like to see an identical rebuild, the council said it was costing £700,000 a year to keep the old lido going.

Instead it is proposing a new 25m six-lane swimming pool to replace the Aquadome water attraction and slides that used to exist.
Sports hall

There will also be a four court indoor sports hall and it plans new community facilities to replace existing community centres.

Sandfields Library and Sandfields Lifelong Learning Centre would move to the site once it is completed.

  

Councillors have been told the total project cost had been budgeted at £13.6m.

In a progress report they were told the site had finally been cleared of asbestos in May and work to demolish the remaining structures was targeted to begin in September.

It is hoped planning applications could be submitted by the end of the year with the new centre opening towards the end of 2013.

It said 2,628 people and six groups had been represented during the consultation process.

"Many of the suggestions were of a very detailed nature and particularly from disability groups and individuals around equipment rather than the overall provision," it said.

"Many of the suggestions may be considered within the design, subject to cost effectiveness, including the potential for a health or hydrotherapy suite and details regarding disability access."

above article is from the BBC website