Friday, December 07, 2007

Cwmgwrach youth need more activities and fewer ASBOs

It seems hypocritical for Neighbourhood Watch in Cwmgwrach to object to youths riding motor cycles in the local woods, and riding jet skis on the local lake, while at the same time arranging to bulldoze a popular youth facility, the Cwmgwrach Cabin Club - see the removal Neath Guardian story.

Local Liberal Democrats object to the elimination of a facility for acceptable youth activities, while condemning anti-social behaviour.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It’s also worth noting that most, if not all members of Neighbourhood Watch are Plaid Cymru councillors on the Community Council...

Anonymous said...

You think that the situation in Cwmgwrach is bad? You only need to travel 5 miles down the valley and the situation in Resolven is dire! There is literally nothing for the youngsters to do. Most end up hanging around the square and becoming a nuisance.

Funny thing, I don't blame them! I blame the lack of facilities and opportunity.

Neither is Cwmgwrach and Resolven an isolated case. Throughout the borough, there are villages and communities in exactly the same situation.

We are not talking about Plaid here either - we are talking of a Labour dominant area that has seriously neglected the needs of the youth.

The choice is simple:

1. Continue to vote Labour and witness even more decay.
2. Give someone else a chance to do something different.

You'll be surprised at what might be achieved. For me, living in Neath is like living in the land that time forgot. I mean, this is one of Labours safest seats so they don't need to make that extra effort to retain the seat. Opposition parties don't really fancy their chances of winning the seat so they don't make that extra effort either. So, where does that leave Neath?

It leaves Neath lagging behind the remainder of Wales let alone the rest of the UK. If only we were a marginal constituency we would have a lot more effort spent on making Neath better.

Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats said...

Now, Neath Labour MP Peter Hain has taken a hand, but, according to the Neath Guardian has had no more success than anyone else in moving the rock which is the chair of Cwmgwrach Neighbourhood Watch.

One wonders why the AM for Neath has not moved to have the hut re-opened. It seems that Labour/Plaid cooperation does not reach down from the Assembly Government to the Neath valley.

Frank Little

Anonymous said...

"One wonders why the AM for Neath has not moved to have the hut re-opened."

I think you'll find the AM for Neath was the first to become involved in this. I'm sure her office would be more than prepared to share the correspondence with you, if you need the proof.

Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats said...

I'd be delighted to apologise if Ms Thomas's work (clearly behind the scenes) achieves the effect we all want, bringing this facility back into public use.

We shall continue fighting for it.

- Frank Little

Anonymous said...

It's obvious that neither this publication nor the others who are sending in comments know enough about the issue. The local orgaination would not be acting this way if it could keep the cabin open. It has been forced (by rules of law and finance) to close the cabin, and is now doing all it can (unlike those who complain) to provide alternative facilities for the youths. Facilities, I'm sure, that will be offered properly and professionally.

Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats said...

The Friends of the Cabin dispute the contention that the facility is no longer viable.

It is hoped that the Neath Guardian will publish their side of the story this week.

Anonymous said...

It is the report from Neath Port Talbot County Borough officers that has stated the Cabin is non viable.
There is only one Plaid Cymru councillor on the Neighbourhood Watch,and she is not and never has been acting in her capacity as a councillor on this project. The Plaid run council have never been involved in any part of the setting up or running of the cabin.