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Community Review 2013/14

Review of the Boundary and Electoral Arrangements within the County Borough of

DRAFT PROPOSALS – APPENDIX D

SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS

From Community Councillor Doreen Jones CBC Councillor for Submission Summary: I am strongly in favour of status quo as the residents of Blaenhonddan would be disadvantaged by any changes in the electoral boundaries. The precept would be increased unfairly between communities. At present, the precept is fairly low because of the size of the Council and this benefits all residents in Blaenhonddan.

From Community Rowland Lanchbury Clerk of Cilybebyll Community Council Submission Summary: Council asked me to refer to recent LGBCW reports which referred to their set up. No need for change to my Council's boundary or electoral arrangements.

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From Community Peter Lloyd Jones Clerk of Cwmllynfell Community Council Submission Summary: That Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council be informed that as the Community of Cwmllynfell comprising the Community Wards of Cwmllynfell and Penrhiwfawr is coterminous with the Cwmllynfell Electoral Division of the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot the present community boundaries and electoral arrangements reflect natural democracy and a sense of identity and as such there should be no change to the existing arrangements

From Community Town Council Glynneath Submission Summary: The matter was discussed at the meeting of the Council which took place on 9th July 2013 & all Councillors feel that to change the boundaries within any of the wards in Glynneath will be detrimental to the people of the Town. The Town is now rediscovering its identity and people are slowly returning to community based values. The majority of people who have spoken to the Councillors regarding any changes are worried that any changes will affect the proposed Glynneath Regeneration Programme and that once again, the Town will be "forgotten" within the Neath Port Talbot area.

From Community Councillor Arwyn Woolcock Gwaun‐Cae‐Gurwen Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Submission Summary: I do not propose any changes to the existing community arrangements.

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From Community Anonymous Neath Submission Summary: I feel that County Borough Councillors should not have the right to be elected onto the Community / Town Councils. It results in clear and frequent conflicts of interest and pushes things forward in a top down manner rather than giving a voice to the community (examples could include the lack of action on behalf of constituents with regards to the proposed closure of Cwrt Sart School and the lack of positive action to help the local young people achieve their skate park dream). It often seems that the Town Council have little ability to actually achieve anything ‐ is there really any point in having a Borough Council and Town Council if many of the councillors represent both organisations anyway. It seems like a waste of time and money. Perhaps the County Borough Council could consider giving more powers to the Town Council, otherwise you might as well get rid of it!!

From Community Councillor Peter Rees Neath Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Submission Summary: There is a saying "if it isn't broken ‐ then don't mend it". There is a good rapport, support and community spirit in these wards. Therefore, I do not see any reason to change.

From Community Anonymous Neath Submission Summary: The current council is overseeing a policy of managed decline and degeneration in the Neath town centre. Shops and business are closing down, and are not being filled with suitable businesses. Neath High Street is becoming filled with Cash generators, pawn shops, and High Street pay day lenders. The town's historic aesthetic appeal is also in decline. The council choosing to knock down period houses along Water Street, that have stood in this community for generations, for car‐parks is nothing short of a tragedy.

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I understand efforts have been made to improve the aesthetic appearance of Neath such as the re‐opening of the Gwyn Hall and the improvements made in Victoria Gardens. Neath needs more projects like these that will bring about greater community involvement and social cohesion. However improvements to the town are already in danger due to the lacklustre enforcement of pedestrianisation in the town centre. Pavements only recently re‐paved are already damaged due to car owners parking their cars in the town centre. This must come to an end, not only do they sully the town's appearances but they are damaging the heavy investment in pavements and are also a danger to pedestrians.

The managed decline that the local council is overseeing at the Dyfed Road tennis courts is a disgrace. Membership over the last twenty years has plummeted in the club and this is directly due to a lack of investment. Yet, the council repeatedly chooses not to re‐invest in the courts, and instead chooses to wait till the conditions of the court are so appalling that they will 'have no choice' but to close and conveniently build yet another car‐park in its place. Two courts have already been removed for car spaces, and the council’s policy towards the tennis courts has become an open joke amongst locals. On a week that saw a British individual win Wimbledon for the first time in 77 years it is crucial that the local council recognises the importance of an accessible, safe and affordable sporting facility like the Dyfed Road tennis courts. These courts must remain open, and the local council must start taking a more responsible approach to government. On a final note, I would like to acknowledge the commitment of the staff at Dyfed Road tennis courts in their attempts to make the court as open to participation as possible despite the adverse condition in which they are working and the physical decline of the courts.

From Community Councillor Alan Carter Neath Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Submission Summary: If it is not broken why fix it.

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From Community Councillor Ali Thomas Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Onllwyn Submission Summary: I do not propose any changes to the existing community arrangements.

From Community Mr. B. Parfitt Onllwyn & Seven Sisters Clerk for Onllwyn and Seven Sisters Community Council Submission Summary: It is members' opinion that the present situation adequately represents the community interests. Fewer ward members would be unacceptable as would fewer community councillors.

From Community Councillor Martin Ellis Pelenna Neath Port Talbot CBC Councillor for Pelenna Submission Summary: While a small ward Pelenna is a coherent community with strong local relationships and identity. If it has to change to meet required size/population then the inclusion of Oakwood, should be considered, rather than being "submerged" into an extended Bryn & Cwmavon ward. "Single Member” wards feel a closer more caring relationship with their Councillor. At the same time Pelenna Community Council should extend to the same boundary. Oakwood is already part of the functioning community of Pontrhydyfen in practice, with the local school in its centre, and all social and commercial activities based in Pelenna.

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From Community David Mackerras Pelenna Clerk for Pelenna Community Council Submission Summary: Community Boundaries ‐ Pelenna Community Council holds the view that both Oakwood and Cwm Ifan Bach hamlets should be included within its Community Boundary. There is a logical geographical connection between these communities. In addition to this the residents of both Cwm Ifan Bach and Oakwood enjoy the facilities provided by the Community of Pelenna. The Oakwood community contains Pontrhydyfen school, yet a further link between the communities. The additional population could be reasonably added to Pelenna and this would further justify the County Borough Council Member representation. Community Council ‐ Residents of Pelenna, and certainly the Community Council are very happy with the continuation of the Council. PCC provides a number of services to the Community, and in addition expect to acquire the management of Macpelah cemetery, as requested by the Chapel trustees. Again the Community Council is very comfortable with its Neath Port Talbot CBC representation which is seen as adequate, as is also the Community Council membership of 11 Members.

From Community Anonymous and West Submission Summary: I would like to see a new community council created for Sandfields covering the two wards.

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From Community Mr. D. G. Morgan Clerk for Ystalyfera Community Council Submission Summary: Council established in 1986 with ward representation of Ystalyfera ward ‐ 11 Councillors, and Godre'rgraig ward ‐ 4 Councillors. Housing population changes over the years should now show ward representation of Ystalyfera ward ‐ 9 Councillors, and Godre'rgraig ward ‐ 6 Councillors.

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