Gloves are off as rivals clash
THE gloves came off when political rivals clashed over the introduction of parking charges in Pontardawe.
Labour veteran, Alltwen member David Lewis, claimed Plaid Cymru leader Linet Purcell had bored the pants off him.
Neath Port Talbot Council has agreed to introduce charges from next April, though as a concession to traders it will allow the first hour to be free.
The bypass car park, which was set to become long-stay only, will now also remain mainly short-stay.
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At a scrutiny committee meeting, Mrs Purcell opposed the charges and said: "This isn't just about sums of money, it's about livelihoods. I've had the owners of two businesses in tears talking to me."
But Councillor Lewis said councillors had a responsibility to the authority as well as to their community.
"Councillor Purcell has no responsibility to this council at all," he said. "Her only duty here is to do with protecting Pontardawe. That is a total abrogation of responsibility.
"Not respecting why we are doing this today is unforgivable. She says she has fronted a campaign on these parking charges for the last two years. That is true, and she has bored the pants off me.
"I am totally sick and tired of the campaigns run by a certain political party in Pontardawe over the last two years, which have done more to damage the village than (parking charges) will."
Comments
by Jiffy
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 5:48PM
“The upper Swansea valley has suffered for decades from having useless, ignorant, self-serving councillors. Just when you hope you've seen the back of them, along comes David Lewis to remind us of what's gone on before.
It might surprise Mr Lewis, but the residents of Alltwen shop in Pontardawe. It's just the kind of distance that makes it necessary to use public transport or drive to get there. An effective representative for Alltwen would have been asking what they thought of having to pay to park in Pontardawe, instead of trying (and failing) to score points against Linet Purcell.
Whilst he's at it, perhaps Mr Lewis can explain why the arcade & bridge entrance to Herbert Street is locked at night and weekends? A lot of money was spent building the bridge and more recently tarting up the privately owned arcade. It's a lot of good having a pay carpark that can't be reached after 6pm.”
by valleyswan
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 12:54PM
“Dai_Chotomy is absolutely correct in what he says and in his defence of Councillor Lyn Purcell. She has proved to be our most dedicated and hard working councillor over the years and has campaigned vigorously in Pontardawe's best interests, which of course what she has been elected to do. Councillor Lewis may exercise his democratic right to disagree with her on any issue, but I find his remark "she has bored the pants off me" offensive to say the least. i would rather hope to listen to more decorous language from our elected representatives whateverparties they represent.”
by Dai_Chotomy
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 9:31AM
“Councillor Lewis said of Councillor Purcell, "Her only duty here is to do with protecting Pontardawe". Then she was doing precisely what she was elected to do.
What was Councillor Lewis doing in the meeting anyway? As far as I am aware he holds no responsibility for the subject either on the committee that was meeting or as a Cabinet member.
Veteran he may be, it is time he was superannuated and stopped boring the pants off younger people with more grace and gentility.
Perhaps Cllr Lewis should be reminded that he does not have to wait for the next election to retire, he can go at any time, before he totally ruins the reputation he built up over the years.”