'Make cuts or lose workers' - Carmarthenshire councillors told
ONE thousand council jobs could be lost unless councillors in Carmarthenshire wake up and realise that service cuts have to be made.
That was the stark warning from council leader Meryl Gravell and chief executive Mark James at yesterday's executive board meeting.
"We have to use our heads and not our hearts," said Councillor Gravell.
The pair said that while Carmarthenshire was in a better position than many local authorities in Wales to weather the financial storm, there remained a drastic need for money to be saved.
The council needs to find around £25 million over the next three years, or, it was claimed, hundreds of jobs could be lost.
The call comes in the wake of controversy over its plans for a shake-up of elderly care, which could see a number of residential homes close.
Some councillors have fiercely attacked such a move and, after voting not to put the proposals out to consultation, agreed instead to set up a so-called task and finish group to investigate the issue in depth.
"Things like the task and finish group into elderly care could bankrupt the council or cost 1,000 jobs," warned Councillor Gravell.
Mr James said that money could be saved by radically altering how services were provided.
"It is going to be a case of stopping some services altogether or radically changing the way we are doing them," he said.
"This is a very dramatic, drastic and serious situation we find ourselves in at the moment. If we can't save the money, then we could lose 1,000 jobs."
Deputy leader Kevin Madge said: "We are going through a very difficult time.
"We can't go dipping into all of our reserves in case we have an emergency, like the flooding in Durham.
"Councillors need to wake up and realise that cuts have to be made," he added.
And Councillor Clive Scourfield urged councillors to support tough decisions.
"I hope councillors in Carmarthenshire will have the courage to support measures we may have to take, and do what's best for all the residents in the county."
Councillor Pam Jones said of councillors: "They must have a wake-up call and do their duty to protect Carmarthenshire."
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by ERIC, Llanelli
Friday, December 18 2009, 3:00PM
“Richard , many thanks for your comment , and yes most write up's with some people are rubbish including some of my comments but thats life, and so a merry christmas and a joyfull new year to you as well - Nadolig Llawen 2010 .”
by richard, here and there
Thursday, December 17 2009, 5:19PM
“Eric, I read all your posts with interest. Most of them are rubbish of course but as a fierce advocate of free speech and open debate I would always defend your right to your opinions. Keep posting Eric and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all fellow posters a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2010. Nadolig Llawen”
by ERIC, Llanelli
Thursday, December 17 2009, 2:31AM
“many thanks for your remark richard , by the way i left a ( e ). out of rude, i was not looking what i was doing , nice to see some person that looks at my message cheers.”
by richard, here and there
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 9:47PM
“Kevin, Its obvious that OAP isnt Eric. Just look at the spelling and the RANdom uSe of UPPer caSE letters !!”
by ERIC, LLANELLI
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 2:26PM
“Kevin John, How Rud you are, when i put a write up its in my name ONLY not some other , So as for your Remark i hope you with draw it, and i am Not a moron as you have stated, Well i must say you have lost a friendy neighbour ,...... been to the Con club .... J”