Mumbles councillors criticise colleague after he labelled Dylan Thomas a binge drinker
COUNCILLORS have distanced themselves from a colleague's comment which criticised Dylan Thomas's legacy.
Brian Arthur, who represents West Cross ward, last week questioned whether the authority would be right to use taxpayers money to join celebrations for what would have been the poet's 100th birthday next year.
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It followed the announcement by the Welsh Government that a programme of events would be staged in a country-wide celebration, with the main focus on areas which inspired Dylan most, including Uplands in Swansea, Laugharne and Ceredigion.
But asked whether Mumbles should join the festival, Mr Arthur questioned what worth it would be to the village.
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He said: "Dylan was no better than the people who drink in Wind Street today. I think we should wash our hands of him.
"He was a binge drinker, and he was a person who hasn't done anything for Mumbles.
"He is a bad role model for modern youngsters.
"If he were alive today he would be drinking in Wind Street."
Some of his colleagues disagreed strongly with his views, prompting the community council to issue a statement.
Clerk Steve Heydon said: "Councillor Arthur's comments on Dylan Thomas do not represent the views of Mumbles Community Council.
"He was making a personal comment regarding the celebrations, when they were brought up by another councillor during the meeting.
"Community councils can only make decisions on matters in the formal agenda, so no discussion was held and the chairman moved onto the next item.
"Dylan Thomas 100 will be discussed at the next meeting of council when it will set its budget for 2013-14.
"Mumbles Community Council has played a leading role in supporting similar celebrations over the years."
Comments
by maxmin
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 9:44AM
“Clarysage, yes very good point about celebrating the work and not the worker. Unfortunately whenever you read about a group of people wishing to 'celebrate' a certain person you can bet your bottom dollar ( which for a lot of us is in sight) it means the taxpayer having to fork out for some massive beano for the smug few quaffing champagne at £400 a bottle while telling everyone they are simple paying homage to someone or the other.”
by clarysage50
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 6:56PM
“Well, whichever way you look at it, this councillor certainly has a point - were DT (DT..!!) alive today he would be down in Wind Street upholding the dubious values of booze, binge-drinking and probably illegal drugs....oh, and a few wimmin if he had the chance!! Why not leave the man out of it and celebrate the poetry and plays instead.”
by Julesbreadbox
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 3:53PM
“I like this councillor!!!!
At least someone who is not too afraid to stand up against this DT hype.
Thumbs up, Mr. Arthur!!”
by maxmin
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 10:46AM
“White rock, yes people tend to overlook that.”
by Neathboy234
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 7:52AM
“Rather odd views from a rather odd man i would say, Brian Arthur that is not the great man Dylan Thomas”
by Dr_Conker
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 7:35AM
“yeah... "Sex and drugs and rock and roll".
Way to go, Mumbles community council, Very progressive thinking. All Artisans of that parish should now feel safe from persecution”
by White_Rock
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 7:27AM
“Not exactly anything inaccurate there though is it?
Are we so in thrall to Thomas in this city that we'd rather not acknowledge the fact that, despite being a poet of rare talent, he was also a drunken reprobate who spent his life either inebriated or mooching off his supporters.”