Fiddlers, magicians and harpists at "extravagant" mayor's dinner
MAGICIANS, harpists and fiddlers who entertained at a town mayor's community dinner have been branded an "extravagant spectacle" and a "waste of money" by councillors.
The cost of the annual Gorseinon Town Council event, which is believed to run to thousands of pounds, will be discussed in private at its monthly meeting tonight.
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Concern: Plaid AM Dai Lloyd
But Plaid councillors, who attacked the expense, are calling for it to be considered in public and will put forward a motion at the meeting.
Councillor Darren Thomas said: "As an attendee at this event, I couldn't believe the spectacle of the whole thing. A few flowers and a simple meal is traditional at this event, which is usually held at the New Lodge. Ceramic dragons, poets and magic shows at the Canolfan Centre is altogether something else."
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Guests at the dinner, which was held on April 30, included the town mayor, mayors of neighbouring community councils, the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Gorseinon town councillors and other invited guests.
Councillor Jim Dunckley said he thought it was irresponsible of the council to exclude the public from the discussions about the event.
He added: "It's unbelievable that when the town council voted to cut funding for local charities and the children's summer play scheme, that money has been spent on magicians, harpists and fiddlers at this event.
"It's an extravagant waste of public money. And it's even more unbelievable that the town council is attempting to deny the public the opportunity to hold the council to account for this irresponsible behaviour. It shows total contempt for the democratic process."
The call for transparency has also been backed by Plaid AM Dai Lloyd, who said: "At a time when public finances are being stretched and all tiers of government are being asked to tighten their belts by this Con-Dem UK Government, I find it incredible that a town council can spend significant sums of money on such an event.
"Surely the priority for town councils at this time should be to fund worthwhile community events and projects, and in particular, funding activities for children and the most vulnerable in our society. Lavish dinners for a select few paid for by the general taxpayer should not be a priority."
Gorseinon Town Council's clerk John Millard said matters were discussed in private if they were of a personal, confidential or financial nature. He added that this was of a personal and financial nature for the venue used for the meal — the Canolfan Centre.
Town mayor Victor Bruno said the council had followed protocol. He would not comment on the claims that the dinner was extravagant and a waste of money.
helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk
Comments
by richard, llanelli
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 8:33PM
“I think that Mr Millard (Clerk) needs to keep watching his back in this issue.Keep all the notes and memmos Mr M . You may need them when the balloon goes up!”
by gorsboy, gorseinon
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 7:34PM
“Czar Bruno follows protocol,that's a laugh! Protocol in Gorseinon was Mayor serves for one year,Czar Bruno ripped this up and voted himself another year so that he can entertain at our expense people who do nothing for Gorseinon.Czar Bruno the people are watching and waiting their opportunity.”
by Connor Hawke, The real world
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 6:52PM
“Un - bloody - believable! Its seems we can't go one week without some story about a fat politician with his/ her nose in the trough. These people seem to quickly forget that they are PUBLIC SERVANTS!
I work in the public sector myself. Yesterday we were sent an email by our director stating that, due to the current state of finances, all purchases must now go through to the board on an official request form. When I asked my immediate boss to order a few new boxes of pens I had one of these forms shoved under my nose. I didn't realise it meant literally every single purchase.
So on the one hand you have people having to bring out the begging bowl for a few boxes of poxy ballpoints and on the other you have these idiots spending £4k on what was, essentially, a party!
I am the first to admit that there is waste in the public sector and lots of dubious jobs for people who now the right people (I witnessed it first hand) and cuts do indeed need to be made. But the sword needs to drop on these freeloaders, not the hardworking staff at the sharp end who keep things running. Unfortunately that'll never happen as the public sector isn't built on meritocracy but rather cronyism.”
by Ken Snow, Gorseinon
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 6:25PM
“Let,s start getting rid of these clowns now”
by suzanne, Swansea
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 5:29PM
“Sorry I meant Ffos Las racecourse NOT Ffros y Fran !!!”
by suzanne, Swansea
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 5:27PM
“Heather the town councillors are volunteers, and as such do not get paid. Some however do enjoy the occasional day-trip / training day at Ffros y Fran racecourse or occasional dinner!”
by suzanne, Swansea
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 5:16PM
“During his year as Mayor Mr. Bruno raised around £400 for charity, I believe this is around half the amount Mr. Bruno gets for his mayoral allowance. Mr. Bruno raised the money for the charity at his do, which cost around £4000! Is it just me or do others think this is an absurd waste of the people of Gorseinons money. Luckily the Plaid and Labour councillors voted down this mans attempt to double the precept. With twice the money Mr. Bruno might have been tempted to book some clowns!”
by Eira, Swansea
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 3:52PM
“Milly - I agree with you except that I remember the EP stories claiming that it was "in-house political fighting" and not financial issues that brought down Dunvant comm council. This must be true because the parting gift to the community from those running Dunvant Comm council was a brand new childrens park on Dunvant square - I don't call that a waste of public money
It was politics that brought down Dunvant comm council”
by Heather, Mumbles
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 2:18PM
“But this is what they do, they spend money as if it's water. Every penny spent on their entertainment should be taken out of their next pay packet.”
by Confused!, Gorseinon
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 2:12PM
“Why should the meeting be held in private because it is of a financial nature? This is public money and as such all aspects relating to public spending should be discussed in an open session. The Canolfan Centre is a publicly funded building and therefore not subject to any commercial sensitivity. Holding such talks behind closed doors only adds to the theory that there is something to hide!”