“In response to the letter from D. Davies of Cryddan Rd dated 8/2/12:

We are representatives of F.A.N Community Alliance, the residents group based in, but not exclusive to, Ethel St.

Can we begin by saying thankyou for acknowledging the work that we do in Ethel St. and the confidence that you have in us. However, we are sorry to inform you that, to my knowledge, none of us will be standing for election in May.

Also, while you appear to know our group very well, you were mistaken that we organised the Victorian Christmas event – that was the Audience Participation Officer in Victoria Gardens and Neath Town Centre Communities First. Our youth group was simply hired for the afternoon to run some games and we want to give credit where credit is due.

Your letter seems to have sparked some controversy and we feel that we need to make a public statement about what our group is, its vision for the future, and a plea of our own to the people of the Melin.

We would like to make it clear from the start that F.A.N, as a whole, pledges no allegiance to any political party.

F.A.N started out with just 3 members. We worked, and continue to work, closely with our local councillors, Communities First and a wealth of other organisations, in order to create the community and environment that we want and can be proud of. We do not expect anyone to do anything for us, we take responsibility for our little area of the Melin (and the people that live in it) ourselves. However, when we do need help, we do not hesitate in contacting our local councillors, Communities First, Neath East Renewal Area Team, Melincryddan Community Conference (MCC), Keep Wales Tidy….etc. All of these organisations, and more, have helped us in some way, if not with funding for some of our larger projects, then with advice and encouragement.

We frequently hear that councillors are not doing their jobs, but we are also aware that people do not go to their councillors when they have a problem – If councillors don't hear about your problem, there is nothing they can do. Whenever we have approached them with an issue , it has been sorted.

We would love to say that, if we stood for election in May, we would be able to wave a magic wand and transform the whole of the Melin to resemble Ethel St. We couldn't. The people of the Melin need to do that for themselves, the same way that we have: by a couple of neighbours getting together and creating a louder voice; by going to the councillor surgeries; attending PACT meetings; joining the neighbourhood watch or Neath Environmental Action Team. You can find details in your Melin Matters – make sure you read it! The more involved you are in your community, the more that you can get done and the better the area will be for everyone. If you are sick of seeing fly-tipping, don't assume the council are aware of it – report it yourself. If you keep treading in dog mess – ask for a dog litter bin. If you want to create community spirit in your street – throw a party!

There is a great opportunity this year with the Queen's Jubilee and the Big Lunch (check out their website http://tinyurl.com/obxzuh). We are working with the MCC, Communities First and the council to help as many people as possible to hold street parties in the Neath area – they are an exceptional catalyst for building community spirit. Ethel Street's first event was a street party and without it we would never have grown to be as successful as we are.

We hope for a Melin where every street has its own group, no matter how small, that can focus on its own unique needs. Imagine if those groups were networked and could share information, knowledge, resources and even man-power. This is what F.A.N and Communities First are striving for. We can set an example, we can support you, but you must do it for yourselves. This is how WE can transform the Melin.”

“To be honest the display of handbags at 20 paces by the local councillors in the comments section here shows they could be doing much more productive things with their time. Especially when out of context remarks are taken as personal attacks that then inspire tirades of posturing guff.”

“Just want to add that my email address is garethbob@gmail.com if anyone would like to get in touch.
Thanks again,
Gareth Thomas”

“Mr Rees..I'm closer to you than you think..

I am a resident in the area.”

“In response to Proudwelsh man, yes I do serve the people of Neath Port Talbot as a Cabinet Member for steetcare and highways, and proud to serve. Yes there is an additional payment for that responsible role, no secrets there its all recorded for all to see. I do take exception that I am an outsider as I was born and bred within Neath Port Talbot area and have lived in Neath and in particular Neath East for 35years, which included my time in Cecil Street with my Husbands family, again reigning from the Melin, a long tradition I believe a well known family.

I make no apologies for taking my role as Councillor seriously, the three Councillors give a lot to the area, we believe in the area and its people, we live here, we are not imported from other areas to stand, we live and breath Neath East, and very proud to stand with the fine people of this area, no apologies there either.”

“Proudwelshman, (Why don't you reveal yourself). I don't need to defend my record in local government or the work in my ward. Other people in my ward can verify my record in that regard. The remuneration that councillors receive is set by an independent body and all councillors in NPT took voluntarily a cut in their remuneration in the last few years. Your remarks are so ill concieved and frankly so wide of the mark that they border on ridiculous. Malcolm Bubb was not talking about the Melin when he made his remarks!
Cllr Peter Rees”

“Here comes Mr Rees again desperately trying to defend his wages.

Having read previous letter from Mr Bubb, he was very pro Labour ,swo I don't think that your argument holds water.”

“At last rentachimp has revealed that this whole false debate has been concocted by Plaid Cymru in readiness for the County Borough elections in May.The sitting Councillors have served the Neath East ward diligently over the years. The improvements in the ward on roads, pavements, housing renewal programmes etc are evident for all to see. Perhaps I could ask what has Bethan Jenkins or Plaid done for the Neath East Ward? The three councillors have been active in the Community First projects, Renewal area housing improvements, May day celebrations in the Melin as well as serving the residents of Neath East with their various queries and difficulties. Just in case there is any doubt, I am proud to have worked alongside these hardworking, caring councillors and I resent the implication from Plaid that somehow they have not served the area well.
Yours Cllr Peter Rees”

“I note your comments Ulysesse. If I'm not mistaken, you are one of the sitting councillors and get an extra allowance for being responsible for streetcare.

The Melin should be the gateway to Neath Town Centre and treated as such.

To have a person from outside the area, make such damaging comments shows the true picture of the legacy the Melin has been left with over years of Labour party representation.”

“To reply to Mr D Davies of Crythan Road letter of Wednesday 8th February 2012. I agree with his views on Cecil Street, Ethel Street and also Pendrill Street and Meadow Road. I also congratulated them on the hard work they undertake in Neath East.
I thank them for working in partnership with the Melincryddan Community Conference, Neath East Communities First and the May Day Committee. Which in addition to my Councillor duties I am Vice Chair for the MCC, Vice Chair of the NE Partnership and Chair for the May Day Committee.
I hope Mr Davies will contact myself or my other two councillor colleagues to discuss his issues before issuing a statement to the press. We cannot solve problems in the area if we are unaware of them.
All residents in the Neath East Area can contact me any time 24hrs a day.
Many thanks
Cllr S M Penry”