A new vision (From Free Press Series)

A new vision

2:04pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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THE leader of Torfaen People's Coalition has announced the group's long term strategy, which pledges to hold the current Labour administration to account.

All councillors on the coalition, which is made up of Independents, Liberal Democrats and People's Voice members and lead by Cllr Stuart Evans, unanimously agreed the group's policies for the next four years.

The group - which has decided not to back Cllr Fred Wildgust's petition and protest rally calling for democratic change - will give priority to achieving an "open, transparent and listening council and reducing corporate hospitality".

Cllr Evans said: "We wish Cllr Wildgust well and we agree with him, however we not be joining his campaign. We want to concentrate on our main priorities."

In May's local election Labour retained control of the authority despite its poor performance, thanks to the support of three Plaid Cymru and two Independent councillors, who were rewarded with committee chairmanships and extra paycheques.

Cllr Evans said: "We completely understand voters in Torfaen are seeking an immediate opportunity to express their anger about the way they believe that their democratic views have been ignored.

"We are fully committed to scrutinising the actions of Labour, Plaid Cymru and the two Independent councillors and throughout the next four years will hold them to account for their actions."

The Torfaen People's Coalition "ambitious programme of change", includes policies such as: a sustainable level' of council tax giving value for money, supporting a new community sports facility in the north of Torfaen, to replace the demolished Blaenavon pool and leisure centre, a new "no tolerance" approach to anti-social behaviour with police and a review of schools.

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