LLANDUDNO LOCAL BLOG

PHILIP EVANS & MARGARET LYONS

2011-12-20T17:29:00.000+01:00

.
Couldn't help reading on another Forum about what seems to be a (cosy) arrangement between Councillors Evans and Lyons regarding a Grant to replace replacment windows that apparently did not comply with the rules and regulations. Can't say too much about it until a bit of research has been carried out. More later!
.

TRUST ME - I'M A COUNCILLOR!

2011-12-18T19:56:00.001+01:00

.
Why should the public trust any Councillor when one, in the not so distant past, has demonstrated her inability to be trusted in a most distasteful manner!

Apart from asking someone who had given much help and assistance, to ask Freedom of Information questions on her behalf to both the Town and County Councils, the Councillor also sought confidential information from the another regarding a local construction matter. In addition to this she also invited these two stalwart members of the Community to strand with her (and the Party) for election in a prime Ward of the Town. Both people agreed despite one having to change from Independant and the other actually paying to join the party. Everything seemed to be progressing (or so they were informed), then just as each Campaign was getting started both were told that they were no longer required.

As the two people were strong competition to her own endeavours they did not then have time to mount their own campaign and failed to get elected.

A good exercise on how to get rid of the competition by deceit and underhand tactics.
.

SON ET LUMINAIRE

2011-12-02T21:16:00.000+01:00

.
Just returned from a bit of late shopping in Llandudno and was hoping to see the lights that someone reported had been "switched on". Wow - were we disappointed!

Apart from the gloom of Mostyn Street, made worse by the lack of many of the normal street lights not much seemed to have changed from a month ago. The only place that had some semblance of Xmas Lighting was Bog Island which possibly indicates the main achievments of the Llandudno Town Council. "Give us a shit house and we'll turn it into a palace", well almost, as they have virtually closed every other public convenience in the town!

A trip along th Promenade was even less illuminating, In fact the stupid thin string of coloured bulbs strung from pole to pole were outshone by the street lights themselves.

The whole of the town is totally lacking in any form of festive atmosphere and in dire need of positive attention. Maybe the public would like to see the thousands of pounds in grants that are going to the Rugby Club and many of the other grasping, grant guzzlers spent on things that everyone in the community can enjoy.

Election time will put their feelings to the test!
.

CONGRATULATIONS - FOR WHAT?????

2011-11-28T18:13:00.030+01:00

.
The Weekly News reports that in an unusual step the Institute of Licensing has made Conwy councillor Philip Evans a Fellow – an honour usually reserved for licensing staff.
In a statement the Institute said: “It is always a pleasure to recognise achievements, and this week we are delighted to announce that the Institute has awarded Cllr Philip Evans Fellowship of the Institute of Licensing in recognition of his exceptional involvement and input into licensing both locally and nationally in his role as an elected councillor.”

A comment posted on another Forum:
Councillor Evans is a paid County Councillor and his total allowances for 2010/2011 were £29,825 made up of his normal allowance of £13,868 and his "special" allowance of £15,957 for his "special" duties! Hardly a volunteer!

Presumably he has been on the dual allowances for some years so he hasn't done so bad.

Perhaps the money should have been reward enough?
.

OPENNESS - MORE LIKE THE SECRET SERVICE!

2011-11-28T08:48:00.002+01:00

.
The Llandudno Town Coucil have regular (sic) meetings of the various committees and once a month (except for mid-summer) there is a Meeting of the FULL COUNCIL.   That is obviously a complete misnomer as the place is generally only about three quarters full.   It would help if such meetings were attended by ALL Councillors, were publicised more and the public were allowed to attend and speak. Not that anything of any great importance is usually discussed as all the decisions have already been taken at the sub-committee meetings and the full council just "nod" them through.

The heading is "Openness" and this is what is totally lacking.   Nowhere in the minutes of any meeting are the names of any Councillor mentioned as having spoken and when a "Resolution" is passed even the names of the Proposer and Seconder are ommitted.   If a request is made for such information one is just advised that "Such information is not recorded, or available."

Now THAT is OPENNESS in the eyes of those 30 Members, who assure us that they are true and honest in their dealings with the Town's affairs but are unwilling to have their names associated with any policy or decision.    The only time names are shown is when a vote is required to be recorded due to (possibly) a serious division between individual councillors or Political Parties.

Of course out in the big wide World whenever there is a chance of a bit of personal publicity they are courting the press and having their photographs taken in those set poses of a group of people who have a special purpose.
.

IS THIS A FAIR COMMENT?

2011-11-27T14:16:00.002+01:00

.
"The Llandudno Town Council DO have a budget for what they call Decorative Lighting and there is a Committee specially created for this purpose. It is just as useless as every other committee and sub-committee the Council has. They are a bunch of amateurs more interested in having tea and biscuits within 45 minutes of starting a meeting. And - yes - such a matter has been discussed in Council.

Hand Xmas Lights and the Xmas Parade over to the Lions or Round Table or other such group and give them the Budget - we could then see things being done. I believe we don't need a Town Council and no one has yet pursuaded me otherwise! "
.

FOR SALE ON FACEBOOK!

2011-11-24T16:56:00.001+01:00

.
Copy of advertisment of "for sale" item, placed by

Felicity Elphick - Llandudno Town Councillor:

Chandler

The Blog shall make no further comment!
.

AND THE LORD SAID, "LET THERE BE LIGHT!"

2011-11-22T21:50:00.001+01:00

.
Quote from another Forum which sums up the thoughts of the people of Llandudno:

Still very dark in town, no sign of any lights in Madoc St, the Xmas Fayre has been and gone ,the turkey and tinsel is nearly over and oh! still no sign of Llandudno Xmas illuminations.
.

WHAT DO THEY KNOW?

2011-11-21T21:57:00.002+01:00

It is fairly apparent that Llandudno Town Council can get really objectionable when they receive requests from people using the Freedom of Information Act. But help is available!

Any FoI request can be submitted either by using your own details, or even anonymously, by visiting the "whatdotheyknow" web site - http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/ . This has the effect of putting the request (and the answers) in the Public Domain so any messing about by the recipent of the request can be seen by all.

The site is easy to use and requests can be made to any Government Department or Public Autority. Bear in mind that some information is not available particularly if it is of a sensitive nature. Better to have a read of what things are generally excluded before you send your first request.

If the Authority does not reply in time (20 days) or refuses to deal with the request you are able to issue a complaint to the Information Commissioner (search for contact details). You are also able to request an Internal Revue and receive details of the result.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a very powerful piece of legislation and gives the public access to information that in the past has been inaccessible. One piece of advice, use but don't abuse or you could be labelled as a nuisance!

SCROOGE - v - LLANDUDNO TOWN COUNCIL

2011-11-19T21:48:00.000+01:00

.
It is quite apt that the Stage Show "SCROOGE" is showing at Venue Cymru.   The stage sets are all dark and gloomy and truly reflect Scrooge's lack of interest in those around him.

The dim and dark effect in the Theatre is reflected in the dim, dark and dismal streets of this, so called, "Queen of Welsh Resorts".   Where are the Xmas Lights that the traders rely on to give a lift to their trade at this time of the year? Totally non existant and unlikely to be in place to brighten up the town before the Festive Season envelopes us and is no more.

No lights - but instead, to add insult to injury, the Town Council has demonstrated their support for the Winter Fayre that has taken over Madoc Street.   They have allowed into the community serious competition to our local traders who not only pay large rents but support the Council with massive and unfair commercial rates.   Are the people taking money out of the mouths of our local businesses, paying a decent sum to the Council for their trading time in the Town? No - they are just paying the Fayre organisers who leave the place with their pockets full. They even have the audacity to charge everyone to enter any of the Tented sales areas.   Yes, you get the £1 back if yoiu spend £10 in the tent!   But what if the goods offered are just tatty goods and nothing of interest - the organisers then pocket your money. It is almost legalised theft!   And all supported by the Council Members.

At this time of the year the town should be shining with its illuminations and every available opportunity should be taken to brighten up the town for the benefit of Traders, Locals and Visitors alike.
.

COUNCIL WEB SITE SAGA

2011-11-19T12:49:00.000+01:00

.
Llandudno Town Council Web Site was first started some years ago and, compared to other Council sites around the Country, it is just a pathetic attempt to glorify the Council, the Councillors, and what little they do for the Community!

Other Council Sites publish minutes of Meetings, Planning matters, Details of Councillors and their interests, Financial details, and many other items that are of interest to the Community. Not so Llandudno, in fact, who ever administers the site needs firing, the whole site needs updating and improving visually, and more interesting information published. It needs to be kept up to date by someone with an interest in the town and a keen eye for design and presentation. The Residents are paying for this rubbish and they deserve something much better.

It is interesting to note the comment on the bottom of the site's first page, which just about sums things up after years of expensive site maintenance. . . . .

"Please note that this site is still under development."

for how many more years?

COUNCILLORS INTERESTS, LLANDUDNO

2011-11-19T12:34:00.000+01:00

Someone recently asked for a list of Interests as recorded by Llandudno Town Councillors. The details are given below:

REGISTER OF MEMBERS INTERESTS

Cllr Joyce Audus-Williams: GCSE examiner Welsh Joint Education Ctee; Maes Du Golf Club member; Llandudno Friendship Link; Conservative Party; Cor y Nant.

Cllr Brian Bertola: North Wales Assoc of Town & Larger Community Councils Representative; Pilgrim Lodge; Llandudno Rugby Club member.

Cllr John M Boyle: Conwy County Borough Councillor; Conservative Party; Llandudno Lions member; Trinity Elderly People’s Centre.

Cllr Garry Burchett: Ysgol Fford Dyffryn Governor; MD G&P Stores Ltd Alexandra Road, Llandudno; Garrys Gardening Services Ltd business; 48 Alexandra Road; Licence G&P Stores Ltd and 97 Conway Road; Llandudno Lions member; Aberconwy Conservative Association.

Cllr Terence Davies: Chardon Trustee (Llandudno Museum); Penrhynside Village Hall; North Wales Play Assoc Rep; Llandudno Town Band Rep; Mostyn Gallery Rep; Glanwydden School Governor; Marks & Spencer employee; Richard Owen Scholarship Foundation Trustee; Llandudno Relief in Need Trustee; 1 Trelawny House; Welsh Conservative Party; N.A.H.T. Life member; Johnson Endowment Trustee.

Cllr Mrs Felicity Elphick: Rhyl Benefit Advice Shop management; WASCO; Market researcher; S/E Self Catering Proprietor; Anglesey Art Group member; Conservative Party.

Cllr Billy Evans: Royal British Legion (Llandudno) Chairman and Club member.

Cllr Philip C Evans, JP: Conwy County Borough Councillor; North Wales Fire Authority; Chardon Trust Chairman; Richard Owen Scholarship Foundation Chairman; Llandudno Relief in Need Charity Chairman; occasional Consultancy for Aaron & Partners Solicitors Chester; 9 Gwydyr Road (Half share); 3 Somerset Street (quarter share); Victoria Club CYD Ltd unpaid Director; Arriva Trains Wales Passenger Panel member; Llanrhos Parochial Church Council member; Llandudno Historical Society member; Amicu retired member; Johnson Endowment Trustee; Glas Cymru Cyf member; Lacors Director (appointed by LGA).

Cllr Jack Finch: Conservative Party.

Cllr Mrs Janet Finch-Saunders, AM: Conwy County Borough Councillor; National Assembly of Wales member; Craig y Don Community Centre; Ysgol Gogarth; Aberconwy Conservative Association; owner 15 Llys Gwyn, Penrhyn Beach; 1,2,3 Victoria Buildings Craig y Don; 127 Bryniau Road; Highbank Bodafon; 10 Penrhyn Beach West; Friends of Queens Park Community Group.

Cllr Mrs Linda Groom: Conwy County Borough Councillor; Llandudno Hospital Action Group Chairman; Wales Council for Deaf People (Chairman until 2009); Richard Owen Scholarship Foundation Trustee; Penffordd Farm (tied house); 5 Mount Pleasant registered to; Ysgol Bodafon Vice Chair Governors; Welsh Carnival Queens Assoc Secretary/Treasurer; Miss European Team Manager; Trinity Elderly People’s Centre Secretary.

Cllr David P Hanson: Chairman Llandudno MDFC; Ysgol Bodafon Governor; Royal Mail employee; DJ (Charity work); 117 Deganwy Road; Royal British Legion member; Conservative Party; GWU member; Llandudno Radio non exec director and presenter.

Cllr Mrs Janet Haworth: Abbey Lodge Guest House (Partner in Business); North Wales Tourism Director; Llandudno Hospitality Assoc member; Llandudno Writers Assoc member; Conservative Party.

Cllr Jobi Hold: Elected member Conwy CBC; RNLI lifeboat (senior crew); Joiner (self employed); Sub Contract to M Hold Building Maintenance; Freemason; Labour Party; Llandudno RNLI member.

Cllr Michael P Hold, JP: Trinity Elderly People’s Centre Trustee; Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn Governor; Mike Hold & Son Building Maintenance Contractor Proprietor; Freemason; Member of Victoria Club.

Cllr Gareth Jones: National Assembly for Wales (AM until 2011); Trustee Aberconwy Women’s Aid; Trustee National Language Centre Nant Gwrtheyrn; Patron Tyddyn Bach Trust; 21 Roumania Drive; Victoria Club CYD member; Plaid Cymru.

Cllr Mrs Janet Jones: Manager Cylch Meithrin Tudno, 1st Llandudno Brownies, 12th Llandudno Brownies; Ysgol Tudno Governor; Unison member; Girl Guiding; Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin member.

Cllr Mark Jones: Ormeside Court Ltd Management Co & unpaid Director; Employed by Gareth Jones, AM (P/T until April 2011); Plaid Cymru.

Cllr Mrs Tina Kift: Conservative Party (until 2010)

Cllr Mrs Margaret Lyon: Conwy County Borough Councillor; owner 124 Glan y Mor Road; 13 Gloddaeth St; North Wales Golf Club member; Conservative Party.

Cllr Miss Angie O’Grady: School Governor; Labour Club; Royal British Legion member; Labour Party.

Cllr Michael Pearce: Rotary Chairman; Ysgol John Bright & Ysgol Gogarth Governor; Invigilator Llandrillo College; Booking Secretary Craig y Don Community Centre; Royal British Legion member.

Cllr John E Ridler: No Interests.

Cllr Greg Robbins: Llandudno Extravaganza (Chairman 2009/10); Ysgol John Bright Governor; Llandudno St John Ambulance Chairman; Friends of St Dunstans; Ysgol Morfa Rhianedd Vice Chair Governors; Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Tram Society Rep; Robin Jones & Sons Ltd Contracts Manager; Rhos on Sea Golf Club Ltd; Robin Jones & Sons Properties Ltd; Llandudno & District Darts League member; North Wales Radio Society; Radio Society of Great Britain; American Radio Relay League; RAOB social member; Rhos on Sea Golf Club; Plaid Cymru; Llandudno Round Table.

Cllr Gareth O Roberts: Llandudno MDFC Secretary, Ysgol Bodafon Governing body; PR consultant; Plaid Cymru (Aberconwy); 36 Liddel Drive; GMB association member.

Cllr Doreen Websell: Ysgol Craig y Don Governor; 8 Cwm Place; Royal British Legion member.

Cllr Michael Williams: Conservative Party.

Cllr Sharon Williams: No interests.

Cllr Mrs Myra Wigzell: Supply Teacher Conwy Education Authority; Llandudno Sailing Club member; Conwy Libraries Action Group member; NAS/UWT member.

Cllr Mrs Ann Yates: Penrhyn New Hall Bowling Club Lady Captain; Crossroads co ordinator; Trinity Elderly People’s Welfare Centre Treasurer.

It is quite surprising that some Councillors, supposedly representing the people, have NO INTERESTS to declare. And others seem to have so many interests that it is a wonder they have time to represent the electorate!

What is NOT shown in a number of cases are the details of Masonic interests. Some of the male Councillors were Initiated into Freemasonry by swearing a solemn Oath of Allegiance to the Order which included a commitment to preserve the interests and honour of their fellow Masons. They may say that they are no longer a member of any Lodge, but that does not make the obligation they swore any less binding on them. Lets have the details out in the open!

Also it is interesting to note that NO interests declared is sometimes contradicted by what the same people publish on their Facebook or other Internet profiles!

Government, even of a Local nature, should be OPEN and HONEST - are we sure that such is the case?
.

TV Old Farts outdone by Llandudno Council

2011-11-19T12:08:00.002+01:00

.
No wonder Llandudno Town Council do not have any forward thinking policies just take a look at who is in charge!

Cllr Terry Davies has been the Chairman of the Finance and Generel Purposes Committee for over 10 years.
Cllr Jack Finch has been Chairman of Llandudno in Bloom for over 10 years.
Cllr Philip Evans has been on the Council for over 30 years.
Cllr Brian Bertola has been on the Council for more years than I can remember.
Cllr John Boyle has been a Councillor for an eternity (or so it seems).
Cllr Mike Hold has been off and on like a yo-yo and now has part of the family there to hold his hand.
Cllr Michael Williams has been there since the year dot and most people haven't even noticed him.
Cllr Doreen Websell has also been there for years.
plus more than we can't be bothered to list.

From all reports the newbies who joined the club at the last election don't seem to be much better! If the truth is known they probably don't even get a chance to speak as the "old brigade" will surpress any desires they may have to do something for the town!

Why does Cllr Philip Evans always have to sit in the same seat?

Why do the Chairs of Committees have to hang on to their positions for so long?

We urgently need some new and younger "representatives of the people", with new ideas and a forward looking attitude. All these old ones can do is look backwards and still keep following the same ideas, a bit like "if it was good enough for my father it's good enough for me!"

Many of the townsfolk are sick and tired of them. Thank goodness it is election time again next year.

.

EXOTIC REFRESHMENTS

2011-10-18T06:29:00.001+01:00

.
Why was it that the Mayor's hospitality cabinet had to have refreshments such as normal spirits but also more exotic items as Dark Rum, Glenmorangie and Drambuie? More suitable for a Carribean Island than offering a visitor a small tipple!!

All purchases are "signed off" by the Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, who should be no other than Councillor Terry Davies. He seems to have his finger in every pie!

It seems that the Staff were also treated to "flavoured water" during the hot weather - is tap water not good enough for them? Or was it specially needed to wash down the copious amounts of snacks and crisps that they also seemed to be fed?
.

Whose Credit Card was that?

2011-10-17T16:16:00.001+01:00

.
Why did the Council allow a previous Town Clerk to make purchases for the Council using a Credit card that was in the name of a local business?   Were the items purchased correctly accounted for on the Council's books and also the books of the Card holder's company?   Was that Company also associated with the Town Clerk?

Was such matter brought to the attention of the District Auditor?   It seems that it was not or it was allowed to pass, which just goes to show the efficiency of the control of Council expenditure.

Who did the Accounts for the Council - the Town Clerk.    Who signed the cheques and was responsible for the correct accounting of all monies paid out - the Town Clerk plus Councillor Terry Davies and/or others!
.

INJUSTICE OF LLANDUDNO TOWN COUNCIL

2011-10-16T11:16:00.003+01:00

.
Subtitle - HOW LLANDUDNO TOWN COUNCIL VILIFIED, INSULTED, DEFAMED AND UNJUSTLY CASTIGATED AN HONEST UPRIGHT AND RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY OVER A PERIOD OF 6 YEARS

AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO PRODUCE THE EVIDENCE ON WHICH THEY BASED THEIR VILE AND DAMAGING ACCUSATIONS.

COUNCILLOR TERRY DAVIES, THE CHAIR OF THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, AND THE REMAINDER OF THE MEMBERS, REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, AND HAVE YET TO PRODUCE THE INTERNAL REVIEW, REQUESTED MANY WEEKS AGO, INTO THE CONDUCT OF THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
.