I Refer to the claims of Councillor Chris Holley (Leading council group under extra scrutiny, Post, January 26) that the Labour Group was offered and declined the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship of the scrutiny committee.
This is simply untrue. Mr Holley and his ward colleague Peter Black have been peddling this fallacy since June 2004.
They have been repeatedly challenged to produce evidence of this fiction and have failed to so.While Labour has been very effective in holding the Lib Dem-led administration to account, the truth is that Mr Holley and his colleagues have fought tooth and nail to resist every attempt to give their incompetent administration the greater scrutiny it needs.
Changes are now happening to bring about the "openness, transparency and democracy" that we have been denied for so long. This allows effective challenge of Cabinet decisions, which to date have all been rejected by the Lib Dem presiding officer.
David Phillips
Leader,
Labour Group
Swansea Council
Monday, 29 January 2007
Developer's invest in City Centre's future
Developers behind the £9 million rejuvenation of a city centre landmark say Swansea is on the up.They have given the city a vote of confidence and are convinced that the city centre's fortunes are about to be transformed.
Martyn Guess is director of Pearl House Swansea, the company transforming the building on the corner of Princess Way and the Kingsway.
The project will see new flats, costing from £117,500, created along with revamped shop units on the ground floor.Mr Guess said work on the scheme was progressing well and that Swansea was enjoying an investment boom.
Mr Guess said: "The reason we bought it is that we could see the potential of Swansea. I have been coming here for 10 years and I thought something was going to happen.
"With what is happening in the docks, along with all the residential and other developments, the whole place is being regenerated.
"Mr Guess believes the new-look Kingsway and the redevelopment of the former David Evans store would lift that part of the city.
He said: "With all the road works that have been going on, it has been like armageddon down there. But it will be good. That is why we bought the property, the new David Evans and the new retailers will definitely enhance the area. I think making Princess Way narrower will also make it a more intimate shopping area.
"It is a long-term investment and we have essentially created proper living accommodation out of really grotty office space.
"I think the building had lacked a bit of TLC, it had fallen into disrepair."Mr Guess said that work on the scheme was expected to be completed by August and that around half of the 42 flats had now been sold.
He said: "It is going very well. It is a little bit later than we anticipated. The new roof will be on about Easter time. The weather has been a terrible pain. We had about two inches of rain falling in one day recently and that has delayed things. The scaffolding is due to come down by Easter so people can see how the building is progressing.
"Once the scaffolding is down we can start looking at getting tenants in for the shops."Once David Evans is redeveloped, the area can only improve."
Martyn Guess is director of Pearl House Swansea, the company transforming the building on the corner of Princess Way and the Kingsway.
The project will see new flats, costing from £117,500, created along with revamped shop units on the ground floor.Mr Guess said work on the scheme was progressing well and that Swansea was enjoying an investment boom.
Mr Guess said: "The reason we bought it is that we could see the potential of Swansea. I have been coming here for 10 years and I thought something was going to happen.
"With what is happening in the docks, along with all the residential and other developments, the whole place is being regenerated.
"Mr Guess believes the new-look Kingsway and the redevelopment of the former David Evans store would lift that part of the city.
He said: "With all the road works that have been going on, it has been like armageddon down there. But it will be good. That is why we bought the property, the new David Evans and the new retailers will definitely enhance the area. I think making Princess Way narrower will also make it a more intimate shopping area.
"It is a long-term investment and we have essentially created proper living accommodation out of really grotty office space.
"I think the building had lacked a bit of TLC, it had fallen into disrepair."Mr Guess said that work on the scheme was expected to be completed by August and that around half of the 42 flats had now been sold.
He said: "It is going very well. It is a little bit later than we anticipated. The new roof will be on about Easter time. The weather has been a terrible pain. We had about two inches of rain falling in one day recently and that has delayed things. The scaffolding is due to come down by Easter so people can see how the building is progressing.
"Once the scaffolding is down we can start looking at getting tenants in for the shops."Once David Evans is redeveloped, the area can only improve."
Thursday, 25 January 2007
Grand plans to draw shops back to centre
Ambitious proposals to link the Quadrant and St David's Shopping Centre are being considered by Swansea Council.It is part of a grand scheme to revitalise the city centre and draw big name retailers back to the area.
The St David's Shopping Centre has become an isolated part of the city.And Swansea Council has admitted it is not an attractive proposition to potential tenants.
But it now plans to look at ways of linking it to its more successful neighbour, the Quadrant Centre.
The council is hoping to form an alliance between the companies that own the two shopping centres in a bid to find a new way forward.
It has published a city centre-wide framework looking at how best to develop the area and attract more investment.
The struggling St David's Shopping Centre is seen as a key player in transforming the shape of the city centre.
Phil Holmes, head of economic and strategic development at Swansea Council said: "The framework proposes an exciting new development focusing on redevelopment of St David's and connecting into the Quadrant Centre and creating high quality public squares.
"Breathing new life into the St David's Shopping Centre has been a problem for many years. It used to be home to shops and HTV television studios but more recently many premises have lain empty.
Now the council is hopeful of turning things around.Mr Holmes added: "Both of these properties are in private control and therefore the private sector owners have marketed their property interests.
"In isolation, St David's is not an attractive proposition. However, the framework proposes a significant scheme of a critical mass.
"The difference now is that the council is seeking to form an alliance with the owners of the Quadrant and St David's to market this major development opportunity and create one of the best city centre development opportunities that will be marketed this year in the UK.
"St David's Centre manager Mark Beaumont said the idea of linking the city's two shopping centres was not new but added that he would like to see the plans come to fruition.
"That has been floated for a few years now. People have been talking about it for at least four years, but nothing concrete has happened," said Mr Beaumont."We would definitely welcome it.
"It would be good for us and good for the Quadrant. I'm sure our tenants would appreciate it too."
The St David's Shopping Centre has become an isolated part of the city.And Swansea Council has admitted it is not an attractive proposition to potential tenants.
But it now plans to look at ways of linking it to its more successful neighbour, the Quadrant Centre.
The council is hoping to form an alliance between the companies that own the two shopping centres in a bid to find a new way forward.
It has published a city centre-wide framework looking at how best to develop the area and attract more investment.
The struggling St David's Shopping Centre is seen as a key player in transforming the shape of the city centre.
Phil Holmes, head of economic and strategic development at Swansea Council said: "The framework proposes an exciting new development focusing on redevelopment of St David's and connecting into the Quadrant Centre and creating high quality public squares.
"Breathing new life into the St David's Shopping Centre has been a problem for many years. It used to be home to shops and HTV television studios but more recently many premises have lain empty.
Now the council is hopeful of turning things around.Mr Holmes added: "Both of these properties are in private control and therefore the private sector owners have marketed their property interests.
"In isolation, St David's is not an attractive proposition. However, the framework proposes a significant scheme of a critical mass.
"The difference now is that the council is seeking to form an alliance with the owners of the Quadrant and St David's to market this major development opportunity and create one of the best city centre development opportunities that will be marketed this year in the UK.
"St David's Centre manager Mark Beaumont said the idea of linking the city's two shopping centres was not new but added that he would like to see the plans come to fruition.
"That has been floated for a few years now. People have been talking about it for at least four years, but nothing concrete has happened," said Mr Beaumont."We would definitely welcome it.
"It would be good for us and good for the Quadrant. I'm sure our tenants would appreciate it too."
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Digital cameras for City binmen
Council binmen in Swansea have been armed with cameras to snap bags of street refuse.The move is part of the fight to clean up local streets.
The waste watchers are snapping pictures of bins and bags of rubbish put out by businesses.It is not known how many crews have been handed the cameras.
But they have been seen taking snaps in the city centre, including Wind Street.Council officers say the pictures are a useful way of monitoring the cleanliness of the streets and can be used to ensure commercial premises have enough bin space.
Last week the Post reported that Swansea Council was preparing to introduce high-visibility litter officers in the city centre, with the power to impose on-the-spot £75 fines.
People dropping all types of litter, including cigarettes and chewing gum, will be at risk of a fine, although an appeal process against prosecution will be available.
CCTV could also be used to trap offenders.The first fines could be handed to litter louts in April. Neighbouring Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot councils already impose cash penalties on those who drop litter.
The digital cameras are the latest weapons in the war on waste in the city.Last October, the council prosecuted Mount Pleasant resident Michael Reeves for putting the wrong kind of rubbish in green recycling bags. The Evening Post sports journalist became the first person in Wales to be taken to court for the offence, and was fined £200.
But environmental activists said they feared the case could discourage other householders from recycling.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said the authority would continue to use the cameras as a tool to help keep city streets clean.
He said: "The council's litter enforcement team regularly inspects the city centre shopping area to ensure it is a clean and attractive place for shoppers. We work closely with city centre retailers and businesses to ensure that issues such as commercial waste are appropriately managed."
The waste watchers are snapping pictures of bins and bags of rubbish put out by businesses.It is not known how many crews have been handed the cameras.
But they have been seen taking snaps in the city centre, including Wind Street.Council officers say the pictures are a useful way of monitoring the cleanliness of the streets and can be used to ensure commercial premises have enough bin space.
Last week the Post reported that Swansea Council was preparing to introduce high-visibility litter officers in the city centre, with the power to impose on-the-spot £75 fines.
People dropping all types of litter, including cigarettes and chewing gum, will be at risk of a fine, although an appeal process against prosecution will be available.
CCTV could also be used to trap offenders.The first fines could be handed to litter louts in April. Neighbouring Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot councils already impose cash penalties on those who drop litter.
The digital cameras are the latest weapons in the war on waste in the city.Last October, the council prosecuted Mount Pleasant resident Michael Reeves for putting the wrong kind of rubbish in green recycling bags. The Evening Post sports journalist became the first person in Wales to be taken to court for the offence, and was fined £200.
But environmental activists said they feared the case could discourage other householders from recycling.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said the authority would continue to use the cameras as a tool to help keep city streets clean.
He said: "The council's litter enforcement team regularly inspects the city centre shopping area to ensure it is a clean and attractive place for shoppers. We work closely with city centre retailers and businesses to ensure that issues such as commercial waste are appropriately managed."
Friday, 19 January 2007
Defectors hit power balance in City Council
The balance of power has shifted again at Swansea Council.
Newly-installed Conservative chief Rene Kinzett has reportedly clashed with city leader Chris Holley in a power struggle.
Councillor Kinzett had been hoping to strengthen his new group's position on the council but was surprised when told two of his members had jumped ship and opted to remain within the ruling administration.
Long-serving Conservative councillors Joan Peters and Huw Rees have reportedly left the party and joined the Independent group on the ruling coalition.
It comes just over a week after Councillor Peters was replaced as Conservative leader after 12 years at the helm.
Councillor Kinzett pulled the Conservatives from the coalition and formed his own group, but the two veteran councillors have revolted.
The switch means the ruling coalition and Labour now both have 32 members.The Conservative group now has just three members, one less than Plaid.
Tory councillors Kinzett, Paxton Hood-Williams and Tony Lloyd could now lose their roles as scrutiny board chairmen, and the £9,000 bonus they bring.
The revolt also means Swansea Council is delicately balanced with the two major groups tied, but with the coalition holding the casting vote in presiding officer Susan Waller.
How Plaid, the remaining Conservatives and renegade Councillor Ray Welsby vote is still key to pushing the council's plans through.Councillor Kinzett said talks were continuing with the two rogue councillors.
He said: "Councillors Peters and Rees have currently been persuaded to rejoin the Liberal Alliance.
"However, at this current time, the Welsh Conservative group are renegotiating with them to see if there is an opportunity to continue to work together.
"The Welsh Conservatives on Swansea Council had been negotiating with the Liberal Alliance to continue the coalition led by Chris Holley.
"We were disappointed that at the same time as these negotiations were continuing Councillor Holley and his colleagues were conducting talks behind my back, with individual members of my group.
"Even as late as Wednesday afternoon of this week representatives of the Liberal Alliance were calling on one of my group members to switch to the alliance.
"We will continue to pursue our distinctive policy agenda of value for money, lower taxation and accountability and transparency in all council projects.
"The Welsh Conservative group has no intention of replacing this failing Liberal Alliance with any alternative administration.
"However, we will remain committed to holding this alliance to account for their decisions."
Councillor Holley said: "Councillor Joan Peters and Huw Rees wish to remain in the Swansea administration.
"They have approached me and told me that they wish to remain in the administration and, as such, that is what they are going to do.
"They signed up two-and-a-half years ago to do a job and that is what they are going to do."
Neither Councillor Peters or Rees was available for comment.
Newly-installed Conservative chief Rene Kinzett has reportedly clashed with city leader Chris Holley in a power struggle.
Councillor Kinzett had been hoping to strengthen his new group's position on the council but was surprised when told two of his members had jumped ship and opted to remain within the ruling administration.
Long-serving Conservative councillors Joan Peters and Huw Rees have reportedly left the party and joined the Independent group on the ruling coalition.
It comes just over a week after Councillor Peters was replaced as Conservative leader after 12 years at the helm.
Councillor Kinzett pulled the Conservatives from the coalition and formed his own group, but the two veteran councillors have revolted.
The switch means the ruling coalition and Labour now both have 32 members.The Conservative group now has just three members, one less than Plaid.
Tory councillors Kinzett, Paxton Hood-Williams and Tony Lloyd could now lose their roles as scrutiny board chairmen, and the £9,000 bonus they bring.
The revolt also means Swansea Council is delicately balanced with the two major groups tied, but with the coalition holding the casting vote in presiding officer Susan Waller.
How Plaid, the remaining Conservatives and renegade Councillor Ray Welsby vote is still key to pushing the council's plans through.Councillor Kinzett said talks were continuing with the two rogue councillors.
He said: "Councillors Peters and Rees have currently been persuaded to rejoin the Liberal Alliance.
"However, at this current time, the Welsh Conservative group are renegotiating with them to see if there is an opportunity to continue to work together.
"The Welsh Conservatives on Swansea Council had been negotiating with the Liberal Alliance to continue the coalition led by Chris Holley.
"We were disappointed that at the same time as these negotiations were continuing Councillor Holley and his colleagues were conducting talks behind my back, with individual members of my group.
"Even as late as Wednesday afternoon of this week representatives of the Liberal Alliance were calling on one of my group members to switch to the alliance.
"We will continue to pursue our distinctive policy agenda of value for money, lower taxation and accountability and transparency in all council projects.
"The Welsh Conservative group has no intention of replacing this failing Liberal Alliance with any alternative administration.
"However, we will remain committed to holding this alliance to account for their decisions."
Councillor Holley said: "Councillor Joan Peters and Huw Rees wish to remain in the Swansea administration.
"They have approached me and told me that they wish to remain in the administration and, as such, that is what they are going to do.
"They signed up two-and-a-half years ago to do a job and that is what they are going to do."
Neither Councillor Peters or Rees was available for comment.
AM joins plea on speeding
An Am has joined calls to cut speeding traffic on a busy Swansea road.
Plaid AM Dai Lloyd has given his backing to the campaign being organised by the Manselton Area Road Safety Action Group.
The group wants a 20mph limit imposed on Manselton Road.
Swansea Council have imposed a go-slow zone on many streets in the area, but have opted for a mixture of traffic calming measures rather than a reduced limit on Manselton Road itself.
Residents have been campaigning for a crackdown on speeding drivers since the death of seven-year-old Vicky Clement.
She was killed yards from her Manselton Road home after being hit by a car driven by Stephen Lewis. The 38-year-old, of Heol Frank, Penlan, was jailed for three years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
Dr Lloyd said: "The argument is clear - we do not want to see a repeat of that tragic incident.''
Plaid AM Dai Lloyd has given his backing to the campaign being organised by the Manselton Area Road Safety Action Group.
The group wants a 20mph limit imposed on Manselton Road.
Swansea Council have imposed a go-slow zone on many streets in the area, but have opted for a mixture of traffic calming measures rather than a reduced limit on Manselton Road itself.
Residents have been campaigning for a crackdown on speeding drivers since the death of seven-year-old Vicky Clement.
She was killed yards from her Manselton Road home after being hit by a car driven by Stephen Lewis. The 38-year-old, of Heol Frank, Penlan, was jailed for three years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
Dr Lloyd said: "The argument is clear - we do not want to see a repeat of that tragic incident.''
Thursday, 18 January 2007
Safety battle hotting up
Road safety campaigners are continuing to turn up the heat on Swansea Council over an ongoing dispute in Manselton.
Earlier this week spokesman Roy Adams threatened to take the authority to court if there were any more deaths along Manselton Road.
Now Manselton Area Road Safety Action Group has followed up by lodging an official complaint to the council over its highways department's "failure" to drop that road's speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.
The issue surfaced following the death of seven-year-old Vicky Clement, who was killed after being hit by a car being driven along there by Stephen Lewis in September 2005. The 38-year-old, of Heol Frank, Penlan, was jailed for three years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
The group has now written to the authority's corporate complaints department."This complaint concerns the council's failure to include Manselton Road within the Manselton 20mph zone," said spokesman Rhodri Griffiths.
Earlier this week spokesman Roy Adams threatened to take the authority to court if there were any more deaths along Manselton Road.
Now Manselton Area Road Safety Action Group has followed up by lodging an official complaint to the council over its highways department's "failure" to drop that road's speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.
The issue surfaced following the death of seven-year-old Vicky Clement, who was killed after being hit by a car being driven along there by Stephen Lewis in September 2005. The 38-year-old, of Heol Frank, Penlan, was jailed for three years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
The group has now written to the authority's corporate complaints department."This complaint concerns the council's failure to include Manselton Road within the Manselton 20mph zone," said spokesman Rhodri Griffiths.
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
Assembly cash could end wait for passengers
Swansea's long wait for a revamped bus station could be coming to an end.Council chiefs are expected to hear from the Assembly later this month if they are to get the cash needed to kickstart the multi-million redevelopment of the tatty Quadrant Bus Station.
It would mean work could finally begin this summer.Plans for a new bus station have been in the pipeline for years - and on hold for more than a year while council bosses wait for the cash to be made available by the Assembly.
The authority has planning permission in place and secured a deal for the land the buses use to turn round.But work cannot start until the cash is in place. It last year asked for a £15 million transport grant from the Assembly to help pay for the scheme but got just £6.4 million. It is thought it has asked for a similar sum again now.
Bus users have been calling for the area to be revamped as soon as possible.
It has been labelled dirty and shabby by passengers.Leo Markham, the Swansea-based spokesman for Bus Users UK, said work was long overdue.
He said: "I think it is one of those things that has got to happen. I appreciate the funding problems, but it really has got to happen, and the sooner the better."Mr Markham said the public had been waiting for a long time.
He said: "People have given up on complaining because it is so appalling.
"It is among the worst in South Wales but there are certainly stations that are as bad."Mr Markham said with all the new developments underway in the city, Swansea needed a quality bus station.
He said: "It will bring more people onto the buses."It is not a nice place to wait at the moment, it is quite unpleasant.
When you see new bus stations like those in Bridgend and Wrexham you can see what can be done. They have security, they are light, bright and warm and this encourages people - the Quadrant doesn't.
"But I think the city council have got to be applauded on their tenacity on this. They do realise it has to be done but their hands are tied until they get the money."It is quite an exciting development," he added.
A council spokesman said: "Plans for the redevelopment of the Quadrant Bus Station are well advanced.
"A full detailed planning permission is in place and a public inquiry has been held," he added.
"The council has made a transport grant bid to the Welsh Assembly Government to fund the redevelopment and an announcement is expected later this month.
If funding is approved, the work will begin on site in early summer."
It would mean work could finally begin this summer.Plans for a new bus station have been in the pipeline for years - and on hold for more than a year while council bosses wait for the cash to be made available by the Assembly.
The authority has planning permission in place and secured a deal for the land the buses use to turn round.But work cannot start until the cash is in place. It last year asked for a £15 million transport grant from the Assembly to help pay for the scheme but got just £6.4 million. It is thought it has asked for a similar sum again now.
Bus users have been calling for the area to be revamped as soon as possible.
It has been labelled dirty and shabby by passengers.Leo Markham, the Swansea-based spokesman for Bus Users UK, said work was long overdue.
He said: "I think it is one of those things that has got to happen. I appreciate the funding problems, but it really has got to happen, and the sooner the better."Mr Markham said the public had been waiting for a long time.
He said: "People have given up on complaining because it is so appalling.
"It is among the worst in South Wales but there are certainly stations that are as bad."Mr Markham said with all the new developments underway in the city, Swansea needed a quality bus station.
He said: "It will bring more people onto the buses."It is not a nice place to wait at the moment, it is quite unpleasant.
When you see new bus stations like those in Bridgend and Wrexham you can see what can be done. They have security, they are light, bright and warm and this encourages people - the Quadrant doesn't.
"But I think the city council have got to be applauded on their tenacity on this. They do realise it has to be done but their hands are tied until they get the money."It is quite an exciting development," he added.
A council spokesman said: "Plans for the redevelopment of the Quadrant Bus Station are well advanced.
"A full detailed planning permission is in place and a public inquiry has been held," he added.
"The council has made a transport grant bid to the Welsh Assembly Government to fund the redevelopment and an announcement is expected later this month.
If funding is approved, the work will begin on site in early summer."
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
One for the auditor
The article by Rob Green (Post, January 6) seems to indicate that it is a good time to pause and look again at the Service@Swansea project. I disagree.
It should have been stopped a year ago. Council staff and opposition councillors were warning them of disaster.
They should have been listened to. From the figures published in the Post, it would appear that £170 million has been spent, £70 million more than estimated, and less than £8 million saved, an apparent loss of £62 million.It would appear from other reports that the revamped leisure centre is now likely to cost more than the Liberty Stadium.
This is political mismanagement on a monumental scale. The district auditor should be asked to conduct an inquiry into these issues without delay.
Derek James
Terrace Road,
Uplands,
Swansea
It should have been stopped a year ago. Council staff and opposition councillors were warning them of disaster.
They should have been listened to. From the figures published in the Post, it would appear that £170 million has been spent, £70 million more than estimated, and less than £8 million saved, an apparent loss of £62 million.It would appear from other reports that the revamped leisure centre is now likely to cost more than the Liberty Stadium.
This is political mismanagement on a monumental scale. The district auditor should be asked to conduct an inquiry into these issues without delay.
Derek James
Terrace Road,
Uplands,
Swansea
Monday, 15 January 2007
£75 Fines for littering on cards for April
The first £75 fines for littering could be handed out on the streets of Swansea as early as April.
The crackdown will launch in the city centre, where it will be easiest to enforce.
It will then be extended to other areas.High visibility patrol officers will be used to get the litter-free message across.
And CCTV could also be used to track down offenders, said council chiefs.
Neighbouring Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot councils already impose £75 spot fines on litter louts.
Now Swansea wants to follow suit in a bid to clean up the city centre.
The move follows new legislation requiring all local authorities in Wales to sweep clean their roads and pavements of rubbish.
A Swansea Council spokeswoman said: "The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act of 2005 is due to be introduced in Wales in April with amendments to litter legislation."
"The council is working towards the introduction of enforcement officers and the setting of a £75 fixed penalty fine for litter-dropping."
A report is being prepared that will go to our cabinet for approval in due course."Initially, it is believed, fines will be issued by special enforcement officers.
However, it is thought police or PCSOs could be drafted in to help.The authority insists there will be no set targets for enforcement, and plans to introduce high-visibility patrols to act as a deterrent to litter-droppers.
The penalty fine has been fixed at £75, although each case will be dealt with on its own merits.
People dropping all types of litter, including cigarettes and chewing gum, will be at risk of a fine, although an appeal process against prosecution will be available.
A Swansea Council spokesman confirmed that CCTV evidence could be used to trap offenders.
"The new legislation will apply across the whole of Wales," he added."The date of its introduction will depend upon each local authority.
"Its introduction in Swansea in April will depend on whether enforcement procedures are in place."
Negotiations with our partners are ongoing."
Steve Beckham, aged 24, owner of Show Events, which runs hot dog stalls in the city centre, said higher fines should be imposed.
He added: "If you drop litter in Scotland they charge on-the-spot fines.
"If we can't do that here, then maybe Swansea Council should think about increasing the fine of £75 to act as even more of a deterrent.
"There should also be more bins so people can dispose of their rubbish more easily."
The crackdown will launch in the city centre, where it will be easiest to enforce.
It will then be extended to other areas.High visibility patrol officers will be used to get the litter-free message across.
And CCTV could also be used to track down offenders, said council chiefs.
Neighbouring Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot councils already impose £75 spot fines on litter louts.
Now Swansea wants to follow suit in a bid to clean up the city centre.
The move follows new legislation requiring all local authorities in Wales to sweep clean their roads and pavements of rubbish.
A Swansea Council spokeswoman said: "The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act of 2005 is due to be introduced in Wales in April with amendments to litter legislation."
"The council is working towards the introduction of enforcement officers and the setting of a £75 fixed penalty fine for litter-dropping."
A report is being prepared that will go to our cabinet for approval in due course."Initially, it is believed, fines will be issued by special enforcement officers.
However, it is thought police or PCSOs could be drafted in to help.The authority insists there will be no set targets for enforcement, and plans to introduce high-visibility patrols to act as a deterrent to litter-droppers.
The penalty fine has been fixed at £75, although each case will be dealt with on its own merits.
People dropping all types of litter, including cigarettes and chewing gum, will be at risk of a fine, although an appeal process against prosecution will be available.
A Swansea Council spokesman confirmed that CCTV evidence could be used to trap offenders.
"The new legislation will apply across the whole of Wales," he added."The date of its introduction will depend upon each local authority.
"Its introduction in Swansea in April will depend on whether enforcement procedures are in place."
Negotiations with our partners are ongoing."
Steve Beckham, aged 24, owner of Show Events, which runs hot dog stalls in the city centre, said higher fines should be imposed.
He added: "If you drop litter in Scotland they charge on-the-spot fines.
"If we can't do that here, then maybe Swansea Council should think about increasing the fine of £75 to act as even more of a deterrent.
"There should also be more bins so people can dispose of their rubbish more easily."
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
Questions to answer
So, Capgemini is to be shelved from phase two of the Service @ Swansea project, having cost council taxpayers up to £170 million for both phases to come to fruition.
One thing Service @ Swansea will certainly manage to achieve is a massive rise in council tax bills.
I think this matter should go to the auditor general for scrutiny, as someone somewhere has a lot of questions to answer.
The questions now are who will succeed Capgemini, and how much more is that going to cost?
Chris Powell
Llansamlet,
Swansea
One thing Service @ Swansea will certainly manage to achieve is a massive rise in council tax bills.
I think this matter should go to the auditor general for scrutiny, as someone somewhere has a lot of questions to answer.
The questions now are who will succeed Capgemini, and how much more is that going to cost?
Chris Powell
Llansamlet,
Swansea
Union blast at Council over incompetence
Union bosses have hit out at Swansea Council chiefs after they ditched an IT firm from delivering an all-singing, all-dancing customer service call centre.
Jeff Baker, Unison branch secretary for Swansea, said the decision to pull the plug on Capgemini vindicated council IT staff who walked out in one of Wales's longest public-sector strikes.
Staff were unhappy at proposals to transfer their jobs from Swansea Council to the private IT firm.However, the news that Capgemini will not be involved with the second phase of the scheme to supply a customer call centre could mean jobs are at risk.
Mr Baker said: "Our opposition to this project has been completely vindicated by this decision. What we have been saying since 2004 is that such a large and complicated scheme would not work.
"We are concerned that there must have been millions of pounds spent on consultations with Capgemini.
"The project was designed to replace outdated IT systems and to give people in Swansea a state-of-the-art call centre and a one-stop contact shop in County Hall.
Council leaders have confirmed the call centre work has been put on hold.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "There are significant budget pressures this year and we must cut our cloth according to what we can afford.
"That applies to eGovernment as much as it applies to all the other services we provide."
The deal was pushed through by former chief executive Tim Thorogood and signed off by Bob Carter, another senior manager who has since left the council.
Labour group leader David Phillips says he wants answers.
He said: "I will be asking for both Bob Carter and Tim Thorogood to come back to the council to explain why this has gone wrong so quickly.
"Phase one was supposed to generate £18 million of savings to pay for phase two but they can't even make it break even.
"It was obvious 12 months ago this over-ambitious programme was in trouble. Why has it taken so long to act?
"Just two weeks ago the council was briefing the press claiming everything was on target.
"If that was so, why has it now been cancelled? It's the council taxpayers who are having to fund this incompetence."
Jeff Baker, Unison branch secretary for Swansea, said the decision to pull the plug on Capgemini vindicated council IT staff who walked out in one of Wales's longest public-sector strikes.
Staff were unhappy at proposals to transfer their jobs from Swansea Council to the private IT firm.However, the news that Capgemini will not be involved with the second phase of the scheme to supply a customer call centre could mean jobs are at risk.
Mr Baker said: "Our opposition to this project has been completely vindicated by this decision. What we have been saying since 2004 is that such a large and complicated scheme would not work.
"We are concerned that there must have been millions of pounds spent on consultations with Capgemini.
"The project was designed to replace outdated IT systems and to give people in Swansea a state-of-the-art call centre and a one-stop contact shop in County Hall.
Council leaders have confirmed the call centre work has been put on hold.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "There are significant budget pressures this year and we must cut our cloth according to what we can afford.
"That applies to eGovernment as much as it applies to all the other services we provide."
The deal was pushed through by former chief executive Tim Thorogood and signed off by Bob Carter, another senior manager who has since left the council.
Labour group leader David Phillips says he wants answers.
He said: "I will be asking for both Bob Carter and Tim Thorogood to come back to the council to explain why this has gone wrong so quickly.
"Phase one was supposed to generate £18 million of savings to pay for phase two but they can't even make it break even.
"It was obvious 12 months ago this over-ambitious programme was in trouble. Why has it taken so long to act?
"Just two weeks ago the council was briefing the press claiming everything was on target.
"If that was so, why has it now been cancelled? It's the council taxpayers who are having to fund this incompetence."
Monday, 8 January 2007
AM's pledge for healthy New Year
A Swansea AM has vowed to give up using her car whenever possible and walk more instead.Val Lloyd, AM for Swansea East, is urging others to make similar healthy new year's resolutions.
"The key to making new year's resolutions a success is not to make too many and to make them as achievable as possible," she said.
"This year, I will endeavour to walk to more places instead of taking the car. That way, I can get regular gentle exercise, and do my bit for the environment at the same time.
"If each of us makes a commitment to try and change something to benefit our health, we can all contribute to a healthy Wales in 2007."
"The key to making new year's resolutions a success is not to make too many and to make them as achievable as possible," she said.
"This year, I will endeavour to walk to more places instead of taking the car. That way, I can get regular gentle exercise, and do my bit for the environment at the same time.
"If each of us makes a commitment to try and change something to benefit our health, we can all contribute to a healthy Wales in 2007."
Saturday, 6 January 2007
Pool will open this year, Authority bosses vow
Swansea Leisure Centre will be open by the end of this year, council leaders have vowed.
Authority bosses have promised to have the centre open to the public by December - a month earlier than predicted.Work on the project began in July 2005, 18 months after the centre's shock closure.
Fitting out of the building began last year and civic leaders say it is on schedule for a 2007 opening.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "The pool is taking shape and should be completed within months. The rest of the work is going well."I have always said the centre will be open by December and this is still the case."
Contractors are about to start working on adding a huge pod to the leisure centre roof. The futuristic-looking addition will house part of the centre's gym and will have sweeping views across Swansea Bay.
The centre will also include a children's play area, dance studios and a sports hall which will double as a conference facility.
However, the main attraction will be the pool and water rides.Phil Davies, the man in charge of the project, said: "The leisure centre as a water park is something unique for this area. I do not think there is anything comparable in the South West region."It will be a quality product and will have regional and national appeal."
The centre closed unexpectedly in November 2004 following a report into the state of the building.
The Labour administration, which was in charge of the city at the time, decided to close the centre rather than pay a £14 million repair bill. But plans for a completely new centre were dropped by the current coalition administration which decided to rebuild the old leisure centre instead.
Although there are no firm details about the cost of using the centre, council leaders say it will not be prohibitive.
Gym membership is likely to be on a monthly basis and deputy council leader Gerald Clement said other prices will be fair."We realise we cannot price people out of it," he added. "It has got to be competitive, but we also realise that it will be the best facility of its kind in Wales."
Authority bosses have promised to have the centre open to the public by December - a month earlier than predicted.Work on the project began in July 2005, 18 months after the centre's shock closure.
Fitting out of the building began last year and civic leaders say it is on schedule for a 2007 opening.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "The pool is taking shape and should be completed within months. The rest of the work is going well."I have always said the centre will be open by December and this is still the case."
Contractors are about to start working on adding a huge pod to the leisure centre roof. The futuristic-looking addition will house part of the centre's gym and will have sweeping views across Swansea Bay.
The centre will also include a children's play area, dance studios and a sports hall which will double as a conference facility.
However, the main attraction will be the pool and water rides.Phil Davies, the man in charge of the project, said: "The leisure centre as a water park is something unique for this area. I do not think there is anything comparable in the South West region."It will be a quality product and will have regional and national appeal."
The centre closed unexpectedly in November 2004 following a report into the state of the building.
The Labour administration, which was in charge of the city at the time, decided to close the centre rather than pay a £14 million repair bill. But plans for a completely new centre were dropped by the current coalition administration which decided to rebuild the old leisure centre instead.
Although there are no firm details about the cost of using the centre, council leaders say it will not be prohibitive.
Gym membership is likely to be on a monthly basis and deputy council leader Gerald Clement said other prices will be fair."We realise we cannot price people out of it," he added. "It has got to be competitive, but we also realise that it will be the best facility of its kind in Wales."
Right time to pull the plug
Swansea Council is right to quit while it's still (just) ahead.Its ambitious attempt to update the authority's computer systems and transfer some jobs into the hands of a private firm has staggered from one controversy to another.
Since the start, the scheme has been dogged by dispute, disbelief and dismay:
Firstly, council IT staff walked out in one of the longest running public sector strikes to hit Wales over authority plans to transfer jobs to private IT firm Capgemini.
Secondly, the cost of the two-phase scheme rocketed, from £100 million to £170 million.
Finally, estimated savings from the project were scaled back from around £50 million to £26 million, with only £7.4 million of those savings identified as achievable.
Hopefully lessons have been learned and pushing ahead with phase two - with any partner - should now be reviewed.
Pressing the pause button heralds a common sense approach from County Hall and its new chief executive, and is in marked contrast to his predecessor's head-in-the-clouds attitude to local government.
Since the start, the scheme has been dogged by dispute, disbelief and dismay:
Firstly, council IT staff walked out in one of the longest running public sector strikes to hit Wales over authority plans to transfer jobs to private IT firm Capgemini.
Secondly, the cost of the two-phase scheme rocketed, from £100 million to £170 million.
Finally, estimated savings from the project were scaled back from around £50 million to £26 million, with only £7.4 million of those savings identified as achievable.
Hopefully lessons have been learned and pushing ahead with phase two - with any partner - should now be reviewed.
Pressing the pause button heralds a common sense approach from County Hall and its new chief executive, and is in marked contrast to his predecessor's head-in-the-clouds attitude to local government.
Council's big hi-tech dream hits buffers with pull-out
The company brought in to deliver a hi-tech solution for the council to communicate with its customers has been scrapped from the project's second phase.
IT firm Capgemini which helped deliver the first phase of the project has been told its services for phase two are no longer required.
The massive project was designed to replace outdated computer systems and give residents a state-of-the art call centre.
The first phase to replace IT equipment was signed 12 months ago and is worth £86 million to Swansea-based IT firm Capgemini.
However, spiralling costs for the project have put the customer service element in doubt. An out of hours call-centre has been put on hold.
Council Leader Chris Holley said: "Continuing reviews of our option to sign up to a Capgemini-managed phase two have shown there is not a solution that is acceptable to the council.
"That is why it is being recommended we don't proceed with this specific deal."
That is a complete U-turn on comments made two years ago, when the councillor in charge of the project, Mary Jones, described the decision to use the firm as "probably the most significant and exciting decision this council will take for many years".
The scheme has been mired in controversy. Council IT staff walked out in one of the longest-running public sector strikes to hit Wales over plans to transfer jobs to Capgemini.
The cost of the scheme has ballooned, from around £100 million to £170 million for phases one and two.
Estimated savings from the project have also been scaled back from between £30 and £50 million to £26 million. So far only £7.4 million of those savings have been identified as achievable.
Former chief executive Tim Thorogood, who helped push through the project, left Swansea Council before any deal could be signed because of a planning row at his Rhossili home.
The second phase, known as Service @ Swansea was designed to bring massive improvements to services.
Residents were told they would get an out-of-hours call centre and a one-stop shop where they could get all their council inquiries answered in one go.
The customer contact centre will open in County Hall later this year, but plans for the call centre are on hold in what Councillor Holley has described as "a sensible and prudent decision".
When the scheme was being sold to residents Councillor Jones said: "It will mean they can call a corporate call centre and speak to a highly trained member of staff. They'll be able to resolve any number of inquiries on the spot - from housing benefit to booking a sports facility, or paying council tax."
They'll do this by using a new world-class computer system that links all relevant customer information, helping to resolve 80 per cent of all inquiries during the first call."
Labour group leader David Phillips said the scheme had grown out of hand.
"This has been on the cards for ages. From the time the eGovernment was split into phases it has been unworkable.
"This is something that should have been done a lot earlier - how much time and money has been spent on trying to make the unworkable work?
"This also raises a very big question mark about phase two."We have spent millions of pounds of council taxpayers' money, ostensibly to improve the service they get when dealing with the council, but have not improved one thing. It also raises serious questions about the Civic Centre project and whether a one-stop shop will work if we do not have the software in place."
IT firm Capgemini which helped deliver the first phase of the project has been told its services for phase two are no longer required.
The massive project was designed to replace outdated computer systems and give residents a state-of-the art call centre.
The first phase to replace IT equipment was signed 12 months ago and is worth £86 million to Swansea-based IT firm Capgemini.
However, spiralling costs for the project have put the customer service element in doubt. An out of hours call-centre has been put on hold.
Council Leader Chris Holley said: "Continuing reviews of our option to sign up to a Capgemini-managed phase two have shown there is not a solution that is acceptable to the council.
"That is why it is being recommended we don't proceed with this specific deal."
That is a complete U-turn on comments made two years ago, when the councillor in charge of the project, Mary Jones, described the decision to use the firm as "probably the most significant and exciting decision this council will take for many years".
The scheme has been mired in controversy. Council IT staff walked out in one of the longest-running public sector strikes to hit Wales over plans to transfer jobs to Capgemini.
The cost of the scheme has ballooned, from around £100 million to £170 million for phases one and two.
Estimated savings from the project have also been scaled back from between £30 and £50 million to £26 million. So far only £7.4 million of those savings have been identified as achievable.
Former chief executive Tim Thorogood, who helped push through the project, left Swansea Council before any deal could be signed because of a planning row at his Rhossili home.
The second phase, known as Service @ Swansea was designed to bring massive improvements to services.
Residents were told they would get an out-of-hours call centre and a one-stop shop where they could get all their council inquiries answered in one go.
The customer contact centre will open in County Hall later this year, but plans for the call centre are on hold in what Councillor Holley has described as "a sensible and prudent decision".
When the scheme was being sold to residents Councillor Jones said: "It will mean they can call a corporate call centre and speak to a highly trained member of staff. They'll be able to resolve any number of inquiries on the spot - from housing benefit to booking a sports facility, or paying council tax."
They'll do this by using a new world-class computer system that links all relevant customer information, helping to resolve 80 per cent of all inquiries during the first call."
Labour group leader David Phillips said the scheme had grown out of hand.
"This has been on the cards for ages. From the time the eGovernment was split into phases it has been unworkable.
"This is something that should have been done a lot earlier - how much time and money has been spent on trying to make the unworkable work?
"This also raises a very big question mark about phase two."We have spent millions of pounds of council taxpayers' money, ostensibly to improve the service they get when dealing with the council, but have not improved one thing. It also raises serious questions about the Civic Centre project and whether a one-stop shop will work if we do not have the software in place."
Friday, 5 January 2007
AMs split over council homes transfer move
Swansea's Assembly members are split over whether 14,000 council houses in the county should be taken out of council control.
Of six AMs in the region, Plaid's Dai Lloyd and Labour's Val Lloyd are against the proposal. Swansea West AM Andrew Davies did not reply to a question from the Post, but the region's other AMs have all backed the plan.
Council tenants are expected to be given a chance to vote on the future of their homes this year.It could see Swansea Council hand over 14,000 council houses to a non- profit making mutual company called Tawe Housing.
The mutual, which would include council tenants as board members, would be able to raise £190 million more than the council for repairs and improvements.
However, many tenants fear the move would lead to increased rents and a lack of social housing for future generations.
Dr Lloyd said it was the responsibility of government to provide adequate social housing."I am against stock transfer. I believe housing should remain in public ownership," he said.
"Good housing equals good health, and conversely bad housing equals bad health.
"I believe housing is the proper pursuit of government and democratic control, and not subject to the whims of the market."
Councils across Wales have been told they need to improve the quality of social housing to meet Assembly standards.
The total cost of meeting the standard in Swansea is around £370 million but the council would be able to raise only £176 million.
AM Peter Black, who is also a member of Swansea Council's ruling group, said he fully supported the move to transfer homes.
He said: "If we are going to replace defective windows and doors, install central heating in all properties, make houses waterproof and install modern bathrooms and kitchens, the only option is stock transfer.
"Tenants in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Monmouth have already voted for this option for precisely this reason. Swansea tenants should not miss out."
Gower AM Edwina Hart is Assembly Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration. She will be directly involved with the process after tenants have voted and so could not comment specifically.
However, she said: "The Assembly Government has a clear policy objective that landlords should provide tenants with homes to a standard that is appropriate for the 21st Century.
"We require all councils and housing associations to achieve the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012."
Swansea's Labour AM Val Lloyd said she would prefer an option that would allow the council to raise the money itself.
She said: "I am not a supporter of stock transfer and am in favour of the fourth option, which the Assembly Government and the trades unions also back."
South Wales West Conservative AM Alun Cairns said standards needed to be raised. He added: "Stock transfer can hold the key to empowering local communities, investing in local small businesses and increasing quality of life in low-income housing."
Of six AMs in the region, Plaid's Dai Lloyd and Labour's Val Lloyd are against the proposal. Swansea West AM Andrew Davies did not reply to a question from the Post, but the region's other AMs have all backed the plan.
Council tenants are expected to be given a chance to vote on the future of their homes this year.It could see Swansea Council hand over 14,000 council houses to a non- profit making mutual company called Tawe Housing.
The mutual, which would include council tenants as board members, would be able to raise £190 million more than the council for repairs and improvements.
However, many tenants fear the move would lead to increased rents and a lack of social housing for future generations.
Dr Lloyd said it was the responsibility of government to provide adequate social housing."I am against stock transfer. I believe housing should remain in public ownership," he said.
"Good housing equals good health, and conversely bad housing equals bad health.
"I believe housing is the proper pursuit of government and democratic control, and not subject to the whims of the market."
Councils across Wales have been told they need to improve the quality of social housing to meet Assembly standards.
The total cost of meeting the standard in Swansea is around £370 million but the council would be able to raise only £176 million.
AM Peter Black, who is also a member of Swansea Council's ruling group, said he fully supported the move to transfer homes.
He said: "If we are going to replace defective windows and doors, install central heating in all properties, make houses waterproof and install modern bathrooms and kitchens, the only option is stock transfer.
"Tenants in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Monmouth have already voted for this option for precisely this reason. Swansea tenants should not miss out."
Gower AM Edwina Hart is Assembly Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration. She will be directly involved with the process after tenants have voted and so could not comment specifically.
However, she said: "The Assembly Government has a clear policy objective that landlords should provide tenants with homes to a standard that is appropriate for the 21st Century.
"We require all councils and housing associations to achieve the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012."
Swansea's Labour AM Val Lloyd said she would prefer an option that would allow the council to raise the money itself.
She said: "I am not a supporter of stock transfer and am in favour of the fourth option, which the Assembly Government and the trades unions also back."
South Wales West Conservative AM Alun Cairns said standards needed to be raised. He added: "Stock transfer can hold the key to empowering local communities, investing in local small businesses and increasing quality of life in low-income housing."
Thursday, 4 January 2007
£1M waste as hospital patients block beds
A massive £1 million is being wasted in Swansea's hospitals because of the high cost of people blocking beds, new figures have revealed.Health chiefs say the situation has got worse over the past couple of months because of problems finding care home places for elderly patients.
Figures show 85 patients were delayed from leaving the city's hospitals and a total of 43 cases were social care-related.
Bed-blocking is the scenario in which people are stuck in a hospital bed because there is nowhere else for them to go for care.
A total of 3,866 bed days was lost because of the problem, which set Swansea NHS Trust back around £1.1 million.
Finance bosses have revealed one lost bed day costs around £300.The high number of delayed transfers of care has also hit the number of routine operations being carried out.
Finance director David Roberts said the trust was counting the cost of the financial burden deriving from the number of delayed transfer of care cases.
He said: "A lost bed day costs around £300 per day. There were 3,866 lost bed days which cost around £1 million."Findings show the problem is Wales-wide. There are now 754 patients waiting to leave a Welsh hospital bed - a rise of 9.6 per cent in the last year.
Janet Williams, acting director of operations, at Swansea NHS Trust, said the situation around bed-blocking would be monitored.
She said: "Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in the past two months of delayed transfers of care. Delays in social care packages and administrative delays have caused the problems.
"Delayed transfers of care is worrying and something we are paying attention to.
"Patients who have different needs we would move to a community hospital if that is suitable for the patient."
Figures show 85 patients were delayed from leaving the city's hospitals and a total of 43 cases were social care-related.
Bed-blocking is the scenario in which people are stuck in a hospital bed because there is nowhere else for them to go for care.
A total of 3,866 bed days was lost because of the problem, which set Swansea NHS Trust back around £1.1 million.
Finance bosses have revealed one lost bed day costs around £300.The high number of delayed transfers of care has also hit the number of routine operations being carried out.
Finance director David Roberts said the trust was counting the cost of the financial burden deriving from the number of delayed transfer of care cases.
He said: "A lost bed day costs around £300 per day. There were 3,866 lost bed days which cost around £1 million."Findings show the problem is Wales-wide. There are now 754 patients waiting to leave a Welsh hospital bed - a rise of 9.6 per cent in the last year.
Janet Williams, acting director of operations, at Swansea NHS Trust, said the situation around bed-blocking would be monitored.
She said: "Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in the past two months of delayed transfers of care. Delays in social care packages and administrative delays have caused the problems.
"Delayed transfers of care is worrying and something we are paying attention to.
"Patients who have different needs we would move to a community hospital if that is suitable for the patient."
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