An online facebook poll could concern local councillors hoping to be re-elected next spring. Over 600 people responded to the poll on facebook group ‘Neath talk’ asking; ‘Do you think Neath Port Talbot council are doing a good job?’

The huge majority (540*) responded with ‘No terrible’. Only 1 person responded with ‘Yes brilliant’ and 25 said ‘yes good’. Comments referred to anti-social behaviour problems, lack of affordable housing and poor maintenance of pavements.

One comment by Marc Carter said “Public services are worse now than they were 20 years ago. ASB is worse now than 20 years ago. It is definitely time for a change”

Cynthia Jarvis agreed “Worse now than ever. Every time it rains I paddle through muddy water on pavement opposite Tina’s barbers in the Melin. Given up phoning as “we are aware of the situation”!”

Opposition views

We asked the council to comment but received no response. However, Alun Llewellyn, leader of the opposition in Neath Port Talbot did respond. “There is huge frustration because Neath is an attractive town with a proud history. Of course, it’s been difficult over the Covid period, but we have suffered many years of under investment.”

“There needs to be a more consistent approach to supporting local businesses and revitalising the town and the surrounding valleys.”

“One of the problems has been an assumption that things will never change because Labour have been so dominant in the past, but Plaid Cymru is already the main opposition party on the council with 15 seats covering all parts of the county so we know things can change.”

“The council has a lot of committed staff who want to implement good projects, but to be honest the Labour leadership have run out of ideas and out of steam.”

“We can share ideas with other councils. Our neighbouring council in Carmarthenshire is led by Plaid, with the support of Independent councillors, and they have developed a lot of good ideas for regenerating their local towns like Carmarthen even in these difficult times.”

“In north Wales Gwynedd Council have just secured their second UNESCO world heritage status project, with the slate quarry landscape following the historic castles, but Neath Port Talbot just isn’t getting the basics right with important historic sites like Cefn Coed colliery.”

Not Labours fault but NPT Labour

Former Labour member Alun Kremszczesniak said “It is unfair to state that this is simply a Labour problem. Swansea council have recently secured some huge investment and are seeing real ambition. The zip line in Rhigos is only a few miles from the Neath Port Talbot boundary the other way. Other Labour councils are finding ways to improve.”

“Sadly, in Neath Port Talbot we are seeing the wrong people at the top of the Labour party. This is a real issue and why I left the party. I still share Labour values and would vote and be a member of Labour if I lived in other boroughs. We only have to look at Rob Jones and how he became leader to realise how immoral and clueless Labour are here.”

Alun Llewellyn feels that Rob Jones is still a black cloud over the borough “The Ombudsman decided that Cllr. Jones didn’t breach the Code of Conduct, but people will not easily forget the tape recording of his comments in a Labour branch meeting. It showed an arrogant and controlling way of running a council.”

“We need a more open and honest way of discussing and respecting different ideas. That way we will ensure a better way forward for our towns in Neath, Pontardawe and Port Talbot, and fair play for our valley communities too.” *these figures were taken as of 17:25 on the 05/08/21. The poll may change