Cardiff Post Article October 2007

 

 

As the Leader of the Independent Group, I have a place at the Executive Business Meetings as a speaking observer, along with other group leaders of the opposition groups on Cardiff Council.

 

We all sat with baited breath waiting at the recent meeting to see what decision the Liberal Democrat Executive would take with regard to parking charges following a devastating defeat for them regarding the absurd proposals to increase parking charges to £5.

 

Following a heated debate with members of the opposition, the Executive agreed to a charge of £3, which would be reviewed in the future, possibly during the next budget setting round in February 2008.

 

I was particularly surprised at the proposed increase of £5, which was more than twice the present level as the Council Leader had, on previous occasions, actively criticised NCP on their price increases.  He can’t have it both ways.

 

At the same Council Meeting, the Liberal Democrat Executive lost an important vote regarding re-opening the bottom of St Mary’s Street through to Wood Street.  My colleague Adrian Robson tabled an amendment which was accepted by the Council which included allowing private hire taxi firms access to St Mary’s Street and High Street, and also to put in place exhibitions in the outskirts about the changes.

 

This raises the issue of whether the Executive is listening to what the people of Cardiff really want. If they were listening, then maybe they wouldnÂ’t go ahead with such traffic schemes without firstly properly consulting the people of Cardiff and secondly ensuring that these schemes were for Council to decide, rather than just the CouncilÂ’s Executive. The Executive may be able to use their powers to push higher parking prices through, but if they ignore Council, then Council has the numbers to call it into account.

 

I am pleased to report that more than £375 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Care.  Thank you to everyone who donated and attended the Coffee Morning in the Mansion House and to The Pantmawr Inn for their generous auction prize.

 

Also our thanks to First Photography in Rhiwbina for their generous donations which has raised considerable funds for charities.

 

My colleague Adrian Robson and I have a surgery in the Pantmawr Inn on Sunday 14th October, between 11am - 12.30pm.

 

I can be contacted on Tel 029 2062 7757, Fax 029 2087 7005, Mobile 079 7001 3332, E-Mail jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk or log on to www.rhiwbinaward.com