Llais y Bobl - Voice of the People

I’m standing for real independence, says new Plaid contender - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2011-12-14T23:54:00.000-08:00

I’m standing for real independence, says new Plaid contender - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

Might as well write "don't vote for us because we are quite mad" on the forehead..

Court rules out affordable housing at luxury development - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource

2010-12-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Court rules out affordable housing at luxury development - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource

Justice prevails!

Cameron and Clegg 'don't believe planning works' - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource

2010-12-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

Cameron and Clegg 'don't believe planning works' - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource

Planning does not work because planners can't plan.

Phone-calls map reinforces the Wales North-South divide - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2010-12-11T02:29:00.000-08:00

Phone-calls map reinforces the Wales North-South divide - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

We could have told them this without them having to waste all that time.

Welsh councils could be hit with £200/t fines - letsrecycle.com

2010-11-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

Welsh councils could be hit with £200/t fines - letsrecycle.com

Yes, go on, punish the people, the taxpayer....

Global warming is slowing down, say scientists | Mail Online

2010-11-26T13:13:00.000-08:00

Global warming is slowing down, say scientists | Mail Online

Can't see the wood for the trees, can't see the facts for the scientists!

The only problems are... the humans.

News Wales > Environment > Wales National Parks work together to save £1 million

2010-11-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

News Wales > Environment > Wales National Parks work together to save £1 million

Scrap the lot of them and save a fortune, flaming QUANGOs.

Wales Office spent £76k on car hire in four months - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2010-11-20T02:26:00.000-08:00

Wales Office spent £76k on car hire in four months - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

Diawledig!

BBC - Community forest plan for Caia Park housing estate

2010-11-16T03:42:00.000-08:00

BBC - Community forest plan for Caia Park housing estate

'Bark'ing mad? I really hope it works but the trees need protection 24-7

BBC News - Cuts threaten future of Wales' outdoor pursuit centres

2010-11-16T01:15:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Cuts threaten future of Wales' outdoor pursuit centres

Diawledig

Get a sense of reality | Opinion | Money Marketing

2010-11-15T04:52:00.000-08:00

Get a sense of reality | Opinion | Money Marketing

An unbalanced piece of "journalism"?

‘Welsh must be recognised as official language of Wales’ - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2010-11-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

‘Welsh must be recognised as official language of Wales’ - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

Good grief, the minority ruling the majority, the tail wagging the dog.

Planning Portal - Government calls for local debate on National Park governance

2010-11-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Planning Portal - Government calls for local debate on National Park governance

Is this the Friday joke?

Stop all the whingeing and grow up, Tories tell Labour - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2010-11-07T03:45:00.000-08:00

Stop all the whingeing and grow up, Tories tell Labour - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

How embarrassing.

Leading figures in Welsh life sign letter on Welsh language status - North Wales News - News - Daily Post North Wales

2010-11-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

Leading figures in Welsh life sign letter on Welsh language status - North Wales News - News - Daily Post North Wales

I thought both languages were equal under the law.

BBC News - Welsh minister says Wales wants 'big society'

2010-11-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Welsh minister says Wales wants 'big society'

I thought Wales wanted to be different, to be independent, to try something unique. Local authorities in parts of Wales have been pretending to provide this "Big Society" for three decades, look at the mess!

Carwyn Jones’ vision on how Wales can weather the cuts - Politics News - Politics - News - WalesOnline

2010-11-03T00:31:00.000-07:00

Carwyn Jones’ vision on how Wales can weather the cuts - Politics News - Politics - News - WalesOnline: "Labour went on to win a majority in the 2003 elections and activists will hope that Mr Jones’ condemnation of Westminster policies and commitment to the public sector will chime with voters in May when they go to the polls to elect a new Assembly.
Mr Jones said he wanted Wales to move away from being dependent on Westminster. “We are not looking for special treatment – we are looking for fair treatment,” he said."

BBC News - AM attacks 'Trojan horse' policy making

2010-11-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

BBC News - AM attacks 'Trojan horse' policy making

But Mrs Burns, the Tory AM for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and chair of the finance committee, said: "I don't believe that the Welsh Assembly Government, or the National Assembly will take people with it on its road to further powers if we continue to map out legislation that to some appears to leave the serious thinking to a later date once competency is in place.

Facebook | Evan Owen

2010-10-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

Facebook | Evan Owen: "It is a pity that the enlighted Scottish officers, planners and members aren't in control of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, this is a place where there is no balance, no vision and no er... PLANNING. Who do we blame? Lets start at the top:

(1) Can we blame the Chief Executive? If his speech at the beginning of H...earing Session 1 of the Local Development Plan Examination is an indication of his personal views then yes.

(2) Can we blame the Director of Planning and Cultural Heritage? If his doodling during Hearing Session 1 is any indication of his inability to concentrate on the proceedings then yes.

(3) Can we blame the Chairman of the SNPA Planning Committee? Probably but I won't go down that route today, later perhaps. Don't want a Welsh Nationalist uprising.

(4) Can we blame all the other Members of the Authority? Probably, but their knowledge of planning issues has always been the laughing stock at the planning department so maybe the fault lies with (1) and (2), perhap..."

Sosban fach yn berwi ana tan | The Spectator

2010-10-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sosban fach yn berwi ana tan | The Spectator

Rod Liddle

Bigots R us

He deleted my comment, why? Too near the truth?

Evan Owen

The enduring legacy left by drowned Welsh valley - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2010-10-20T23:40:00.001-07:00

The enduring legacy left by drowned Welsh valley - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

For Plaid councillor Mr Edwards the incident was just one chapter in what he sees as 800 years of English exploitation in Wales.

He said: “I thought the Welsh people would never allow the English to drown our valley, but I didn’t realise that we had no say at all in our own affairs just as we have none now. They just trod over us, and not for the first time. It’s been going on for 800 years.”

And this man is Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Planning Committee, using a piece of English legislation which was meant to create a playground for... er... the English. Now he uses the planning powers to 'drown' villages in decay and decline.

The enduring legacy left by drowned Welsh valley - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

2010-10-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Llanfair councillor calls on home to be recognised on map - North Wales Weekly News

2010-10-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

Llanfair councillor calls on home to be recognised on map - North Wales Weekly News

"Llanfairfechan councillor Ray Jones has spoken out against the fact the town continues to be left off a map of the Snowdonia National Park."

The turkeys are voting for Xmas a bit early this year?

WalesOnline - News - Politics - Politics News - Teenager told to repay £800 college fees because he worked for an English firm

2010-10-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Politics - Politics News - Teenager told to repay £800 college fees because he worked for an English firm

Another "Devolution dividend"?

Is Wales destined to be a third world country in ten years?

MM Leader: Clients will be caught up in RDR confusion | Opinion | Money Marketing

2010-09-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

MM Leader: Clients will be caught up in RDR confusion Opinion Money Marketing

Depolarisation Mk II, Son of Depolarisation, Depolarisation the Sequel, whichever way you put it the result is the same.

If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried by calling it something else.

This is all about propping up the compensation machine which has become their prison, and yours.

WalesOnline - News - UK News - Former executive to get £750k from Wales’ public financial watchdog

2010-09-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - UK News - Former executive to get £750k from Wales’ public financial watchdog

Is Wales bankrupt?

Thank you for your reply. I wish to use two specific extracts from your response - because frankly, unless you correct my understanding of what you have said, I am astonished, and I believe others will be equally astonished.

These are the two extracts:

1) " ...we can confirm that the matter to which you refer is not something that we were aware of from our routine audit work at the National Park Authority."

2) "... we cannot investigate complaints about poor or inefficient management (known as ‘maladministration’) by audited organisations"

There can be nobody involved in the Audit profession who is unaware of its pivotal importance in the collapse of Companies such as Enron, Lehman Brothers, the near collapse of many of the UK Banks and the need for taxpayer bailout. There are any similar examples I could quote.

If what you are telling me is correct - then may I ask how anyone can determine whether Wales is bankrupt or not? I ask that question with all seriousness!

Under 1) above - you tell me that there are matters of which you are unaware. How many such matters exist and what are the financial liabilities (from whatsoever cause) that have not been taken into account in the statements of assets and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) that you have responsibility for?

Now you may well respond that you cannot quantify that for which you are unaware, but that form of response leads inexorably to item 2) - where you accept that there may be matters which may or do accrue actual or potential liabilities - which when they are brought to your direct attention you then choose to ignore in their entirety - passing the investigation buck elsewhere, but without any attention to the financial consequences that may be your direct responsibility.

The assets and liabilities of the Bodies for which you have audit responsibility do not recognise the semantics of "maladministration" -v- "misfeasance" , and yet you assert that you do as auditors. From your response - it matters not to you whether financial liabilities of perhaps severe consequence are brought to your attention - what matters is the word to be used (whether correctly or otherwise) - that cannot be true, can it? If in reality, you then aver that the financial statements when audited are a true reflection of the position - when you are aware of matters that may alter that very position - but which you have chosen to completely ignore.

I have copied these comments to others - so that they are aware of what I see as a major and potentially disastrous flaw in the work which you say you carry out - eventually on behalf of the public who would have to bear the cost of any failures on your part. Not, as it appears from your letter, failures of error or omission, but failures arising from a direct and deliberate series of decisions on your part.

I cannot believe what I have read in your response - and I believe I may not be alone in that conclusion.

Evan Owen
Preswylfa
LL44 2EH

PS: To illustrate my comments, and to heighten the implications, please read this article from today's Daily Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/7964816/UK-bank-accounting-rules-fatally-flawed-warns-influential-watchdog.html

BBC News - Bid to make Clwydian mountain range a national park

2010-07-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Bid to make Clwydian mountain range a national park

Crazy!

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Badger cull quashed after drafting blunder

2010-07-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Badger cull quashed after drafting blunder

"Drafting blunder"

And they want more powers?

Wales to become first part of Britain to introduce presumed consent for organ donation - Telegraph

2010-07-14T02:25:00.000-07:00

Wales to become first part of Britain to introduce presumed consent for organ donation - Telegraph

Would they be selling them to the rest of the world?

An organ harvest similar to the one reported to be operating (no pun!) in Chinese prisons?

Is Wales becoming a prison?

BBC News - Pembrokeshire badger cull halted after appeal

2010-07-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Pembrokeshire badger cull halted after appeal

When a government makes 'new laws' it must do so with utmost care, giving 'more powers' to the WAG deserves very close scrutiny by all concerned.

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Population timebomb is ticking for North Wales

2010-07-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Population timebomb is ticking for North Wales

What is shocking about this news?

BBC News - Row over new Snowdon path surface

2010-07-10T04:36:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Row over new Snowdon path surface

Disabled people are entitled all the help they can get in order to enjoy even a small part of what the able bodied can achieve, no area is the exclusive to the elite alone.

grough — Trust calls for rethink to protect Britain's wild lands

2010-06-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

grough — Trust calls for rethink to protect Britain's wild lands

Yes please, keep the 'special' designation for places where people do not live, for landscapes which people have not formed, yes, the 'wilderness'. However I can't see much wilderness in Snowdonia, it is covered in man made relics such as stone walls, neolithic circles, iron age forts, Roman ruins and of course the English castles, oh and the UK's highest slum.

Clegg promises action on Britain's £18bn a year public sector pensions | Mail Online

2010-06-15T04:03:00.000-07:00

Clegg promises action on Britain's £18bn a year public sector pensions Mail Online

End this discrimination, scrap all public sector pension schemes and pay a standard decent pension to everyone whether they are former civil servants or a self-employed plumber. The current system which rewards public servants disproportionately creates problems in rural areas because the well heeled retirees can afford to pay over the odds for homes that the locals desperately need.

We can't afford the public sector, we can't afford the duplication of the Welsh Assembly (when it suits) or the Scottish thingy for that matter.

We can't afford the greedy banks or the greeedy 'City'.

Back to basics, slice and dice Mr Osborne.

BBC News - Clegg's 'slip' over Welsh powers referendum support

2010-06-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Clegg's 'slip' over Welsh powers referendum support

How about a vote on whether to keep the Welsh Assembly Government and abolish the Wales Acts?

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - First Minister demands respect from Westminster

2010-06-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - First Minister demands respect from Westminster

Can we afford all this devolution when we don't see any dividend? Would it be wiser to inform the population of Wales what this has cost to date? How much more it costs than it did before devolution? What tangible benefits Wales has enjoyed since devolution together with the areas in which Wales had fallen behind in comparison with the rest of the UK, Scotland and rural housing for example, then allow the people of Wales to vote on whether we should keep this devolved government?

Disunited kingdom is flagging

2010-05-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Disunited kingdom is flagging: "The Celts are also coddled economically. Scotland and Wales are heavily dependent on the public sector. They vote accordingly. The anti-Tory voting bloc in Scotland and Wales was an overwhelming 90 to nine. This perpetuates political support for public sector spending that Britain cannot afford. My fellow Celts prefer to live in La-La land."

Bit harsh, but is it true?

BBC - Democracy Live - Welsh Assembly

2010-05-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

BBC - Democracy Live - Welsh Assembly: "The Economy and Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said that he couldn't disclose the amount of subsidy whilst the contract was still out to tender. However he insisted that it was important that the service continued, because of the economic benefits it brings to Ynys Môn."

Ieuanair benefits its founder only.

BBC News - 'End referendum public row', says Dafydd Elis-Thomas

2010-05-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

BBC News - 'End referendum public row', says Dafydd Elis-Thomas

We should have a referendum on whether we need the Welsh Assembly Government and all the associated duplication and expense.

BBC News - Bangor arts centre plan unveiled

2010-05-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Bangor arts centre plan unveiled

How many houses could we build for that money?

LIZ JONES: A new, touchy-feely democracy? Try telling that to the badgers... | Mail Online

2010-05-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

LIZ JONES: A new, touchy-feely democracy? Try telling that to the badgers... | Mail Online

Badger numbers are out of control, they have no natural predators apart from man and he/she has his hands tied behind his back even when poultry, lambs, young calves and even foals are under attack. Did you know that a badger will eat all the meaty bits and leave the animal alive to endure a lingering and painful death? No? Then you need to get out of the city a bit more often. As far as fiddling with nature is concerned the folks in urban areas cause hardship in the country ares they seldom visit, do-gooders introduced birds of prey into stable environments and now wonder why the songbirds have vanished... the law of unidented consequences applies when the RSPB and other interfering bodies are simply justifying their existence.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1280598/LIZ-JONES-A-new-touchy-feely-democracy-Try-telling-badgers-.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0okH5Q4l5

Recycling Today Media Group - Recycling Today magazine. : Industry News New Plastics Sorting Facility Opens in Wales

2010-05-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

Recycling Today Media Group - Recycling Today magazine. : Industry News New Plastics Sorting Facility Opens in Wales

How many houses could we build with this money?

Wales's unreported revolution | Comment is free | The Guardian

2010-04-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

Wales's unreported revolution | Comment is free | The Guardian: "The English like to think of themselves as a modern and sophisticated nation, and sometimes ignorantly view the Welsh as backward and uncouth. But as far as democracy is concerned, the English are light years behind."

No, the ordinary Welsh people are 'light years behind' because of the Plaid "Policies of misery".

BBC News - Wales has 'least competitive' UK economy, says report

2010-04-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Wales has 'least competitive' UK economy, says report: "'There is little evidence that devolution and the establishment of the Welsh assembly is contributing to improved competitiveness. In fact, the opposite appears to be largely true.'"

This confirms our worst suspicions that Wales is fast becoming a banana republic, sans bananas.

CAMPAIGNS CYMRU: ANTI - ENGLISH MONARCHY CAMPAIGNS IN WALES TODAY: Republican, Nationalists and Socialists.

2010-04-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

CAMPAIGNS CYMRU: ANTI - ENGLISH MONARCHY CAMPAIGNS IN WALES TODAY: Republican, Nationalists and Socialists.

GET A GRIP!!!

Voters urged by SNP and Plaid Cymru to reject Labour and Tories over deepening cuts | UK news | guardian.co.uk

2010-04-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

Voters urged by SNP and Plaid Cymru to reject Labour and Tories over deepening cuts | UK news | guardian.co.uk

We in Wales are more afraid of Plaid Cymru than any other political party.

BBC News - Cut road building in Wales urge campaigners

2010-03-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

BBC News - Cut road building in Wales urge campaigners

Yes, send Wales back to the stone age.

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Value of mergers and takeovers in Wales falls to £3m

2010-03-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Value of mergers and takeovers in Wales falls to £3m: "THE value of merger and acquisitions deals in Wales in February was the lowest since July last year, according to the latest data from Zephyr."

£3 million? The value of one big farm or maybe three hill farms, why are farms worth so much? Is it the public subsidy, without which they would not survive, or so they tell us while sitting in their brand new tractors or landrovers and building homes in the wilds to satisfy their cravings for more money.

Are Welsh politicians and officials able to establish whether Wales is an enterprising nation? In other words how many new business ventures were establish in Wales over the last year or so and how many were closed? If we have more businesses closing and more private sector job losses than are being created then what are the constraints on businesses? For example is it inherited English planning laws? Or English legislation preserving the landscape in aspic?

Is it the Welsh culture and dislike of ‘in migration’ which enables all those in control of our lives in certain parts of Wales to say NO too often? Are we capable of saying YES more often? The US is renowned for its determination to say YES, to go for it; many of its founding fathers were Welsh, what happened to the enterprising culture, is it tied up with red tape?

Lib Dems challenge affordable homes claim | News | Ocean Media

2010-03-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

Lib Dems challenge affordable homes claim | News | Ocean Media: "Housing spokesman Peter Black has calculated only 2,335 affordable homes have been added towards the target so far because 1,900 properties have been sold or demolished."

I wonder how many of these 'affordable homes' are self-build without one penny of public funding being used to compensate 'locals' for being penalised because they are.. er... locals?

In some parts of Wales the list the WAG has does include 'local occupancy' only S106 which are not 'Affordfable' homes.

The target of 6,500 homes will not be met because of the planning system, in any event the target amount is a drop in the ocean compared with the real need, take the Ardudwy coast for example, here there is a need for well over 200 affordable homes yet only ten have been built during the last five years.

It is time to drag the politicians, screaming and kicking, into the real world.

BBC News - Fears over the future of Wales' rural areas

2010-03-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Fears over the future of Wales' rural areas: "According to the Conservatives, the continued closures of rural post offices and pubs has had a damaging impact.
Opposition AMs also urged the assembly government to improve the delivery of public services in rural areas."

Politicians have a simplistic view as always.

FT.com / UK - Tories pledge rapid reform on regulation

2010-02-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

FT.com / UK - Tories pledge rapid reform on regulation: "'Think about the enormous disruption this would create at a time of great uncertainty for the financial services sector and the economy generally. To say that this would be ill-timed is a massive understatement,' Andrew Love, a Labour member of the Treasury select committee, told a Westminster event.
Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, said the reforms would involve 'major costs . . . and massive uncertainty . . . at a crucial time'."

Dear Tories, please stop and think, listen to those who have been regulated rather than those who have been regulating as well as those who have created every manifistation of failed regulators to date.

BBC News - Elfyn Llwyd calls for withdrawal from Afghanistan

2010-02-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Elfyn Llwyd calls for withdrawal from Afghanistan: "He told delegates in Cardiff that his MPs would fight to protect public spending in Wales after the election."

We shall see what we shall see!!

Plaid Wrecsam: Planning in Scotland.

2010-02-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Plaid Wrecsam: Planning in Scotland.: "Can we really imagine the Snowdonia National Park granting planning permission for an 8 storey concrete monstrosity in Llanberis?"

Section 106 is only one tool in the planning armoury for raising funds, unfortunately in Gwynedd, which includes the SNPA, these agreements are used to discriminate against locals and even within locals depending upon who you are, these restrictions include maximum selling prices, 4 mile radius, within gwynedd only, all in the name of meeting affordable housing targets which have been unatainable for decades thanks to the hysteria about 'inmigration'.

back to the subject, have you seen the bunker on the hill, the 'highest slum', the cafe on top of Snowdon? Have you seen the SNPA offices or the mansions they allow to be built for 'agricultural workers' and those in the clique? How about the monstrosity which is supposed to replace St David's hotel? Sorry for the rant but I thought some balance was in order.

Welsh Assembly launches boiler scrappage scheme

2010-02-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Welsh Assembly launches boiler scrappage scheme: "The Welsh scheme will be targeting over 60s, who they consider to be more vulnerable to fuel poverty."

Nothing for hard pressed families? Yet more disparity for the Welsh to endure when compared to their fellow taxpayers in England.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Hain compares Wales with Rwanda

2010-02-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Hain compares Wales with Rwanda: "In a statement issued later, Mr Hain said: 'Frankly, I could have chosen my words more carefully."

In Mr Hain's case I would suggest that silence is golden.

Snowdonia For All

2010-02-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Snowdonia For All: "Welcome to 'Snowdonia for All', a project which aims to encourage disabled people, people with restrited mobility or parents who have young children to visit Snowdonia and have an enjoyable and relaxing time."

If they can afford the parking fees?

BBC News - Backing for Blaenau Ffestiniog's bid to join park

2010-02-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Backing for Blaenau Ffestiniog's bid to join park: "Blaenau Ffestiniog was not originally included because when the park was being developed urban and industrial areas were not included, but times had changed, he added."

Who defined what was 'urban' or 'industrial'? There are vilages in the park, there is a dirty great airfield too!

As far as any community wishing to be ensnared by the planning constraints then they need their bumps feeling pdq..

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Business parks get £2.55m injection

2010-02-09T01:56:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Business parks get £2.55m injection: "Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is determined to do everything within our powers to lead Wales out of recession which includes helping existing businesses to grow and prosper – to deliver more and better jobs for the people of Wales."

What about us? Snowdonia, Dyffryn Ardudwy in particular, has the highest housing and healthcare deprivation in Wales, looks like the stady decline is becoming steeper each day.

Ieuan, you talk of "The people of Wales", well some parts of Wales don't even feature on your radar do they?

House building to hit lowest levels since 1923 - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource

2010-02-08T05:12:00.000-08:00

House building to hit lowest levels since 1923 - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource: "'The three main political parties must demonstrate their commitment to helping the millions of Britons in desperate need of an affordable home by pledging to safeguard investment in housing – and giving it the same priority as health, education and policing.'"

Commendable recommendations, however thes people are unable to comprehend what it is like living in "Granny's" back bedroom, dossing on teh sofa in a mate's house of as is the case with my son being unable to live in a caravan on our land.

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Peter Hain under fire for saying Wales is 'a wealthy country'

2010-02-03T23:12:00.000-08:00

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Peter Hain under fire for saying Wales is 'a wealthy country': "Plaid Cymru’s Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams said: “I'm sure that workers who’ve lost their jobs in the economic crisis will be aghast at Mr Hain's incredible comments.

“It appears as if he thinks we should be grateful for the way Labour has brought about the recession and continues to under-fund Welsh communities.
“The way in which Wales is funded by Westminster has to be completely overhauled or Wales is going to suffer the effects of the recession for much, much longer"

What happened to the 'coalition'?

I would like to see the evdidence supporting the comments reportedly made by Mr Hain.

BBC News - Welsh law process 'unaccountable'

2010-02-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Welsh law process 'unaccountable': "Once an LCO is approved at Westminster the Welsh Assembly Government is empowered to pass its own laws in the subject area covered by the LCO, such as education and training, vulnerable children.
These are known as assembly measures and are enforceable by the courts in the same way as acts of parliament.
Mr Trench said the LCO system, 'undermines accountability and clarity for electors...it is unclear which government is responsible for what'."

This is shockingly bad for Welsh people.

BBC News - First chief scientist for Wales

2010-02-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

BBC News - First chief scientist for Wales: "'The role includes acting as head of profession, providing a focus for good practice and the enhancement and encouragement of scientists and engineers in Wales.
'This is a job that encompasses two (along with my family and rugby) of my great passions - science and Wales. I will give it my very best effort.'"

I have no idea how much we are paying this man, or why - when we already have UK scientific advisers, but however much it is we expect more than a "best effort".

FT.com / UK / Politics & policy - Tories aim to shake up planning system

2010-01-31T23:16:00.000-08:00

FT.com / UK / Politics & policy - Tories aim to shake up planning system: "One property figure said: “Instead of producing a workable document what we have is a piece of political dogma the everyone knows won’t work.”
Housebuilders admitted the planning system needed improvement. But John Slaughter, policy director of the Home Builders’ Federation, said: “The radical transformation the Conservatives propose carries potentially high risks and could have significant unintended consequences.”
Caroline Spelman, shadow communities secretary, said the Tory plans would replace a defunct “top-down, target-driven” approach."
*****

Such naivety! This will send us back to the stone age.

BBC News - Road closure for new aerial bat crossing

2010-01-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Road closure for new aerial bat crossing: "'Bats such as this follow a very specific route,' said Sarah Cartmel, secretary of the Gwynedd Bat Group.
'They usually follow hedge and tree lines, so even the removal of a hedge will disrupt their flight.'"

Er... how did they get planning for the bypass in teh first place? Without all this bat mitigation.

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Gwynedd Council to abolish special education for 7-11 yr-olds

2010-01-30T02:59:00.001-08:00

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Gwynedd Council to abolish special education for 7-11 yr-olds: "Education boss Dewi Jones said the council was “committed to providing the widest possible range of educational opportunities for every child”."

Will the 'assimilation' of English speaking 'special needs' children continue?

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Gwynedd Council to abolish special education for 7-11 yr-olds

2010-01-30T02:59:00.000-08:00

BBC - Families in mid and north Wales are 'unhappiest in UK'

2010-01-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

BBC - Families in mid and north Wales are 'unhappiest in UK': "'That said, I don't think this really reflects the experience of most of those who bring up children in Aberystwyth and the surrounding area.
'It is worth remembering that it is likely that the sample size for each town will be relatively small, and I don't think too much should be read into this survey, other than the underlying issues.'"

This MP and his fellow politicians are so far divorced from reality that they are not qualified to give opinions on what life is like for ordinary people.

BBC News - Work to begin on controversial £50m Porthmadog bypass

2010-01-29T01:50:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Work to begin on controversial £50m Porthmadog bypass: "Gwynedd council leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards, said: 'This is a momentous day for the Porthmadog area and its residents."

Is it a double edged sword?

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - 10,000 council jobs in Wales may be lost

2010-01-28T02:10:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - 10,000 council jobs in Wales may be lost
******

The system is flawed, time for a bottom up approach.

If you consider that in the region of 35% of council tax goes to prop up the gold plated pension schemes they could increase their budget with a few strokes of a pen.

Daily Post North Wales - Business - News - Welsh construction industry not expected to come out of recession yet

2010-01-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

Daily Post North Wales - Business - News - Welsh construction industry not expected to come out of recession yet

Chris Wynne, managing director of Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction and North Wales Construction Forum chairman, said: “From our experience, a short term recovery is unlikely, but we have hopes for a more positive economy in the long term, as detailed in the CSN report.

“It is imperative that companies continue to prepare themselves for the upturn by investing in training now, otherwise we will encounter a skills shortage at the worst possible time.”

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for Economy and Transport said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is already planning for the creation of a stronger, more sustainable Welsh economy beyond the recession through its Economic Renewal Programme and we look forward to discussing this further with the construction sector.”

*************

Vested interests wearing rose-tinted spectacles..

BBC News - Tourism centre bid to boost Gwynedd area

2010-01-26T05:41:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Tourism centre bid to boost Gwynedd area: "The county council-backed scheme would encompass sites at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Trawsfynydd, Dolgellau and Y Bala."
*************

Nothing for the coastal areas then?

BBC News - Clarity call on the Cardiff to Anglesey air route

2010-01-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Clarity call on the Cardiff to Anglesey air route: "The twice-daily route between Anglesey and Cardiff is operated by Highland Airways with £800,000 public subsidy from the Welsh Assembly Government."
*************

Good grief!!

How many houses could I build for that much money? Er... TWELVE!! Every year...

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Clash of the Titans film shoot boosts Snowdonia economy

2010-01-20T23:17:00.000-08:00

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Clash of the Titans film shoot boosts Snowdonia economy: "Managing director Neil Rowlands said: “They stayed for around 25 nights. They certainly helped make it a bumper July.”"
**************

One month in one year, as the saying goes "one swallow doesn't make a summer". We need more of this and more sustainable tourism, something for the kids to do when it is raining for example.

FT.com / UK / Business - Wales seeks way out of low-skill legacy

2010-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

FT.com / UK / Business - Wales seeks way out of low-skill legacy: "“Our tribal memory is of unemployment,” says Garel Rhys, one of Wales’ most prominent economists, and an advisor to the Welsh assembly government."
*********

Er.. isn't that the memory of all 'tribes'?

In all recorded history there has not been one economist who has had to worry about where the next meal would come from.
Alfred A. Knopf

Council tax rise needed due to local government pensions black hole - Telegraph

2010-01-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

Council tax rise needed due to local government pensions black hole - Telegraph: "She said: “The Liberal Democrats are playing into the hands of commentators peddling the line that hard-working public servants are living in the lap of luxury once they have retired.”
The Government described the size of the deficit as “pure speculation”.
A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said: “This year's valuation of the fund has not been carried out yet and is legally required to be based on market levels at the end of March - no one has any accurate way of knowing what that will be.”"
************

What was it last year? And the year before?

We can't afford to fund these pension schemes, time to wind them up...

News Wales > Environment > Wales slammed over dying wildlife

2010-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

News Wales > Environment > Wales slammed over dying wildlife: "'However, much more is needed as many policies and projects fail to fully address their environmental impacts. Public money is also being wasted on schemes that have a negative impact on the environment, such as the subsidy given to the intra Wales
airline.'"
************

If the RSPB has workable solutions we can afford to fund can we please see them? I doubt that the wealthiest nations in teh world could do what they suggest, in Wales we need housing and jobs.

Diolch yn fawr

BBC News - Wales 'missing out on green jobs'

2010-01-13T23:42:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Wales 'missing out on green jobs': "'Developing a sizable manufacturing capacity for marine renewables would require a lot of effort and investment to catch up with Scotland."
**********

Are we sheep? Do we not have any ideas of our own? Can we not ensure that we no not follow the 'herd' and perhaps make an expensive mistake?

Home Access - Home Access

2010-01-13T03:58:00.000-08:00

Home Access - Home Access
********

Is this available in Wales?

No?

So much for devolution...

Grab £1,000s of Grants: Free cash for homes, business or you...

2010-01-13T03:50:00.000-08:00

Grab £1,000s of Grants: Free cash for homes, business or you...: "The scheme is due to run for the next 18 months but there is a maximum of 270,000 grants available, one per household. There are currently no plans to extend it across the rest of the UK."
************

Is this available in Wales?

No?

So much for devolution...

Porthmadog - Gwynedd - A Brief Look

2010-01-09T03:11:00.000-08:00

Porthmadog - Gwynedd - A Brief Look: "Originally known as Portmadoc until 1974, Porthmadog-Gwynedd is known as being very deeply rooted in Welsh culture"
***********

Why did they change the name?

BBC News - Salt supply low in Wales as freeze goes on

2010-01-09T02:50:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Salt supply low in Wales as freeze goes on: "In Gwynedd, around 37% of the county's roads are pre-treated with salt and grit - this is around 670 miles.
Gwyn Morris Jones, Gwynedd council's head of Highways and Municipal, said: 'It takes around four hours to treat Gwynedd's primary routes."
***************

In order to reach that figure there must be more salt on roads around Caernarfon than elsewhere, in my area the main road is clear (apart from the pavement when there is one) but everything else is frozen, it is a public safety issue.

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Llais Gwynedd: There is a threat to the heartland

2010-01-08T03:15:00.000-08:00

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Llais Gwynedd: There is a threat to the heartland: "Group leader Owain Williams said: “Both Plaid and Labour continue with centralised strategies that will do nothing but accelerate emigration and further weaken Welsh language heartlands.
“This is exactly the sort of policies that led to the Highland Clearances of Scotland 150 years ago.”"
***********

Well said sir.

BBC News - Euro cash hope on rural internet

2010-01-08T03:13:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Euro cash hope on rural internet: "'In the 21st Century, it is vital that people in all parts of Wales gain access to a high-speed internet service, and it is essential that businesses are fully equipped with the right information communications technology (ICT) infrastructure to compete successfully in a global market.
'ICT plays a major part in helping us to meet our goals, building a strong and sustainable Welsh economy and providing opportunities for all,' he said."
*****************

Some would agree but how fast do we need to go? I am happy with what I have already in the bleakness of Snowdonia National Park, a place where decent housing and jobs are scarce and where development is shunned, even for sustainable affordable housing and jobs.

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Thousands of people commute out of Wales to work every day, figures show

2010-01-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Thousands of people commute out of Wales to work every day, figures show: "In an investigation into the Welsh economy, the study – published on the Welsh Assembly Government’s statistics website – says that, compared to the start of the 21st century, there is now an increasing number of people who travel to England to work.
However, more people are travelling into Wales to work now than they did at the start of the century. The 81,000 daily workforce loss is offset by 58,200 people resident outside of Wales coming in to work here – however, that means there is a net outflow of 22,800 people each day."

************

Some of them are going to move out forever if we don't improve the social and economic situation on this side of the invisible border.

The further west you go the more dependant upon the public sector Wales becomes, this east/west divide is accelerating and becoming more unsustainable by the day.

Daily Post North Wales - Business - News - Wales sees a big drop in merger and acquisition business deals

2010-01-07T01:47:00.000-08:00

Daily Post North Wales - Business - News - Wales sees a big drop in merger and acquisition business deals: "No deals worth more than £100m were recorded in Q4 2009 in Wales."
********
How much more evidence do we need that Wales is unlikely ever to be fully autonomous?

- Councillor slams Welsh Assembly over LDP

2010-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

- Councillor slams Welsh Assembly over LDP: "According to Cllr Parry, a full council convened to decide on a suitable option for the area. 'Option Three' involved the construction of 9,000 new dwellings while 'Option Two' proposed 6,300.
He said: 'After much strenuous and considered debate, your Councillors, at full council, voted by a majority for Option Two as being least detrimental to an area lacking in prime employment and almost totally dependent on tourism, holiday and retirement income. However having made a democratic decision we are now told it’s not the right one and to think again - or else face the possibility of a financial fine imposed by WAG.
'All of which begs the question - who’s in charge, who knows best and who’s running the show anyway? In this case it’s certainly not the Councillors you pay and voted for. As one of them I should know - and I believe you all should too.'"

**********************

Perhaps decisions like these should not be the remit of Councillors who are unqualified and inexperienced in planning matters?

BBC News - Tourists enjoying warm Welsh welcome, survey suggests

2010-01-06T02:08:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Tourists enjoying warm Welsh welcome, survey suggests: "Some 5,601 visitors, including day trippers and people on longer stays, were questioned on all aspects of their break.
Most visitors went away with a 'very positive' impression of the country, with 92% rating their stay either very good or excellent"

***************

On the face of it this is indeed good news, I do however wonder where these people stayed, who questioned them and what the questions were. Perhaps someone could enlighten us? My interest in this is down to the fact that I live on the Ardudwy coast in the Snowdonia National Park which has more than its fair share of caravans and tents and the weather has not been condusive to such accommodation of late. The decline of Barmouth after Woolworths shut has been marked, there is little or nothing for young children to do when the weather is bad but the planners don't want any development whatsoever on this coast. The future looks bleak.

WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Anger at power station firm’s planning appeal

2010-01-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Anger at power station firm’s planning appeal: "Chris Franks AM said: “There are serious questions that the planning inspectors have to answer. Residents are worried about the risk to their health and properties. It is important that the fears of residents are properly addressed.”"

***************************

If the fears of residents are addressed there would be no honest obstacle left in the way would there? I don't doubt that a political heavyweight or two may be included in the list of residents.

However, it isn't the generation of power which we should be concentrating our efforts upon, it is the misuse of it. As with any problem the solution often lies at the root of it.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - ‘No real need’ for referendum on lawmaking powers

2010-01-05T23:38:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - ‘No real need’ for referendum on lawmaking powers: "They state: “It is going to be immensely difficult to formulate a referendum question which accurately conveys this narrow issue to the voters."

*********************

The fundamental question showld be 'do we need law making powers which may place Wales at a disadvantage within the UK'?

As a paid up member of the IWA I respect the opinion of a few at the top, however I do not agree that there is no 'real need' for a referendum simply because we in Wales are concerned about our futures.

Why not ask the people themselves if they want to vote on giving 'more powers' to yet another layer of expensive bureaucracy when the beneficiaries will be the lawyers?

BBC News - No 10 meeting for Carwyn Jones and Gordon Brown

2010-01-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

BBC News - No 10 meeting for Carwyn Jones and Gordon Brown: "They spent a little more than half an hour together in Downing Street, their talks ranging from the weather to this year's general election."

**************

30 minutes?

Hello...

Weather...

Elections...

Goodbye...

WOW....

PONY TREKKING IN WALES

2010-01-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

PONY TREKKING IN WALES: "Cobs are aristocratic horses, in their way — they never were used to plow, but only for cart work and for riding. They pulled carts of coal and slate when that was the lifeblood of the country."

***************************

A fascinating piece of writing.

Although the Welsh Cob and Pony (there are four types) is welcomed in many counties it has lost its popularity among teh sheep farmers in parts of Wales, they don't like the bridle paths and will not willingly keep them open.

The demand for pony trekking remains high but the supply has all but dried up thanks to the nanny state's health and safety laws which make insurance unaffordable to those of us who would like to run a trekking centre or even operate a guest house where horse owners can bring their steeds and ride up the mountains or along the miles of Blue Flag beaches.

Wales is a contry in decline, the farmers rely upon EU handouts to buy their new vehicles, the only other gainful employment is the public sector which we can no longer afford but like a drug addict they refuse to let go of the habit.

And the Welsh Assemply Government is worried about the drop in tourist numbers?

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - While Wales failed to benefit from the boom in financial services, our manufacturing base declined even further

2010-01-05T01:46:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - While Wales failed to benefit from the boom in financial services, our manufacturing base declined even further

************************

And attract inward migration of people who can bring jobs without hitting them (and their children) over the head with the Welsh language?

Until that happens Wales will continue the downward spiral to the status of banana republic, sans bananas of course.

Plaid Cymru policies are nationalistic, introspective, protectionist and above all unsustainable, take Gwynedd for example and include the Snowdonia National Park, it is becoming a travesty of cultural insanity prevailing over common sense.

No escape from Britain's big chill, forecasters warn | UK news | The Guardian

2010-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

No escape from Britain's big chill, forecasters warn | UK news | The Guardian: "In Snowdonia, national park rangers reported seeing at least two babies out in backpacks on the mountains, where earlier an ice-climber with a broken femur was winched to an RAF helicopter in the area's first mountain rescue of 2010."

*******************

Did the "Rangers" say anything to the fools with their babies in backpacks? If not then why bother with having these "Rangers" if they are simply observers who "report"? Another waste of money, you should see the mess they have made our sand dunes! Random fence poles dotted around, a dodgy "track" created by a digger, dangerous slippery boardwalk, gaping ruts where cows have put their feet through rabbit holes... a siambles go iawn!!

OH!! I forgot to mention the cows which deposit tons of semi-digested sileage which in some cases looks like it is full of botulism, they are the animals owned by John Ellis Wiliams of Ystumgwern, one of the cattle has left an ear tag behind but can he be bothered to pick it up?

People are afraid to walk their dogs in case the herd tramples them all.

Bonkers!!

BBC News - Drivers in north Wales warned of icy roads risk

2010-01-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Drivers in north Wales warned of icy roads risk: "Motorists have been warned to take care on the roads after heavy snow fell across parts of Wales."

***************************

I went on the Highways Agency website to check the roads into the West Midlands.... no Welsh roads!!

Then I found the Welsh version, talk about primitive!!! Thank you Welsh Assembly Government, so many things are falling behind, take the Planning Portal for example, lip service to Wales.

So much for devolution...

Building boom set to boost Welsh construction recruitment :: Local Authority/Public Sector News :: CareerStructure News

2010-01-01T04:47:00.000-08:00

Building boom set to boost Welsh construction recruitment :: Local Authority/Public Sector News :: CareerStructure News: "Gwynedd's economic development chief Sinoed Williams told the paper: 'The top priority for the council is to make sure that local firms and the Gwynedd workforce are ready and able to seize the opportunities these schemes will bring, both in the construction phase, as well as when building work is complete.'"

**********************

I can see the nationalist hysteria which will be inflamed by migrant workers who will also need somewhere to live and therefore price out the locals for the few properties which are available to rent or to buy. Locals will be doing the menial tasks because they are not skilled enough to do the best paid work.

I blame the Plaid Cymru "Policies of Misery" in North West Wales. They can't hold back the tide, their introspection and proptectionism actually makes matters worse.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Carwyn pushing for more powerful Wales in 2010

2009-12-31T03:03:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Carwyn pushing for more powerful Wales in 2010: "“In 2009 we faced tough economic challenges, but our core values of social justice have served us well.
“I was brought up to respect the idea of chwarae teg, fair play – and now we are able to ensure Wales’ strong sense of social responsibility and justice guide our young democracy.
“By working together in that spirit we are weathering the storm, and during the coming year we will continue the task of building the economy we need to ensure prosperity for all."

*****************

We need new sustainable housing and jobs, not hot air and £millions being squandered on 'art', offices and shipping stuff over to the US.

Honours List: Order of the British Empire, OBE (names L-Z) - Home News, UK - The Independent

2009-12-31T02:56:00.000-08:00

Honours List: Order of the British Empire, OBE (names L-Z) - Home News, UK - The Independent: "Edmund Caerwyn Roberts, MBE. Chairman, Snowdonia National Park Authority. For services to the community in Gwynedd. (Harlech, Gwynedd)"

*******************

I predict that 2010 will an 'interesting' year for Caerwyn.

WalesOnline - News - World News - Wales must apply its own pressure on China over human rights, say activists

2009-12-30T03:24:00.000-08:00

WalesOnline - News - World News - Wales must apply its own pressure on China over human rights, say activists: "It argues that the 4,030g of smuggled heroin could have resulted in 26,800 deaths. The execution by lethal injection of someone responsible for such a load is not considered an affront to human rights"

*********************

This man was arrested two years ago, no evidence of innocence was forthcoming despite this period which we can only assume is provided for such a purpose.

This man knew the penalty for being caught was death, that is Chinese law. The death penalty also exists in the US and other countries, some people in the UK believe we need a deterrent which does actually deter rather than foster further crime.

Please move on.

Saturday, 26 December 2009 - Herald Scotland | Comment | Herald Letters

2009-12-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 26 December 2009 - Herald Scotland | Comment | Herald Letters: "As the SNP, and Plaid Cymru for Wales, are significant bona-fide participants at Westminster, they are entitled to take part in the televised debates, indeed, they are duty-bound to have a presence to put forward the views of the countries they represent, which can be contrary to the Unionist parties’ views about Scotland and Wales, and they deserve to be heard also by the English."

********************

I am confused, you want independence but you still want to be heard by the English?

As a Welshman I find that to be an oxymoron.

North Wales Police | Our Vision "A Safer North Wales" | http://www.north-wales.police.uk

2009-12-24T03:32:00.000-08:00

North Wales Police | Our Vision "A Safer North Wales" | http://www.north-wales.police.uk: "“Our text messaging service has been a huge success,” said PC Dewi Wynne from the Meirionnydd Neighbourhood Policing Team.
“Since the launch back in the summer, the feedback we’ve received has been very positive. We have hundreds of Farmwatch members who have all signed up to receive a text message as soon as anything suspicious has been reported to police in the area.”"

*******************

If we text the police every time we see a farmer's son driving like a madman will anything be done about it?