Not often that a new young councillor pulls off a big score. But new Powys Conservative Councillor, Russell George did just that today. The Council was considering a proposal to sell off the old Market Hall in Newtown, Montgomeryshire, which in my and Russell's opinion would have been a failure to show reasonable responsibility towards the 36 Market Traders who run businesses from there. Well, Russell managed to persuade a majority of the Council's Executive Board to back him. Any decision to dispose has now been deferred until a planning application by Tesco, which is currently being considered, has been decided. I'm not sure what the thinking is behind this. Perhaps, Tesco may be 'persuaded' to pick up some of the cost of maintaining the Market Hall. Who knows. But it was a great decision.
I was very surprised to hear that the Liberal Democrat members of the Executive Board didn't support Russell, and the Market Traders of Newtown - despite the Market Hall being in the ward of a Lib Dem Councillor. I understand Montgomeryshire's MP, Lembit Opik had also been in touch with the traders. The Lib Dem councillors seem to have totally ignored both of them. Interesting - and especially so for the Market Traders. Anyway, lets hear it for Councillor Russell George - a man who gets things done.
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The Liberal Democrats have lost the plot in Montgomeryshire and this is just another example
... 'hook, line and sinker' ... so let's keep them in our prayers!
Glyn, I'm surprised that you know so much considering that the report was confidential? however it was not only Russell that deserves praise but the other Newtown Members namely, Cllrs White,Mills,Torrens & Harris. It was a classic example of Cllrs working for the good of the people and not the party? I know I was there.
Gary - I'm disappointed if I've said anything that I shouldn't, because I didn't intend to. I'll check tomorrow, and apologise if its appropriate.
In fact a majority of the Board behaved responsibly (in my opinion) and deserve praise. Its just that I know that Russell had been in discussions about this issue with the Market Traders last week, and involved me in the discussions. Also, he's the only one of the names you refer to who is a member of the Board. And I only blog about what I know.
Thank goodness the Lib Dems won't be representing us in parliament after the next election. They KNOW they are going to loose the seat to you as long as Opik represents them. And they are too cowardly to get rid of him. Even though he's doing them untold damage on a daily basis - witness the farce being played out at the moment. All of our family used to vote for them. After this week, none of us will. We're with you now Glyn
Ive been to the market Glyn and its a real local market .I am delighted its not being abandoned.
What were they going to do with it - flats or a tescos !
anon - thanks for the encouragement. It would be a huge honour and pleasure to represent you.
VM - I don't know precisely what the 'best offer' had in mind. I'd heard that it could be a Wetherspoons or a food retailer. I suspect it could easily have been a developer spotting an opportunity, in which case the offer would have been subject to some caveats. What I would like to see would be aquisition by the Mid Wales Food and Land Trust, who were too late showing an interest, but now will hav etime to develop their ideas.
Glyn - I like Gary and Russell attended yesterdays board meeting and I have to say I agree, Cllr George made his point regarding the Market Hall, he made it well, so well that his comments may of been what persuaded a few other board members who were perhaps on the fence regarding the issue. I also agree with Gary when he says Cllrs White, Mills, Harris and Torrens also gave what can only be described as heartfelt pleas for the Market Hall. Well Done to all of them, they did as Gary rightly points work hard yesterday for the benefit of their electorate.
Glyn, You may like to have a look a Russell's posting of Newtown Market on his blog? He rightly points out the fact that all the Newtown Cllrs worked hard and left officers of the County Council red faced? The Independent Group Montgomeryshire & Labour Members also suppoted the retention of the Market it was the Powys Independant Alliance & Lib Dem Board Members that voted to sell it.
"... Gary - I'm disappointed if I've said anything that I shouldn't, because I didn't intend to. I'll check tomorrow ..."
Just blame Edna Mopbucket for over indulging u.
What's happened to Endna, you holding out of us Glyn?
Sarah and Gary - See you both tomorrow, unless something goes amiss. There is no disagreement twixt us at all Gary. I have checked and my comment that the Lib Dems opposed the plan to save the Markey Hall from closure was being broadcast widely. I heard it from several sources. The only point I didn't make is that if all the Lib Dems and Powys Independent Group/Alliance had vote, Russell would have lost the vote - so its clear that at least two of the Powys Independents did not support the sale option - simple arithmatic.
Anon - I've got a feeling that Edna is bursting to give me some news - that I can publish that is.
Glyn, Glad to have met you briefly today at County Hall, I was looking forward to talking to you at the end of the meeting however you had left before the end? Speak soon?
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