Meetings w/c 28th May

Last Week:

Had a couple of meetings last week with Head of Revenue and Benefits to discuss the organisations and the roles it performs. Also went a review of the changes to benefits through the Welfare Reform bill and the challenges this will have on CCBC and its residents and services.
Also had a meeting to discuss Business Rates (NNDR - National Non Domestic Rates) and rebates for certain organisations.
Attended a couple of Councillor Induction training events; Corporate Improvement and Development Team on Monday and caught the end of the Local Development Plan introduction on Thursday. I also attended a Planning Application site in Deganwy on Thursday with Planning Officers.
Wednesday was the first scrutiny committee of the new term. Partnerships Scrutiny was my previous Chairmanship so I was keen to attend to offer my support to the new Chair, Cllr Susan Lloyd-Williams and Vice Chair Cllr Sara Allardice.
Also attended a meeting of Governors at Ysgol John Bright on Monday.
Although arriving after a lot of the work was done the Prom Day committee put up Bunting along the shops and in the Prom. We wanted to make sure the Bunting was up in time for the Olympic Torch on Tuesday and of course the Deganwy Prom Day and Jubilee Celebrations next Saturday.
The Bunting in the village will be kept up throughout the summer.

This morning we had a Beach Clean, we didn't advertise this much but we still got a dozen volunteers and collected some litter, many form the high water mark. About 6 full bags of rubbish and drift wood was subsequently dropped off at Mochdre. Thank you to everyone who helped and Petra for the refreshments.

Board Meeting
The most important meeting I had last week was at work, where I received formal agreement from the firms Board for me to change my pay and conditions to a part-time role. Thus allowing me to carry out the Cabinet role.

This Week

Council Calender of Meetings: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

By the way you can see your new term County Councillors here: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1

Tuesday 29th May

9:00 Glan Y Mor road to see the Olympic Torch enter the Deganwy Ward.

Will then have to quickly get over to Par Eirias in Colwyn Bay for:

9:30 Informal Cabinet, Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay

followed by Civic Reception of the Olympic Torch as it visits Parc Eirias.

2pm Cabinet, Bodlondeb (member)

Nothing on the Agenda this time from my Finance and Resources portfolio.
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their declared personal interest.
3. Urgent matters
Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.
4. Minutes of the Cabinet
To approve and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting
5. Announcements by the Leader
6. Announcements by the Chief Executive
7. Review the Cabinet Forward Work Programme
8. Communities Portfolio
   i) Conwy Joint Housing Land Availability Study (JHLAS) - Five Year Housing Land Supply and potential impacts
   ii) Welsh Government consultation on Planning for Sustainability - The presumption in favour of sustainable development
9. Governance and Regulation Portfolio:
   i) North Wales Safer Communities Board
10. Environment and Sustainability Portfolio:
   i) Cell 11 Shoreline Management Plan Adoption
http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2721&Ver=4

7pm Prom Day Committee Meeting, Yacht Club, Deganwy

Last chance for final arrangements for the Deganwy Dash on Fri 1st June and the Prom Day on 2nd June.

Wednesday 30th May

10am: Special Full Council, Bodlondeb

Certain decisions in relation to the LDP were deferred from February until after the Election.This delay has not been well received by the Welsh Government and the WG are now imposing strict deadlines to have the LDP approved for Deposit. Failure to do so will mean that Conwy will lose control of its Development Plan, hence why the Special Council has been called to deal with the subject.
Proposed changes for the meeting are suggesting a reduction in the housing growth requirement and alos employment growth, based on latest evidence.
Deganwy still maintains it's position for no new green field development, with existing planning approvals contributing to the growth figure. So areas around the Vardre, Robertson Research fields and Tan Y Fron are not part of the plan. Land adjacent to the Deganwy have also been removed from the Plan. These being the field off Pentywyn Rd, opposite High Pastures has been removed from the Contingency Plans. The triangular piece of land on Conway Rd between the Cemetery and the Vicarage Rd/A470 roundabout has been removed as an Employment site.
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their declared personal interests.
3. Urgent Matters
Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.
4. To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive
5. To answer questions under Council Procedure Rule No. 14.2
6. Conwy Local Development Plan (LDP) - Submission - Proposed Focused Changes to the Growth Strategy (Employment and Housing Numbers)
7. Conwy Local Development Plan (LDP) - Focussed Changes to the Policies and Sites
http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=3400&Ver=4

 6:30pm Deganwy Dash Marshal's Meeting, Yacht Club, Deganwy

Thursday 31st May

I will be attending the Funeral Service for Stuart Rivers in Llanrhos.
Following that I have a meeting at Bodlondeb to discuss Performance Management.

Friday 1st June

7:15pm Deganwy Dash - 5 Mile Run

Help with marshaling of the event. Meeting at 6pm to make sure fellow marshals have their final instructions. I'll then be marshaling the run at the Deganwy Quay complex. Run starts at approx 7:15pm, with the Finish on the green at the end of the Prom.

Saturday 2nd June

11am Deganwy Prom Day and Jubilee Celebrations

Will be out and about early in the morning with fellow Committee members  make final preparations for the event, and making sure all the stall holders are in place in time for the start at 11am.
A full afternoon of entertainment, refreshments and stalls for all the family.

Deganwy Beach Clean

Deganwy Beach Clean

Today

from 10:30am

Meet opposite 21 Marine Crescent

Quick final clean up before next week Deganwy Prom Day

New Councillor Blog - Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council

Welcome to Cllr Jacqueline Richmond to the the blogsphere

Cllr Jacqueline was elected to the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council in the recent Local Elections and represents the Kinmel Bay ward.- Congratulation

http://councillorjacquelinerichmond.blogspot.co.uk/

As well as vacancies on Conwy Town Council for the Deganwy Ward, there is a position vacant on Llandudno Town Council for the Penrhyn Ward.

Cllr Jacqueline has commented on here to highlight that the is also a vacancy on the Towyn & Kinmel Bay Town Council for the Towyn ward.

Profile from Blog:

Profile

Since moving to Kinmel Bay in 1999, I have taken advantage of every opportunity to be involved in my local community.  My journey began in Ysgol Maes Owen {Towyn Junior School} when I volunteered my time taking groups of children for Art & Craft lessons and I haven’t looked back since.  This soon led to a paid position, working with children who had learning disabilities which in turn led to many more opportunities, many of which being voluntary. 

In 2004 I took on a new role as Administration Assistant to the Town Clerk for Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council, a position that I put heart and sole into that I enjoyed for 5 years.  Along the way, I came into contact with many local people and organisations that would in time encourage me to stand as an Independent Candidate for Kinmel Bay in the 2012 Local Elections.

Cabinet and Employment

Is it possible to do a Cabinet Role and hold down a full time job?

I have been asked this question and it has been something I have had to consider since the election result and being offered the role on Cabinet.
My answer to the question is No, I don't believe so.

My current employer Neil Rylance and blah d blah have been very flexible in accommodating my Council duties and allowing me to attend meetings during working hours. Until now I have been making up my hours by working earlier or working later.

But with the responsibility of the Cabinet position, the level of work, meetings and working with officers it required some difficult decisions to made. I haven't been able to say anything public until today because the proposal had to be agreed by during the monthly Board meeting which happened this afternoon.

With agreement and support of the Board I have reduced my hours at work and my contract will be changed to a part-time basis.

I am fortunate to work for a supportive organisation, who recognise the work on the Council means to me. I am also lucky that they still want to employ me even on a reduced time basis. Employment law does allow for employers to provide some flexibility to Councillors, but what blah d blah have done is over and above the call of duty.

Deganwy Ward - Town Council Vacancies

2 vacancies still exist to represent Deganwy on Conwy Town Council.

Only 2 candidates came forward as nominations for the 3rd May election. Cllr Sam Cotton (Deputy Mayor) and Cllr Julie Fallon, were both elected to the Town Council.

Interested parties should contact the Town Clerk, Helen Armitage at the Guildhall in Conwy. The vacancies will be filled through co-option.

Announcement from the Town Council website:

Cyngor Tref Conwy Town Council
Representation of the People Act 1985 Section 21 (2).

Conwy Town Council is to co-opt two people to fill the vacancies which exist in the Deganwy Ward.
If you wish to be considered for the positions, please make your representation in writing to:
Miss H Armitage, Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer, Guildhall, Rosehill Street, Conwy, LL32 8LD by Thursday 14th June 2012.

http://www.conwytowncouncil.gov.uk/news.html

Stuart Rivers, RIP

It's very sad to annouce that Stuart Rivers, a valued & inspirational member of the History of Deganwy group passed away suddenly yesterday morning.

Ifor (the group's secretary) and I visted Stuart and Elan's home in Glanwydden this morning and spoke with their daughter and passed on our and the History Group's deepest sympathies.

Stuart, 69, is very well known in the area and was a regular visitor to the Archives in Lloyd Street, Llandudno. Stuart was a member of several groups and very passionate about conserving and studing the history of the local area. Being a member of the Llandudno Historical Society and more recently as a member of the History of Deganwy Group he has done a great deal of work for the local area.

Cabinet Member - Finance & Resources

At Full Council today the Leader Cllr Dilwyn Roberts announced his new cabinet.
I was announced in the Cabinet as the Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder.

I'm extremely honoured to have been asked to join the Cabinet and supported/congratulated by many across all parties in taking this role.

It may not be every ones preferred Portfolio, but it is the role that I had requested. It certainly is not the easiest of tasks, but saying that none of the Cabinet positions are.

We are in challenging times, and maintaining the levels of and range of service with diminishing budgets will not be easy. We need to look at alternative models and do things smarter.

I want to to make sure the the residents of Conwy are receiving value for money, and receiving the services they expect from their local authority.

Have responsibility for the purse strings may not always be the most popular of positions and I'm sure there will be disagreements within the Council and also with fellow Cabinet members with responsibilities for Front Line services. But I will remain my position of challenging spend and asking for management to consider all options. Collaboration is on the agenda, but we should consider internal collaborations and exhaust these before looking elsewhere.

The rest of the Cabinet is detailed below, which is the official press release, with my additional of the political groups:

Council Chairman & Leader Elected

Conwy County Borough Council has elected Councillor Dr Stuart Anderson (Ind) as its Chairman and Councillor Mrs Liz Roberts (Plaid) as Vice-Chair for the year 2012/2013.

Councillor Dilwyn Roberts (Plaid) was elected Leader of Conwy County Borough Council at the annual meeting [17/05/12]. This will be Cllr Roberts’ second term as Leader of the Authority.

Cllr Dilwyn Roberts appointed the following councillors to his Cabinet:

Councillor Ronnie Hughes (Lab) - Deputy Leader of Council
Councillor Jason Weyman (Ind) - Finance & Resources
Councillor Graham Rees (Ind) - Communication, Marketing & Leisure
Councillor Chris Hughes (Lab) - Social Care & Health
Councillor Wyn Ellis Jones (Plaid) - Skills & Lifelong Learning
Councillor Dave Cowans (Ind) - Environment
Councillor Phil Edwards (Plaid) - Communities
Councillor Philip Evans (Ind) - Governance & Regulation
Councillor Mike Priestley (Lib Dem) - Highways & Property

Deganwy Post Office and other shops

Deganwy Post Office is currently Closed until 30th May due to Ill Health.
- apparently they were unable to get any local relief workers to cover this period.
The timing couldn't have been worse, after the piece in the Weekly News last week reminding everyone that the Post Office was still open. Lets hope that Carrie gets better soon and is fit to reopen the Post Office soon.

Shame they will miss the Olympic Torch passing through the village on Tues 29th May, which will be covered on TV with lots of people on the route, giving a chance for all the local business to promote themselves. It will be good to see some of the business trying to take advantage of this Marketing opportunity.

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/sectionextra.asp?cat=10025&Language=1

The Prom Day team will be putting up the bunting in the village centre in time for the Torch visit.


In the mean time I understand the property between P3 Ladieswear and the Hairdressers will be opening soon as a Cafe/Tea Room.

There is also activity at the former Travel Agents, near the Vets. Not sure what this will be but a change of use from A1 (shops) to A2 (financial and professional services) use was approved last year.

Lots of concern in the village about car parking, specifically for the workers of the village. With Network Rail still occupying the private land adjacent to the railway, and then imminent development work at the Deganwy Castle Hotel the long stay car park provision will be limited. This is going to push all the car parking back to how it was a few years ago. So roads like Station Rd, York Rd, Gannock Park, Gannock Rd, Marine Crescent are all going to become busy again. I have been asked as to why the Council charge for the car park, the concern is that if you removed the charge it would then be filled with all the shop and office workers, leaving no spaces for visitors.
If you don't use the Pay and Display system, the the monitoring would have to be done by the traffic wardens, meaning they would have to visit the village more often to make sure the car parking is allowing for visitors. So we would be asking for more of a service and reducing some of the income that pays for the service. On the other hand I also get complaints if people see the traffic wardens to often, because they feel it puts off people visiting their shops.

So why doesn't the council buy the private land and turn it into a car park.? Well mainly due to the fact that the Council could not afford or support the purchase of a piece of land at c£300k for a car park. Had Deganwy been in a Regeneration zone then may be we could attract external grants to do it, but in the current climate asking 59 Councillors to support the purchase of this land with the limited budget would not succeed. We need to start looking at alternative measures, my concern is that I can not see us being able to attract external grants to purchase a piece of private land at that value. But we will see what can be done.

Epilepsy Bereaved - local fundraising in memory of Ella Hughes

A Shout Out:

http://www.justgiving.com/ellahughes

Daniel contacted me a few weeks ago about this cause, and we were able to help out through blah d blah.

If you can please consider this request.

My story

As a school we are fundraising money to donate to 'Epilepsy Bereaved' in memory of a sixth form student named Ella Hughes who passed away in March 2012 as a result of an epileptic seizure. We held a charity day on Friday the 11th of May with various fundraising activities being carried out during the day including a non-school uniform day, fancy dress for sixth formers and a cake sale amongst other things, we raised over £1,000 on the day alone, but are hoping to continue to collect donations and have set ourselves a new target of £1,200.
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - We raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So please dig deep and donate now.
Thank you for your support

Almost back to normal

There has been lots of discussions about the Coalition. It looks like everything is in place and it looks likely the coalition will exist as it did before the election, with the Conservatives in opposition.


The detail of coalition and cabinet is hard to speculate at this time as there are still a few days for the finer detail to be changed, so rather than issuing anything here it will be better to wait for the formal announcements on Thursday.

In the meantime all the groups will be agreeing which committees each of the members will be part of. Personally I am discussing with work the implications of the proposals being put forward, and looking at the best way of balancing the Council and work commitments.



All will become clear on Thursday at Full Council's Annual General Meeting:

1. Election of Chairman (Current Chair, Brenda Taylor, will preside over this item)
2. Election of Vice-Chairman
3. Election of Leader
(i) Cabinet Portfolios
4. Apologies for absence
5. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their declared personal interests.
6. Minutes of the Council
To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Council held on 23 February 2012, 20 March 2012 and 27 March 2012
7. Urgent Matters
Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.
8. To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive
9. To answer questions under Council Procedure Rule No. 14.2
10. Standards Committee
To receive the Minutes of the meetings of the Standards Committee held on 2 April 2012.
11. Timetable of Meetings 2012/13
12. Establishment of and Appointment to Council Committees 2012/13
13. Joint Committee - Appointments to North Wales Police Authority
14. Representation on Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Council and Coordinating
Committee

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2684
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2684

In addition next week I have a few other meetings:

Tuesday: Meeting in Deganwy to discuss location of a memorial bench
Tuesday am; Meeting with Council Officer
Tuesday 7:15pm; Deganwy and District Residents Association, Conway Yacht Club, Deganwy

Wednesday: In Chester all day with work

Thursday: Full Council (see above), preceded by individual photographs for passes and website
Thursday 7pm: History of Deganwy Meeting, Peniel Chapel, Deganwy (Memories of Royal visits to Deganwy)

Friday: Project Lauch invite to the the Helen II project on Conwy Quay following the successful application for the £50K Grant funding to restore the Nobby. Will be a good community project with partnership with Llandrillo College and will be used for groups one it is completed in 2 years time.

Sunday 20th May: 2pm History of Deganwy Dinner at Deganwy Quay.

Councillors by Groups

So the Councillors by Groupings are:

Independents (19)

Dr Stuart Anderson - Kinmel Bay
Bill Darwin - Kinmel Bay
Nigel Smith - Kinmel Bay
Dr Ahmed Jamil - Betws yn Rhos
Anne McCaffrey - Capelulo
Joan Vaughan - Conwy
Edgar Parry - Crwst
Jason Weyman - Deganwy
Dave Cowans - Eirias
Bob Squire - Eirias
Andrew Wood - Gele
Margaret Lyon - Gogarth
Keith Eeles - Llanddulas
Graham Rees - Llansanffraid
Dewi Miles - Mostyn
Chris Cater - Penrhyn
Linda Groom - Penrhyn
Philip Evans - Tudno
Peter Lewis - Uwchaled

Conservatives (13)

Paul Roberts - Caerhun
Cheryl Carlisle - Colwyn
Frank Bradfield - Craig Y Don
Samamtha Cotton - Deganwy
Tim Rowlands - Gele
Janet Haworth - Gogarth
Donald Milne - Llandrillo yn Rhos
Roger Parry - Llandrillo yn Rhos
Dave Roberts - Llandrillo yn Rhos
John Maclennan - Pentre Mawr
Sam Rowlands - Pentre Mawr
Mary Doyle - Rhiw
William Knightly - Tywyn/Towyn

Plaid  (12)

Liz Roberts - Betws y Coed
Gareth Jones - Craig Y Don
Mike Rayner - Eglwysbach
Deyth Macrae - Gele
Abdul Kahn - Glyn
Ian Jenkins - Gower
Phil Edwards - Llandrillo yn Rhos
Dilwyn Roberts - Llangernyw
Sue Lloyd-Williams - Llansannan
Meirion Hughes - Pensarn
Hilary Roger-Jones - Trefriw
Wyn Ellis Jones - Uwch Conwy

Labour (10)

Jean Subbs - Abergele Pensarn
Andrew Hinchliff - Bryn
Sara Allardice - Conwy
Chris Hughes - Glyn
Deion Smith- Llysfaen
Adrian Tansley - Mochdre
Jobi Hold - Mostyn
Ray Jones - Pandy
Ken Stevens - Pant-yr-Arfon/Penmaenan
Ronnie Hughes - Tudno

Lib Dem (5)

Brian Cossy - Colwyn
Mike Priestley - Marl
Sue Shotter - Marl
John Roberts - Rhiw
Trevor Stott - Rhiw



Any coalition will need 30 members for a majority
The Cabinet has a Leader and 9 other members from the ruling coalition
The are 4 Scrutiny committess and 3 regulatory committees (Audit, Planning, Licensing)

New County Councillors

Following my analysis of the candidates, here are details of how everyone faired.

Some highlights:

• Independents gain 4 seats to 19
• Conservatives lose 5 seats to 13
• Plaid lose 2 seats to 12
• Labour gain 3 seats to 10
• Lib Dems maintain 5 seats
• 21 New Councillors (although some have been here before)
• 38 Councillor are returned (one in a new ward)
• 10 Councillors who were standing again, lost there seat (one in changed ward)
• No political group has the 30 member majority to rule alone. Hence the Council will be run through a coalition of some sort. This will be resolved over the next few days.

Abergele - Pensarn

There will be a new councillor for this ward as Dave Holland resigned from this ward

Jean Stubbs, Labour wins election.
(Labour Gain, Independent Loss)
1 from 3

1. Mcloughlin, Bernice; Conservative  145
2. Stubbs, Jean; Labour  407
3. Sudlow, Ken; Independent  186

Kinmel Bay

All 3 current councillors, Dr Stuart Anderson (I), John Bevan (C) and Geoff Corry (C) are restanding.
A straight competition between Independents and Conservatives in this division
All 3 Independents win over the Conservatives.
John Bevan and Geoff Corry lose there seats
(Ind Hold, Ind gain 2, Cons loss 2)
3 from 

1. Anderson, Dr Stuart; Independent  569
2. Bevan, John; Conservative  402
3. Corry, Geoffrey David; Conservative  339
4. Darwin, Bill; Independent  450
5. Smith, Nigel; Independent  684
6. Stone, Ken; Conservative  353

Betws y Coed

Current councillor Liz Roberts (P) is challenged by Michael Skerrett (C)
Liz Roberts holds seat (Plaid hold)
1 from 2

1. Roberts, Liz; Plaid Cymru  307
2. Skerrett, Michael Robert, Conservative  142

Betws yn  Rhos

Current councillor Ena Wynne (I) has retired from the seat and there will be a new councillor for this division. Lots of interest in this division, but only one candidate from a political party.
Dr Ahmed Jamil wins this contest. Although No party given we understand he is Independent.
(Ind Hold)
1 from 5

1. Jamil, Doctor Ahmed; Independent  340
2. Jones, Bryn; Independent  167
3. Oddy, John; Independent  18
4. Roberts, Clwyd; Plaid Cymru  219
5. Williams, Eryl Ellis; Independent  40

Bryn

Current councillor Andrew Hinchliff (L) has challenge from a Plaid and an Independent candidate in this Llanfairfechan division
Andrew Hinchliff holds. (Lab Hold)
1 from 3

1. Hinchliff, Andrew; Labour  319
2. Jones, Gareth Wyn; Plaid Cymru  226
3. Scott, Tim; Independent - Did Not Stand

Caerhun

Current councillor Goronwy Edwards (I) is challenged by  Plaid and Conservative candidates. I know the Conservative candidate and Goronwy, current Cabinet member for Communities faces a strong challenge from Paul, former founder and CEO of Clunk Click Ltd.
Paul Roberts wins this seat from former leader and Cabinet member Goronwy Edwards. Very close contest with a relatively high turnout of  51%
(Cons Gain, Ind Loss)
1 from 3

1. Edwards, Goronwy Owen; Independent  346
2. Jones, Terrance; Plaid  168
3. Roberts, Paul Gareth; Conservative  352

Capelulo

Current councillor Gail Hall (C) faces a contest from 4 other candidates
Another standing councillor losses their seat.  Independent Anne McCaffrey wins the contest
(Ind Gain, Cons loss)
1 from 5

1. Banwell, Steve; Lib Dem  35
2. Hall, Gail; Conservative  90
3. McCaffrey, Anne; Independent  292
4. Mooney, Viv; Labour  69
5. Owens, Darrell, Independent  117

Colwyn

Both current councillors Cheryl Carlisle (C) and Brian Cossey  (LD) are restanding. All the main political parties are standing, but no Independent candidate
Both current Councillors are returned
(Cons Hold, Lib Den Hold)
2 from 5

1. Bird, Mike; Labour  350
2. Bull, Blake Richard; Conservative  147
3. Carlisle, Cheryl, Conservative  547
4. Cossey, Brian; Lib Dem  515
5. Roy, Dr Sibani; Plaid  262

Conwy

Tony Tobin (P) has retired meaning we will definitely have 1 new councillor to represent Conwy. Current councillor Joan Vaughan (I) is joined by 5 other candidates.
Joan Vaughan holds her seat and joined by Labour's Sara Allardice
(Ind Hold, Lab Gain, Plaid Loss)
2 from 5

1. Allardice, Sara Louise; Labour  618
2. Bryson, Neil; Independent  179
3. Evans, Jennifer; Conservative  179
4. Morris, Peredur; Plaid Cymru  233
5. Vaughan, Joan; Independent  471
6. Williams, David Martin; Conservative  146

Craig y Don

Current councillor and Assembly Member Janet Finch-Saunders (C), is not standing in the County Council elections meaning we will have at least 1 new councillor. Former Assembly Member  Gareth Jones (P) is standing. Current councillor Christine Jones (I) is joined by 7 others candidates for the 2 vacancies.
Christine Jones losses her seat to former AM Gareth Jones . Conservative hold Janet Finch-Saunders old seat via Frank Bradfield
(Cons Hold, Plaid Gain, Ind Loss)
2 from 8

1. Audus-Williams, Joyce; Conservative  342
2. Bradfield, Frank; Conservative  373
3. Bullock, Malcolm; Independent  99
4. Hughes, John Raymond; No description  228
5. Jones, Christine; Independent  368
6. Jones, Gareth; Plaid Cymru  384
7. Pearce, Michael Alan; Independent  129
8. Roberts, Gareth Owen; Plaid Cymru  233

Crwst

The current councillor Sian Lloyd-Jones (P) is not restanding for this Llanrwst division, and hence their will be a new councillor in May.
Independent  Edgar Parry take Crwst that was held by Plaid
(Ind Gain, Plaid Loss)
1 of 3

1. Humphreys, Christine; Lib Dem  254
2. Parry, Edgar; Independent  317
3. Roberts, Diane; Plaid Cymru  179

Deganwy

Dennis Tew (P) has retired and not restanding, meaning that there will be at least 1 new councillor representing Deganwy. Current councillor Jason Weyman (I). I'm  joined in the election by 2 Conservatives and 1 Lib Dem. I would obviously appreciate a vote for me!
I hold my seat and joined by Sam Cotton, Conservative. This is a gain for the Conservatives from Plaid, but it is the same combination that was elected in 2008
(Ind Hold, Cons Gain)
2 from 4

1. Cotton, Samamtha; Conservative  539
2. Fallon, Julie Dawn; Conservative  484
3. James, Terry; Lib Dem  217
4. Weyman, Jason; Independent  730

Eglwysbach

Current councillor Mike Rayner is returned unopposed for Plaid Cymru
(Plaid Hold)

Eirias

Glyn Jones (I) has retired and will not be restanding, meaning at least 1 new representative. Current councillor Bob Squire (I) is joined by 5 other candidates
Bob Squire holds his seat and is joined by Independent Dave Cowans.
(Ind Hold x 2)
2 from 6

1. Blakesley, Joe Llywelyn Griffith; Plaid Cymru  161
2. Cowans, Dave; Independent  293
3. Lyon, Chris; Conservative  271
4. Reaney; Conservative 185
5. Smith, Valarie; Lib Dem  185
6. Squire, Bob; Independent  687

Gele

This Abergele ward is currently held by 3 Conservative Councillors; Ron Peacock, John Pitt and Tim Rowlands. Interesting all 3 are restanding but Ron Peacock's description is left blank, assuming he is not standing as an official Conservative candidate. 4 other candidates join the election.
Several changes here. Tim Rowlands is successfully returned but his fellow Conservative Councillors lose there seats, John Pitt by just 2 votes.  Seats gained by Independent Andrew Wood and Plaid's Delyth MacRae
(Cons Hold, Ind Gain, Plaid Gain, Cons Loss x2)
3 from 7

1. Kinsey, Bryan Anthony; Plaid Cymru  301
2. Lawler, Dr Graham Edward; Labour  385
3. Macrae, Deyth Ann; Plaid Cymru  537
4. Peacock, Ron; Conservative  409
5. Pitt, John; Conservative  535
6. Rowlands, Tim, Conservative  746
7. Wood, Andrew David; Independent  1026

Glyn

Current councillors Chris Hughes (L) and Abdul Khan (P) are both restanding and joined by 2 Conservatives and 2 Independents.
The current councillors hold there seats
(Plaid Hold, Lab Hold)
2 from 6

1. Cummins, Roger Adrian; Conservative  130
2. Doyle-Taylor, Lyn; Conservative  143
3. Hughes, Chris; Labour  450
4. Khan, Abdul Mukith; Plaid Cymru  565
5. Maratos, David Frank; Independent  103
6. Telford, Andy; Independent  77

Gogarth

Some more changes here, John Boyle has retired and is not restanding. Current councillor Margaret Lyon who until very recently was a Conservative is restanding in the division as an Independent. Janet Haworth currently a serving Conservative Councillor for the Mostyn division has now changed to stand in Gogarth. Hence although there will be a change it may not be new councillors on the County Council.
This one attracted quite a bit of attention. Margaret Lyon holds her seat as an Independent and Janet Howarth keeps the Conservative interest in this ward and stays as Councillor but in new ward.
(Ind Hold, Cons Hold)
2 from 7

1. Dewar, Terry; Labour  259
2. Haworth, Janet Elizabeth; Conservative  317
3. Lyon, Margaret; Independent  368
4. Pritchard, Mike; Labour  279
5. Ridler, John Edward; Independent  212
6. Robbins, Greg; Plaid Cymru  220
7. Williams, Michael; Conservative  248

Gower

Current councillor Ian Jenkins (Jenks) is returned unopposed for Plaid Cymru in Llanrwst.
(Plaid Hold)

Llanddulas

The current councillor and Chairman of the Council, Brenda Taylor is stepping down and retiring, meaning the one of the 4 candidates will a new councillor on the Council.
Independent Keith Eeles takes this seat vacated by the Lib Dems
(Ind Gain, Lib Dem Loss)
1 of 4

1. Eeles, Keith; Independent  229
2. Taylor, Frank Lester; Lib Dem  98
3. Williams, Wendy Anne, Independent  148
4. Worswick, Peter; Conservative  72

Llandrillo yn Rhos

Rhos on Sea is the largest (population) division in the council and will return 4 councillors.It is has also been a case of will he or won't he for some time regarding the current councillor Merfyn Thomas. Merfyn is one of the current councillors and was a Conservative, but he is now restanding as an Independent. The other 3 current councillors are all restanding; Phil Edwards (P), Roger Parry (C) and Dave Roberts (C). 5 other candidates are standing including a UKIP and a Christian Party candidate.
Same political makeup for Rhos, but one name change. Donald Milne takes the Conservative seat vacated by Merfyn Thomas who loses his seat after leaving the Conservatives and standing as an Independent. Cllrs Phil Edwards, Roger Parry and Dave Roberts hold their seats.
(Plaid Hold, Cons Hold x 3)
4 from 9

1. Edwards, Phil; Plaid Cymru 1107
2. Geddes, Jennifer; UKIP  - Did Not Stand
3. Griffiths, David Philip; Christian Party  278
4. Milne, Donald; Conservative  889
5. Parry, Roger Elwyn; Conservative  1094
6. Pearson, Jeff; Conservative  813
7. Roberts, Dave; Conservative  970
8. Scott, Ian; Labour  798
9. Thomas, Merfyn; Independent  630

Llangernyw

Current leader of the council Dilwyn Roberts (P) restands and faces a Conservative candidate.
Dilwyn Roberts holds his seat
1 from 2

1. Collinge, Harvey; Conservative  52
2. Roberts, Dilwyn; Plaid Cymru  471

Llansanffraid

Glan Conwy's current councillor Graham Rees (I) is seeking re-election and is join by 3 others.
The battle of the banners
Graham Rees holds his seat following challenge from  Conservative
(Ind Hold)
1 from 4

1. Lesiter-Burgess, Sarah Ivonne; Lib Dem  40
2. Rees Graham; Independent  584
3. Spicer, John Malcolm; Independent  93
4. Worsley, Dan; Conservative247

Llansannan

Cllr Sue Lloyd-Williams is return unopposed for Plaid Cymru. Sue was elected in 2008 as an Independent but moved over to Plaid a few years ago, her re-election shows her decision to move parties has not affected her role or support in the community.
(Plaid Hold)

Llysfaen

Current councillor Deion Smith (L) is challenged by a UKIP and a Conservative candidate.
Only 25% turnout but Deion Smith holds his seat
(Lab Hold)
1 of 3

1. Capper, Philip; Conservative  208
2. Geddes, Jennifer; UKIP  57
3. Smith, Deion Wyn; Labour  224

Marl

Current Lib Dem councillors Mike Priestley and Sue Shotter stand again against a Labour and 2 Conservative candidates. In 2008 this division elected a Lib Dem (Mike) and a Conservative, but Sue won the bi-election. It will be interesting to see how this ward goes in May.
Status Que for Marl with both Mike Priestley and Sue Shotter maintaining their seats for Lib Dems.
(Lib Dem hold x2)
2 from 5

1. Chapman, Bill; Labour  324
2. James, Beverley Anne; Conservative  225
3. Jones, Karen Marie; Conservative  157
4. Priestley, Mike; Lib Dem  909
5. Shotter, Sue; Lib Dem  683

Mochdre

Current councillor Adrian Tansley (L) has opposition from a Conservative candidate.
Adrian Tansley holds for Labour
(Lab Hold)
1 from 2

1.  Bull, Richard Edward; Conservative  119
2. Tansley, Adrian; Labour  335

Mostyn

Some changes again here, one of the current councillors, Janet Haworth(C) has swapped to stand in the Gogarth ward. Current councillor Jobi Hold (L) restands in the division and is joined in the election by 2 Conservatives, a Lib Dem and 5 (FIVE) Independent candidates. One of the Independents is the my good friend and current County Councillor for Abergele Pensarn , Dave Holland. After standing and being elected for the Conservatives in 2008, he became an Independent. Although he has achieved a great deal in Pensarn he does want to represent a ward closer to home. Dave has been a keen active member of the Friends of West Shore group, which is starting to see some real difference.
Jobi Hold holds his seat for Labour. Current councillor Dave Holland's decision to stand in Mostyn is not successful and another Independent , Dewi Miles, narrowly takes the 2nd seat from Conservatives.
(Lab Hold, Ind Gain, Cons Loss)
2 from 9

1. Boon, Roger; Lib Dem  131
2. Burchett, Gary David; Conservative  243
3. Dale, Colin; Independent  33
4. Hold, Jobi; Labour  436
5. Holland, Dave; Independent  72
6. Humberstone, John Malcolm; Independent  38
7. Jones, Janet; Independent  235
8. McNamara, Andy; Conservative  199
9. Miles, Dewi John; Independent  250

Pandy

We will definitely see a change here, current Plaid councillor Bill Roberts has retired and there are 3 candidates standing in this Llanfairfechan division.
Labour candidate Ray Jones takes this former Plaid seat
(Lab Gain, Plaid Loss)
1 of 3

1. Jones, Geraint; Plaid Cymru  208
2. Jones, Ray; Labour  326
3. Rigal, Pamela Ann; Conservative  83

Pant-yr-Afon/Penmaenan

Current councillor Ken Stevens (L) is restanding and has competition from 2 Independents and a Conservative candidate for this Penmaenmawr division.
Ken Stevens holds
(Lab Hold)
1 from 4

1. Burchett, Patricia; Conservative  57
2. Cockings, Lesley; Independent  138
3. Meakes, Bob; Independent  178
4. Stevens, Ken; Labour  405

Penrhyn

Fellow current Independent councillors Chris Cater and Linda Groom are standing again, and have 2 Conservatives and another Independent as candidates.
As you were. Independents Chris Cater and Linda Groom hold their seats
(Ind Hold x2)
2 from 5

1. Cater, Christopher Clinton; Independent  772
2. Davies, Terry; Conservative  448
3. Groom, Linda; Independent  662
4. Sutcliffe, David; Independent  296
5. Yates, Ann; Conservative  426

Pensarn

Current Cabinet member for Finances, Meirion Hughes (P) faces 2 additional candidates, and Independent and a Conservative for this Llandudno Junction division.
A very close competition current Councillor Meirion Hughes holds his seat by just 2 votes.
1 from 3

1. Evans, Anne; Independent  366
2. Hughes, Meirion; Plaid  368
3. Rigal, Cedric Percy; Conservative  79

Pentre Mawr

This Abergele division will definitely see a change, outgoing Conservative councillor is retiring and this means there will be a new councillor. Current councillor Sam Rowlands is joined on the campaign trail by another Conservative and a Lib Dem.
The conservative hold Pentre Mawr, current councillor Sam Rowlands is joined by John MacLennan.
(Cons Hold x 2)
2 from 3

1. Maclennan, John; Conservative  516
2. Meredith, Dave; Lib Dem  389
3. Rowlands, Sam; Conservative  501

 Rhiw

This Colwyn Bay division has all the current 3 councillors restanding; Mary Doyle (C), Hazel Meredith (C) and Trevor Stott (LD). Interesting this looks like the only ward where we have an Independent and someone from each of the main political parties.
1 change here. Trevor Stott and Mary Doyle hold their seats, Conservative Hazel Meredith losses out toLib Dem John Roberts
(Lib Dem Hold, Cons Hold, Lib Dem Gain, Cons Loss)
3 from 10

1. Carr, David Gerald; Independent  108
2. Corker, Thomas Samuel; Labour  254
3. Doyle, Mary Christine; Conservative  631
4. Lyon, Lyn; Conservative  512
5. Meredith, Hazel Catherine; Conservative  559
6. Roberts, John; Lib Dem  613
7. Rowlands, Mike; Lib Dem  412
8. Stott, Trevor; Lib Dem  875
9. Williams, Gwyn; Plaid Cymru  229
10. Williams, Stephen; Plaid Cymru  180

Trefriw

Current councillor Emlyn Thomas is retiring. I remember being involved in a quite a debate with Emlyn, very early in my term and he taught me a valuable lesson: Nothing is fair in love,war and politics. So we will see a new councillor represent Trefriw in May.
Plaid hold this seat with new candidate Hilary Rogers-Jones
(Plaid Hold)
1 from 5

1. Davies,  Marnie; Conservative  29
2. Edwards, Rhun; Independent  88
3. Jones, Ian Michael; Independent  122
4. Jones, Walter Jones; Labour  103
5. Roger-Jones, Hilary; Plaid Cymru  132

Tudno

Current Cabinet members Philip Evans (I) and Ronnie Hughes (L) are restanding for election and have opposition from 2 Conservatives and an Independent.
More Holds. Philip Evans and Ronnie Hughes hold there seats.
(Ind Hold, Lab Hold)
2 from 5

1. Evans, Philip Charles; Independent  865
2. George, Bryan; Conservative  249
3. Hughes, Ronnie; Labour  659
4. Marubbi, Carol; Independent  371
5. Robbins, Ian; Conservative  137

Tywyn/Towyn

Current councillor William Knightly and Leader of the Conservative Group in the council is returned unopposed. Quite a surprise for a coastal division.
(Cons Hold)

Uwch Conwy

Current Cabinet member for Education, Wyn Ellis Jones from Nebo is returned unopposed for Plaid Cymru.
(Plaid Hold)

Uwchaled

Current Independent councillor, Peter Lewis, MBE, from Cerrigydrudion, maintains his seat unopposed.
(Ind Hold)

Wow

Wow

I am very honoured to have received the support of the Deganwy and Llanrhos residents. I have increased my number of votes and majority from 2008, that is with a lower turnout.

Number of ballot papers was 1253, Number of votes was 730, so I received a vote from 58% of the people who voted.

Thank You - what ever may be

I'm just about to leave home to attend the Election Count at Venue Cymru.

I attended Verification last night but it wasn't easy to see many of the ballot papers. But speaking with Sam Cotton, we believe it will be close between 3 of us; Myself, Sam, and Julie Fallon.

Terry James the Lib Dem has received a lot of votes, but it doesn't look like he will be in the running for one of the 2 seats.

I did do some work on the turnout, these numbers are not official and where just calculated by looking at the verification sheets:

• Total turnout 1249
• This is just 37% of the electorate, down from 44% in 2008
• UK turnout is current being reported as 32%
• 480 postal votes returned, 70% of thse sent out
• Llanrhos had 378 ballot papers
• Deganwy had 391 ballot papers

With a reduced turnout it means that the count will take less time, so depending on the order the wards are counted, I'd estimate the Deganwy result will be know between 11 and 11:30am

Thank you to everyone who has voted, and special thanks to those that have voted for me.

What ever happens in the next few hours, it has been a privilege to represent the Deganwy Ward over the last 4 years. 

Keep an eye on my Twitter Account and I'll try and annouce the results, but phone signal isn't great inside Venue Cymru.
The results should appear on the CCBC webite here: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgElectionResults.aspx?ID=15&RPID=1801697

Thank you
Jason

Jason Weyman - Independent - Deganwy

With just a couple of days to go, the sleepless nights are here.
The worries and concerns whether your election campaign has been right and whether the people you have managed to speak with will be the ones that vote and vote for you. Or those that you haven't spoken with will have enough information in the Election Flyer to give them confidence in your abilities.

I was looking a the Polling Station information earlier, and I thought I had a problem with 2 polling stations to man on Thursday, but some other divisions have a lot more, and some just have 1 station. I will be sharing my time between the 2 Polling Stations for Deganwy.

1. Llanrhos Old School, Conway Rd
2. Peniel Chapel Schoolroom, off Ty Mawr Rd

Two buildings I have had a lot of dealings with over the last few years either through the restoration/renovation project for Llanrhos, or through the History of Deganwy group at the Peniel Chapel.

It's good to be keeping busy this week either at work, Cartrefi Conwy (yesterday) or community based meetings (Monday and Wednesday) this week. Role on the 3rd May for the election and 4th May for the Count. Then spend the weekend working out what the next 5 years may or may not involve.

Why Vote?

In August 2010 I produced a post listing some of the services that the Council provides in Conwy. The list below is an extract from that posting.

I have read comments and heard people asking why should they bother voting and what difference will it make.

I doubt very much whether anyone receives all of these services from the Council, but the services do affect each of us to a greater or lesser extent.
Each of the services is important to those that receive it, and with dimensioning budgets the services themselves or the quality of the service will be reducing. It is important that we make the difficult decisions on what we do with each service and look for potentially new ways of delivering services.

So why you should vote? Because you need to make sure that the right people are elected to make those difficult decisions. It is not just a case of saying the Council should spend less or do more in a particular area; analysis of the services, consultation with service users and detailed budget analysis are required to make valued and information decisions.

Please choose wisely, and make your views known via the ballot box.

So what does the Council do?

Schools, Social Services, Environment, Planning Services, Licensing, Countryside and Rights of Way, Waste Collection/Recycling/Disposal, Regulatory Services, Emergency Planning, Engineering and Design Service, Highways and Infrastructure, Flood Management/Coastal Protection/Oil Spills, Revenue and Benefits, Parking Services, Housing Services, Leisure Development, Learning Disabilities, Business Support Team, Adoption, Planning Applications, Corporate Improvement and Development, Electoral Registration, Flexible Support for Business, Trading Standards, Highway Maintenance, Estates Management, Elections, Cemeteries and Crematorium, Fostering, Mental Health, Information Technology – Services, Homelessness, Special Education Needs, Homecare, Engineering Projects, Parks and Gardens, Legal and Democratic Services, Arts Service, Hospital Social Care and Intermediate Care, Health and Safety, Council Tax, Allotments, Swimming Pools, Local Land Charges & Commons Regeneration Services, Planning Policy and Development Plans, Children with Disabilities, Archives, Disabled Adaptations, Fostering, Children/Young People/Families, School Transport, Older People, Street Cleaning, Dog Wardens, European and External Funding, Planning Enforcement, Business Rates, Maintenance and Facilities, Toilets, Conwy Children and Young Peoples Partnership, Blue Badge, Occupational Therapy, Tourism Department, Animal Health, Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment, Supporting Services, Transport, Civil Contingencies Act 2004, Community Drug and Alcohol Service, Conwy Business Centre, Housing Strategy, Corporate Personnel Services, Child Protection, Leisure Centres, Traffic, Glasdir- Conwy Rural Development Centre, Property Services, Food Safety & Food Standards, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Bridges and Structures, Translation, Abandoned Vehicles, Regeneration Services, Benefits, Information Technology – Systems, Environmental Protection, Harbour and Seaboard, Benefit Fraud, Concessionary Fares, Members Services, Community safety Partnership, Care Assessments, Births/Marriages/Deaths, Outdoor Education Service, Corporate Financial Services, Flooding Information, Corporate Modernisation, Careline, Building Control, Pest Control, Registration Service, Venue Cymru, Libraries, Housing Enforcement, Infectious Diseases, Corporate Research and Information Unit, Civil Parking Enforcement, Rural Development Plan, School Grants and Benefits, Family Services, Community Regeneration, IT Technical Support, Legal Services, Street Lighting, Community Strategy, Residential and Nursing Services, Committees, Conservation and Regeneration, External Regulation, Play Areas, Adult Learning, Museums, Gritting, Corporate Information and Complaints, Biodiversity, Bus Stops, Family Information Service, Education Services, School Catering Service, E-Government, Scrutiny Support, Voluntary Organisations – social services, Education Arts and Music Service, Student Finance, Street Works, Colleges and Further Education, Direct Payments, Health and Wellbeing Partnership, North Wales Resilience Forum, Welfare Rights