What should we do?

[boyo]

" any and all decisions should be in the open for anyone to come and see and have input into, but, unfortunately that has not been the case in relation to the Pontypridd Town Forum since its inception."

so it's not only a talking shop, but an undemocratic one!!, any idea of the cost mike??

[ValleyBoy]

I think Pontypridd as a town is in some ways too small, and in other ways too big to have an effective clout. Also, I think that the legal and commercial framework which Wales operates under works against such innovation. It is no surprise to me that the town forum becomes insular and secretive, you'll have vested commercial interests working against each other, and the public sector, including councillors are restrained, in terms of planning law, in what they can do. On the subject of clout and size, we currently live in an environment where any 'good regeneration scheme' can left in tatters at the whim of large supermarkets, or the narrow commercial objectives of organisations like the Market Company.

Here is an example of a successful bringing together of business people, academics, local and national politicians, council officers, civil servants and the voluntary sector :

http://www.malmo.se/English/Sustainable-City-Development/Augustenborg-Eco-City.html

Malmo is the size of RCT, had run down parts, had a sea port devastated by closure, and has been a recipient of EU structural funding. It's regeneration had a number of advantages over RCT : (1) full legislative powers over planning, building regulation, and environment, (2) a co-operative, rather than adversarial political structure, (3) tax varying powers covering the corporate sector to insentivise specific goals, and (4) a pre-determined sustainability 'rulebook', drawn up with national and EU government.

The only successful 'town forums' that have existed in Wales is Dolgellau and Machynlleth. Dolgellau had the advantage of planning being regulated by a national park, and a symbiotic relationship between the surrounding rural economy and the town. It is also far enough away geographically, from competition. Similarly, Machynlleth had similar advantages, but has recently been subject to a 'Tescoisation'. There is an issue with Pontypridd, that of the proximity of Cardiff which can play the 'big game' with developers, and the fact that the majority of the people in the private sector who commute to work do so away from the town (Llantrisant or Cardiff).

Is there the political will in RCT to do a Malmo ?

Treorchy has done things on a very small scale such as encouraging small shops, leading the forestry commission into environmentally friendly schemes on the mountain and conducting effective negotiations with various interests. However, it's now very much a 'one-party' effort on the council. It has survived exceedingly well considering the blows of Burberry and impositions like Tan08. The question is, what/where next ?

[BigJoe]

Now I merely pointed out what has been happening behind closed doors and who decided they should be kept closed, for which you berated me Big Joe and then come back with the above.

councillor :
Dont you dare try to jump on the 'public forum' bandwagon then berate me for standing by my principles. You've nailed your flag to the mast over the months I've been here - your the opposition mate.
Got to westminster , please ( I have the fare here if you need it ) , but don't expect Ponty to leave a key under the mat for when you want back in

[alicol]

In these trying economic times what should we do?
Should we set up a group of business people, academics, local and national politicians, council officers, civil servants and the voluntary sector to try and work through our current economic problems to get our local economy up and running?

Completely agree, but you need to expand the demographic. I appreciate that those you've listed have opinions and input, but what about those of us who have to 'balance the books' on a monthly basis? Personally I'm a sick and tired being lectured at by the great and good whilst saddled with debt imposed on me by those who supposedly were best able to 'balance the books'. My Gran kept a tin box on her mantle piece which had sections for rent, rates, etc, and whilst that's simple economics not Keynesian, it worked. I think there's many who contribute here could easily do so in the group you suggest. Other countries do so, why shouldn't Pontypridd? Shouldn't those who actually choose to live in the area be proactive in ensuring its future?

[BigJoe]

Commercial and banking interests have brought this country to it's knees. The only solution that politicians ( local, national, regional, global ) will offer you /must/ include commercial interests.
Politics is completely and inextricably entangled with money and commerce - they cannot provide an answer to these problems that we now face.

[Mike Powell]

In these trying economic times what should we do?
Should we set up a group of business people, academics, local and national politicians, council officers, civil servants and the voluntary sector to try and work through our current economic problems to get our local economy up and running?

Completely agree, but you need to expand the demographic. I appreciate that those you've listed have opinions and input, but what about those of us who have to 'balance the books' on a monthly basis? Personally I'm a sick and tired being lectured at by the great and good whilst saddled with debt imposed on me by those who supposedly were best able to 'balance the books'. My Gran kept a tin box on her mantle piece which had sections for rent, rates, etc, and whilst that's simple economics not Keynesian, it worked. I think there's many who contribute here could easily do so in the group you suggest. Other countries do so, why shouldn't Pontypridd? Shouldn't those who actually choose to live in the area be proactive in ensuring its future?

Good points alicol, but, whatever is done it must be done in the open or else it will just be another "Pontypridd Town Forum" and we can all see the results that has had over the last 10 years!

[alicol]

I’m fed up of seeing the same people dictating how we should evolve, devolve, or clinch our belts Mike. I want to see a completely open debate which the Muni could host that would engage the actual population to which change is continually imposed upon but who can’t normally answer. Think ‘Question Time’, at least it would enable those who feel shunted aside can voice an opinion. This town has a huge amount of talent who can forge a way forward and cut through the usual red tape crap. Give them a voice Councillor, they won’t forget you did.