Ex-Labour mayor takes on the party

Apr 17 2008 Glamorgan Gazette

A FORMER Labour mayor will take on the group’s current leader at the ballot box on May 1.

Glan Walters, of Heol Bryncwils, Sarn, quit the party after 31 years and will stand as an Independent candidate against Coun Mel Nott for the ward’s only borough council seat.

Mr Walters stood down as Labour councillor for Bryncethin before the 2004 election but has decided to make a comeback.

“I don’t think the people of Sarn are getting the representation we deserve and that’s the reason why I’m standing,” said Mr Walters, who is chairman of Sarn and Bryncethin Community Association.

“I feel Sarn is missing out, and on two occasions I had to go down to Bridgend to the borough council to fight for the future of our library.

“In my opinion, Mel Nott doesn’t get involved enough within the community.

“I’ve lived here for many years but there seems to be a vacuum at the moment with nothing being done and nothing being suggested.”

But Coun Nott reacted angrily to Mr Walters’ claims.

“What he is saying is absolute rubbish, as the people of Sarn have been well represented in the last four years,” he said.

“Glan Walters was a member of the Labour Party until March this year and has never said anything or done anything.

“He’s also been chair of the community council and if he had these issues why hasn’t he brought them up before, instead of letting four years go by?

“Four years ago, Glan Walters signed up for the £20,000 golden handshake not to stand for re-election, but myself and then leader Jeff Jones decided against the idea.

“I don’t know whether that has anything to do with his decision this time around.”

But Mr Walters said he was a Labour branch secretary for 21 years and found it a wrench to leave the party to stand in the election.

“I felt terrible having to leave my party, as my values are traditional Labour values of rolling up your sleeves and getting involved,” said Mr Walters.

“And that’s what I intend to do. I’m putting Sarn first. Whatever Coun Nott does is his business.

“I have dedicated myself to working in the community and I have to thank the volunteers who work so hard at the community centre who are worth their weight in gold.”

But Coun Nott said Mr Walters had not let him get involved in the community association.

“Glan Walters has actively tried to exclude me from any activity in the community centre which has received a lot of funding from the Labour-led Assembly government.

“I worked hard to ensure Sarn got Objective One funding to set up that community centre and have worked hard behind the scenes to make sure it was a success.”