Despite numerous announcements over the last four years about how the Lido and Ynysangharad Park generally are to be refurbished nothing has yet happened and the listed building is falling in to more disrepair by the day. Not only that but Welsh Liberal Democrat Trallwn Councillor Mike Powell says it is a danger to the public.

"The boarding that surrounds the Lido is in need of repair, a whole panel was down in one spot leaving planks of wood embedded with nails lying on the floor.

"It is an open invitation to any child to explore what is behind - especially when a look through the gap reveals an abandoned Dalek sculpture. Curiosity is only natural and the site is far from safe. Does it need an accident to happen there before anything is done?

"The park has been referred to time and time again as the 'jewel in the crown' of Pontypridd - well this jewel is tarnished. Time and again the Labour administration have announced their intention to do something to renovate it, but it has been all talk until now.

Can we expect another announcement from them just before the Council elections - as happened last time?"

In May 2007 a report in the Pontypridd Observer announced that a multi million pound refurbishment was on the cards. RCT council leader Cllr Russell Roberts said at the time

'The regeneration of Pontypridd, including better leisure amenities for local residents, remains a top priority for this administration. 'Ynysangharad Park is one of the best assets we boast and it is vital we continue to protect, maintain and invest in it.

'Not only is the park essential for the continued regeneration of Pontypridd, but it also benefits the rest of the county and we are determined to continue recognizing that."

In June 2008 the Council announced their plans for the Park, including revamping the Lido. They failed to submit the bid as they said they would by 2009. RCT Welsh Liberal Democrat Campaign Manager Karen Roberts says

"At no time have the Council announced to the public that they are so way off target with their plans. Here we are five years after Russell Roberts pledged to maintain and invest in the Park and nothing has happened.

A Freedom of Information request submitted at the beginning of January stated that

'The Council is currently exploring the feasibility and economic viability of restoring the lido. Once this exercise is complete consideration will be given to submitting a stage 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funders.'

Consideration will be given. Surely they have had more than enough time to consider?

Their answer will be predictable - they will try and lay the blame at the door of the Westminster Government which is their answer to everything. Yet they have sat on this since 2007. So what excuse do they have for that?"

Having obviously exhausted the capacity for rational thought of the Cabinet Member for economic development the next set of questions posed at the Council meeting of January 25^th were to the Cabinet Member responsible for education.

Surely here was her opportunity to shine, to let us all know how concerned she is about standards of education in RCT and what trail blazing plans that she has hatched along with the new Director.

I was to be sadly disappointed

Cllr Mike Powell, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Council group says it is "unbelievable"

The Labour Cabinet recently launched an economic development strategy which is supposedly going to drive forward the economy agenda and bring new businesses and jobs to RCT.

"Yet in response to an FOI request asking how many new businesses had opened in Pontypridd town centre over the past twelve months they stated that 'the council does not hold information on the formation of new businesses.'

It's official. Richard Isaac is to be the Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Ynysybwl at the Council elections in May.

Rumours have been rife for some time that the popular Ynysybwl farmer and businessman was set to enter the world of local politics.

A well known character in the area and in farming circles across Wales Richard is the third generation of his family to farm at Mynachdy.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Kirsty Williams AM said

"I have known Richard for some time through his work with the NFU and am delighted he is to represent us in the forthcoming elections.

He has a sound business head, is at ease dealing with people from all walks of life, and most importantly is devoted to his home town. He will make an excellent representative for the people of this ward."

Council group leader and Trallwn Councillor Mike Powell added

"We need more people like Richard on RCT Council - people who speak their mind and will stick up for the residents they represent. He has lived in Ynysybwl all his life, he knows the problems here, and all the good things too. "