Image Source: Ross Mather via People's Collection Wales
Oggy Bloggy Ogwr doesn’t receive any subsidy and isn’t funded by the BBC. If you like what I’m doing here and think this work is important in keeping locals informed of what’s happening in Bridgend, consider a donation. Â One-off or monthly; as little or as much as you want. Click the links below, or full details are available here.
At this month’s full council meeting, Cllr. Ian Williams (Ind, Oldcastle), asked for an update concerning ongoing river and beach pollution.
Cllr. Williams focused on what actions Bridgend Council has taken to pressure Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Water and the Welsh Government to address pollution incidents in the River Ogmore and at beaches in and around Porthcawl.
He asked whether the Council Leader would work with the Shared Regulatory Service (the licensing and enforcement body run jointly with Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff councils), Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government to consider possible legal action against Welsh Water.
This was so the authority “can be assured that measures will be taken to address current and future pollution”.
Cllr. Williams also noted the expected 3,000 homes set to be built in the south of the county as part of the Local Development Plan. BCBC should, therefore, seek further assurances from Welsh Water that enough infrastructure would be provided to protect the environment.
Councillors "can take action" on the ground to deal with pollution
Council Leader, Cllr. John Spanswick (Lab, Brackla West Central), shot down the idea of legal action, telling the chamber that he had “no intention of instructing the council’s monitoring (legal) officer to do any such thing”.
However, the Leader would “do whatever he can do” to deal with Welsh Water, noting that he was a trustee of a charity (A Peace for Nature) working to bring Welsh Water to account. He also praised the work of various voluntary groups that have worked to remove rubbish from beaches and the River Ogmore.
He suggested that any councillor can take part in these hands-on projects outside of their elected role.
