We could lose our identity (From South Wales Argus)

We could lose our identity

4:00pm Monday 29th October 2012 in Letters

WHO ARE these boundary commission assassins? Who is pulling their strings? Is it the Conservative Party at Westminster or some secret, unelected entity based in Cardiff (a Cardiff Taffia perhaps)? If the proposed boundary changes were ever implemented, it is inevitable that Newport and other Gwent authorities, would probably lose their identity forever.

Before the Second World War, there was a natural rivalry between Newport and its larger neighbour Cardiff. There was a mutual respect between their respective citizens.

However, since the 1960s, Cardiff’s power mandarins have systematically manipulated and dominated Newport and other neighbouring authorities. As a consequence, most of Newport citizens now have little care or pride in their city. Cardiff must never be allowed to swallow up Newport. If it did, there would be little point in the regeneration of Newport city centre. As I have suggested in previous letters to the South Wales Argus, it is likely it would be reduced to a permanent status of shanty town. It would disappear forever from history.

Brian Hayes, Clearwell Court, Bassaleg, Newport