READERS will be aware that between 2008 and 2012 the then Plaid-led Caerphilly council cut 1,671 jobs, 500 were full-time posts, with the rest lost through a combination of early retirement, part-time and short-term contracts, or seasonal jobs not being replaced.

This is a very significant number, which has seriously reduced the chances of people finding employment. In these tough economic times, I believe it’s the duty of all councillors to do all they can to create jobs by attracting as much private investment into Caerphilly as possible. I would like to thank the 13 Labour councillors who sit on the planning committee for supporting a change of use at Blackwood Gate Retail Park. Their support has given those who are looking for work hope for the future, sadly yet again Plaid Cymru has shown itself to be anti business and anti jobs.

Cllr Nigel Dix Montclaire Ave Blackwood