Civic Centre resident?

9:46am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Letters

I WAS rather intrigued to discover that the Cardiff-based musician elected to represent St Julians has moved from his home in Rhiwbina to take up residence at the Civic Centre. Is the Civic Centre now being used as temporary accommodation, a type of halfway-house, so that councillors can avail themselves of the very comfortable facilities?

I wasn’t aware that the Civic Centre had bedrooms, although there is a very comfortable, if overcrowded members’ room, with a kitchen off it and bathroom facilities adjacent. I wonder what the rent is on this very superior property?

Carmel Townsend, St Julians Road, Newport

Comments(80)

On the inside says...
10:10am Wed 13 Jun 12

Youare either a follor just plain nasty. It is a long established practice for some elected politicians to use the Civic Offices or the House of Parliment as their work address. Whats the problem. Do you know the home address of the manager of the local Tesco's for example. I suspect you have no interest at all in where the Cllr lives you are just trying to find a spurious way to attack him for doing something that has been common practice for years amongst all political parties.

Report this post »

On the inside says...
10:12am Wed 13 Jun 12

Should read - You are either a fool or...

Report this post »

Severn40 says...
1:40pm Wed 13 Jun 12

In this particular case, the newly elected councillor actively courted publicity in local and national press in his campaign. The fact he now doesn't want to give his home address away is double standards.

Report this post »

james jackson says...
1:53pm Wed 13 Jun 12

One doesn't need to know the address of the Tesco manager, but this is a public servant.
He lives in Cardiff and is a councillor in St. Julians.
How was he eligible to stand in the first place?
If you take a look at the councillors' addresses, not one, apart from Hutchings, gives an address c/o the Civic Centre.
If it's so that people can write to him, then what's the problem with his Rhiwbina address?
St Julians also has a SWANSEA student representing them. But she lists her parents' address in Beechwood/Lliswerry.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
4:02pm Wed 13 Jun 12

Rhys The Kipper is entitled to represent. St. Ju's His address is on the nomination form and i am sure the Civic will tell you it if you are desperate.

Report this post »

james jackson says...
4:14pm Wed 13 Jun 12

Not if he lives in Cardiff.

Report this post »

On the inside says...
4:29pm Wed 13 Jun 12

He is a public servant, not public property. Where he sleeps is a complete irrlevance to his ability to do his job. Southampton recently had a Tory councillor who saw out the last few months of his term whilst living abroad. Many complained. They were wrong as he kept in touch via phones, emails, etc and visited the city regularly. This is a misjudged tory smokescreen of a non-story.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
4:52pm Wed 13 Jun 12

James jackson - if you are saying he is not entitled to represent Nerwport as he lives in Cardiff - you are wrong!

Report this post »

Severn40 says...
5:03pm Wed 13 Jun 12

James Dyer - you miss the point. What's the problem of actively and openly giving his Rhiwbina address. Hiding behind a civic centre address isn't good for public confidence surely?

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
5:14pm Wed 13 Jun 12

Severn - I agree. I haven't checked it out but why not drop him an E-mail and see his response.. You can find his E address on the Council site and his address (maybe)

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
9:36am Thu 14 Jun 12

Hmmm the letter is signed off from Carmel Townsend. Any relation to the just scrapped in by 1 vote after 3 re-counts St. Julians cllr Ed Townsend??

Cllr Val Delehay labour Cllr for Bettws does not live on Bettws. Where as Noel Trigg and Kevin Whitehead do..... Dont see them sour grapping about it!

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
9:44am Thu 14 Jun 12

Another point, look at Paul Flynn MP's website. It clearly states his address as House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA!

I know for sure he does not really live there.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
9:52am Thu 14 Jun 12

Jessica Morden MP gives her address as Suite 2, 7th Floor, Clarence House, Clarence Place, Newport, NP19 7AA.

I know for sure she does not live there either.

I cant believe Carmel Townsend sent in her letter without doing a proper investigation. If Cllr Ed Townsend is a relation in some way, you've made him and you look like fools.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
9:53am Thu 14 Jun 12

what all this big deal about? If he deals with queries that's good enough surely

Report this post »

james jackson says...
10:05am Thu 14 Jun 12

Val Delahaye recently moved from Bettws as she intended quitting politics. Once the challenge came from the Independents, Labour panicked and got rid of their intended councillor and Mrs Delahaye stayed on so the seat wouldn't be lost.

The point is, Labour people could live in Timbuctu and people would vote for them. It's a gut reaction.
Paul Flynn is an MP. He has a house in Newport and a publicly-funded flat in London.
No-one expects him to live in the House of Commons, nor would a home address be given for an MP.
Councillors, on the other hand, represent their local community.
And local, means local.
The present Labour leader lives in Allt-yr-Yn and it's arguable whether he "represents" Ringland people.
Interesting that Big Mart is exercised by the "one vote" in St Julians. It only takes one vote and Townsend lives in, and represents his ward. Enough said.

Report this post »

james jackson says...
10:05am Thu 14 Jun 12

Val Delahaye recently moved from Bettws as she intended quitting politics. Once the challenge came from the Independents, Labour panicked and got rid of their intended councillor and Mrs Delahaye stayed on so the seat wouldn't be lost.

The point is, Labour people could live in Timbuctu and people would vote for them. It's a gut reaction.
Paul Flynn is an MP. He has a house in Newport and a publicly-funded flat in London.
No-one expects him to live in the House of Commons, nor would a home address be given for an MP.
Councillors, on the other hand, represent their local community.
And local, means local.
The present Labour leader lives in Allt-yr-Yn and it's arguable whether he "represents" Ringland people.
Interesting that Big Mart is exercised by the "one vote" in St Julians. It only takes one vote and Townsend lives in, and represents his ward. Enough said.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:10am Thu 14 Jun 12

Ahhhh thanks James for clearing that one up. Its ok to represent a ward as long as you ONCE lived there.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:11am Thu 14 Jun 12

Jams Jackson -Agree with all you say. Personally i am waiting to see if there is less secrecy at the Civic as Labour continually criticised the Coalition for. And inside source at the Civic Centre tells me that in fact its worse!!!! What about that then?

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:19am Thu 14 Jun 12

Big Mart - no, it's not quite like that. you can stand in ANY ward provided you are on the electoral register, work here, or have property here (last two have limitations) I think Rhys Hutchings qualifies as he works here,

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:20am Thu 14 Jun 12

James Dyer i agree with that, i mean Cllr Bob Bright has so far been less than vocal about anything. We all know what happend to the last leader dubbed the quiet man or politics dont we!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:31am Thu 14 Jun 12

Big Mart - sorry, did you mean Matt Evans?

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:34am Thu 14 Jun 12

My parents live in St. Julians and i have to say in all honesty that Rhys Hutchins has been a busy boy since he was elected. I have seen him many times out and about in the ward and my parents both seem to hold him in high regard. They are both getting on and while his music wouldnt interest them in the slightest, the fact that he stops and says hello and if they need anything dont hesitate to contact him as he will come to them is refreshing. He even helped my dad carry the shopping from his car to his door recently. Not excatly politics but as he was out and about he helped in some way.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:36am Thu 14 Jun 12

Sorry James i was refering to Conservative leader at the time Ian Duncan-Smith! Should of made that a bit more clear.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:37am Thu 14 Jun 12

big Mart - yes seems a jolly fellow. He is younger with new ideas which is what this council needs

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:41am Thu 14 Jun 12

big Mart - ta but can't see the relevance of IDS to Newport Politbureau!

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:46am Thu 14 Jun 12

I think the point has been lost mate. Was trying to point out that Cllr Bright is a very quiet man and even after winning the election he was too tired to talk, even on what should have been a joyous occasion for him as leader of the party. Not sure about the man at all to be honest!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:53am Thu 14 Jun 12

Big Mart - Share your views about Bobby and i can assure you he ain't quiet. I am told that he has already made some ridiculous decisions like making officers call councillors -councillor - not first names. It will get worse after the celebrations are over.

By the way - call me Jim.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
11:04am Thu 14 Jun 12

Thanks for that Jim, I do agree that Bobby is proberbly a power hungrey demon behind the scenes. He just has not come accross to the electorite as being in the slightest bit thankfull for being in the place they put him in. As you say the honeymoon period he has wont last long and he needs a big electorite charm offensive if he is to last in my opinion. Time will tell i suppose. Cheers Mart!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
11:10am Thu 14 Jun 12

big mart - well, he was leader before. I am waiting to see what they do about what they have complained about. Gypos and the Waste Plant in Lliswerry for two. If people who voted Labour in expected great changes they are sorely wrong. They are still stacked up the top ie Cabinet with some cllrs with big opinions about themselves. And i am a Labour supporter!!!!

Report this post »

BorninthePort says...
9:17pm Thu 14 Jun 12

Carmel Townsend until recently (May 2012...) was a Councillor representing St Julians alongside her husband Ed. Seeing as no one seems to recognise her shows exactly how big an impact she made during her time as a councillor.

Obviously she lost out to Mr Hutchings this time around - this pointless letter is a case of sour grapes I think!

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:11pm Thu 14 Jun 12

BorninthePort wrote:
Carmel Townsend until recently (May 2012...) was a Councillor representing St Julians alongside her husband Ed. Seeing as no one seems to recognise her shows exactly how big an impact she made during her time as a councillor.

Obviously she lost out to Mr Hutchings this time around - this pointless letter is a case of sour grapes I think!
The defense of Cllr Rhys Hutchins rests!

Next case your honour please!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
2:36am Fri 15 Jun 12

Born in the port - Maybe, maybe not. As well as being a good cllr he needs to have a sense of humour. We will see, but from hereon his nickname will be 'Rhys The Kipper'

Report this post »

james jackson says...
9:56am Fri 15 Jun 12

The defence doesn't rest. It's a valid point made about addresses which you don't get. If you were a St Julians resident you would know the former Councillor Townsend. St Julians people do. If, though, people have no need to ask their councillor for help, or they're not interested in politics or their locality, then they wouldn't know her.
Most people think GLC stands for the Greater London Council!

Report this post »

Gareth says...
10:25am Fri 15 Jun 12

I was wondering if any of you anonymous lot are councillors (or ex-councillors)?

Firstly, I've never seen such an interest in local politics - well, an informed interest as opposed to trolling - and... and i can't imagine many people outside the council chamber would know the politics or character of their own (single) councillor, never mind those living outside their own constituencies.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:34am Fri 15 Jun 12

Didnt i mention my parents are St Julians residents?? I think i did. Didnt i make that point? Sorry i thought i did. Having asked my parents who Carmel Townsend is they didnt have a clue! Carmel who?, never heard of her was the resounding reply to my question!

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:35am Fri 15 Jun 12

Didnt i mention my parents are St Julians residents?? I think i did. Didnt i make that point? Sorry i thought i did. Having asked my parents who Carmel Townsend is they didnt have a clue! Carmel who?, never heard of her was the resounding reply to my question!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:42am Fri 15 Jun 12

Gareth - I'm not anonymous! My names there. Perhaps people in St Jus are like mustard when it comes to politics eh.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:50am Fri 15 Jun 12

bIG mART - YES YOU DID MENTION THAT AND cARMEL IS A VERY NICE LADY.

Report this post »

Gareth says...
10:50am Fri 15 Jun 12

Thanks for the responses BM/JD.

I'm sure it was accidental, and I'm not a great conspiracy theorist, but neither of you actually answered the question...

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:55am Fri 15 Jun 12

Gareth - A cllr or ex? No i am not, but had some connections with the White House

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
11:27am Fri 15 Jun 12

Jim I dont think i ever said she was'nt a nice lady!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
11:30am Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart - Indeed me old pal you didn't. Bear in mind BM the nicer you are the shorter you survive in politics. I love these morning chats, don't you? Wait for my letter in SWA next week!!

Report this post »

RepublikNewport says...
12:13pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Don't think many people care where their elected representatives live, as long as they do the job they are elected for...

Now what job did Ed Townsend have whilst he was Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration?

That is probably more significant...

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
12:15pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Republiknewport- why is it relevant?

Report this post »

RepublikNewport says...
12:33pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Because where you live isn't a potential (or could be perceived as a potential) conflict of interests...

Not saying there was any conflict of interest; but if Carmel Townsend has questioned the new Councillor's ability to represent his ward due to his living arrangements, people could question her husband's ability to undertake his previous job because of professional arrangements.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
12:40pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Republiknewport -Interesting thoughts but i disagree. No matter what your qualifications are to stand there is always some type of conflict of interest, big or small.
Are you saying that where you live doesn't influence, say, gypsy sites?

There are also many cllrs who work who have some conflict, not just Ed Townshend. Carmel is not the only person in this city who has questioned Rhys 'Kipper' Hutchings address.

Report this post »

RepublikNewport says...
1:06pm Fri 15 Jun 12

No doubt there is always a conflict of interests between the private and public of any cllr, but it is too premature to judge the success of anyone after only one month in the job...

If at the next election Rhys' living arrangement have negatively affected his ability to do his job then he won't get re-elected. But to judge him now, without any evidence, solely upon this criteria is wrong.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
1:09pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Republik - Agreed . I am not judging Rhys. Actually i like the chap and i hope he brings some new input .

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
1:49pm Fri 15 Jun 12

I would like to point out that personally it makes no diffrence to me where my local Cllr. lives.

What is important is that they are seen to be working in the ward they represent and more importently readily accessible to their constituants through surgeries and the like.

I will say that here in Bettws Noel Trigg and Val Delehaye have a proven track record of being there when you need them and i hope new man Kevin Whitehead follows in the same vein.

Jim i will be looking out for your letter with interest mate.

It is still early days for everybody, but its nice to know that if this thread is anything to go by, as soon as they do something silly, we will be waiting to debate the issue in our own unique and friendly way ;)

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
1:53pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart - have a look at council using consultants. online now. thats what my letter is about. Interesting to see your comments

Report this post »

Gareth says...
4:08pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart,

I used to play rugby with Cllr Whitehead (that sounds so cool - far better than "give me the ball Kev, you ****"). He is a decent and honourable man man ...and if that's not enough as the newbie on the local political scene, i'm not siure what is.

Report this post »

Gareth says...
4:09pm Fri 15 Jun 12

apologies for the typos above

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
4:20pm Fri 15 Jun 12

BIG MART - CAN'T SEE THE RELEVANCE OF YOUR PAL TO THIS CONVERS

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
8:16pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Gareth, I agree with your comments on Kevin Whitehead. Thats why i voted for him and so far he has really taken the bull by the horns so to speak. I believe he will be the breath of fresh air Bettws needs going forward.

Jim Dont quite get what you mean about my pal mate??

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
8:22pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart - don't mean anything. I just don't see what relevance cllr Whitehead has with Rhys The Kipper. How is he connected to the story of addresses?

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
8:28pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart wrote:
I would like to point out that personally it makes no diffrence to me where my local Cllr. lives.

What is important is that they are seen to be working in the ward they represent and more importently readily accessible to their constituants through surgeries and the like.

I will say that here in Bettws Noel Trigg and Val Delehaye have a proven track record of being there when you need them and i hope new man Kevin Whitehead follows in the same vein.

Jim i will be looking out for your letter with interest mate.

It is still early days for everybody, but its nice to know that if this thread is anything to go by, as soon as they do something silly, we will be waiting to debate the issue in our own unique and friendly way ;)
Sorry fella i think i may have digressed a few posts ago and it has been mentioned by Gareth.

BTW i dont know Cllr Whitehead so he's not a pal of mine just my local independant Cllr.

Im getting around to reading the artical you pointed out Jim. Soon as the kids are in bed i will give it a look.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
8:39pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart - Yes enjoy it. I have added a few comments so you will guess what my letter is about. Hope the kids have a good snooze

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
8:41pm Fri 15 Jun 12

I would like to ask a question though on the main topic of this tread if i may.

Do it right and proper that home addresses of councellers are given out?

By this i mean is it proper practise to actually knock on their doors in order to raise issues? Or should in fact letters be sent to their civic center offices where they can make contact with the person and make and appointment to see them at an arranged time?

Im not really sure about the procedure to be honest, but i dont think i would like a steady stream of people just turning up at my door at whatever time of day.

Report this post »

Vwtaff says...
8:51pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big mart I believe the author of the original letter lost at the last election. And yes her husband is the Lib Dem councillor who just scraped in.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
8:52pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Big Mart - you have all sorts of choices to make an appt with him - letter, e-mail, phone, leave msg at Civic. Must have a weekly surgery somewhere in your ward anyway.

Jeepers Big Mart i ought to be a cllr eh!

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
8:58pm Fri 15 Jun 12

Yes mate i understand that. But would it be right and proper to just knock on your local councellors door? Thus why post home address is what im getting at.

Somehow Jim i think you would get my vote!!

Report this post »

CM1 says...
12:00am Sat 16 Jun 12

This letter really is incredibly embarrassing. You lost; show some self respect and take defeat with a little dignity.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
5:40am Sat 16 Jun 12

Big Mart -mI am sure cllrs get people knocking their doors. Once is alright i suppose, all the time would be OTT

OMI - It may be embarassing but its got a lot of people discussing politics, which is good.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:49am Sat 16 Jun 12

Jim i agree with you, its good to have a healthy debate and we have had some worthy Q&A's on this thread.

I wonder if Cllr Huchins and Carmel Townsend are aware of this? I would love to read their views on whats been said!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:53am Sat 16 Jun 12

Big Mart - Morning. I am sure they do. Some people all take it too serious i think.

Report this post »

james jackson says...
11:32am Sat 16 Jun 12

CM1 misses the point.
Mrs Townsend was pointing out the lack of an address in a humorous way. Before the Civic Centre address, there was ...... in place of his address. Nothing embarrassing at all about the letter. As Mr Dyer points out, it's got people talking (even if they're just Labour Newport.)
And yes, residents do turn up at councillor's doors.
Hence, the need for a local address.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
11:37am Sat 16 Jun 12

jj/bm - MOST WARDS HAVE THREE CLLRS SO YOU HAVE A CHOICE. BEST TO MAKE AN APPT THOUGH BEFORE GOING. COULD BE EMBARASSING IF FOR EXAMPLE, HE HAD A COUPLE OF CHICKS THERE AND THEY WERE HAVING A BARN DANCE OR SOMETHING EH

Report this post »

james jackson says...
1:51pm Sat 16 Jun 12

Nice one Mr Dyer.
What if the councillors were ladies though. Is there a male equivalent of "chick"?
Barn dances? Ugandan discussions!!!?

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
1:55pm Sat 16 Jun 12

JJ - Like your style JJ. Cool. I could have been more risque of course but diplomacy is paramount don't you think. old chap. Try ' male escort' or 'dude'.

Report this post »

CM1 says...
3:02pm Sat 16 Jun 12

James, if the letter was intended to be humerous I suggest that she does not go for a career as a stand-up comedian! Comedy is clearly not her forte. The tone is snide and whiffs of jealousy and spite. It is good that people are discussing politics but it would be preferable if it was a serious issue.

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
3:24pm Sat 16 Jun 12

CMI - your opinion so won't knock it. Personally i can see the funny side of most things and judging by the way some cllrs perform, it is extremely comical!!!

Report this post »

CM1 says...
10:31pm Sat 16 Jun 12

Can't argue with that!!

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
12:04am Sun 17 Jun 12

Jim you hit the nail on the head there my old mate.

Having seen Cllr Huchings perform with GLC many times comical is one word thats very apt.

I wonder if Cllr Huchings will be singing the lovely GLC ballad "Your Mrs is a nutter" to Cllr Townsend next time he see's him :)

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
1:21am Sun 17 Jun 12

BM/CM! - The Kipper is too nice a guy. Actually in the 70/80's there was a real case of a county councillor being caught sleeping for a few weeks in he members room. Marital probs. This cllr also had a personal problem with static electricity and often fused the lifts at county hall. Strange but true.

Report this post »

CM1 says...
8:54am Sun 17 Jun 12

Ha ha...that reads like a David Foster Wallace novel!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
9:00am Sun 17 Jun 12

CMI-= It is true . It happened.

Report this post »

Big Mart says...
10:23am Sun 17 Jun 12

What Jim speaks, Jim knows!!

Its been a pleasure conversing with you :) and long may it continue mate!

Report this post »

james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
10:31am Sun 17 Jun 12

Big Mart - Thanks. Same goes for you. Look out for the council/consultants letters(maybe) tomorrow. Be assured the council is up to skullduggery with this skit of theirs.

Report this post »

chris227 says...
12:32am Mon 18 Jun 12

well at least he caanot make newport any worse than it is , but i did say that 5 years ago and good god look at it now

Report this post »

Hevsym says...
4:39pm Tue 19 Jun 12

Does it matter where he lives as long as he does a good job for his constituents??

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree