Madam,

Kirsty Williams, Wales’ Secretary of Education made her announcement recently that she was going to contribute a multi-million-pound annual grant as part of new rules to protect rural schools in Wales from closures. This, indeed, is very welcome news, although slightly late in the day for some rural schools that have faced this, as already here in Gwynedd, thanks to the Plaid Cymru controlled Cabinet and its refusal to listen to the people living in some rural communities. Despite reasoned requests by parents, teachers and community leaders for their case to be heard – all was in vain. One perfect example is Ysgol Carmel which has recently been closed despite pupil numbers being in the sixties. It gives none of us in Llais Gwynedd any pride to state, once again, that this example of deja vous should never have occurred in the first place. Almost nine years ago, during 2007–2008, a handful of us set about forming a new political party, Llais Gwynedd, The Voice of Gwynedd. In the ensuing county council elections of May 2000, we won 13 seats, almost all from Plaid Cymru. The shock results sent Plaid into a nosedive.

For the sake of democracy and giving people the right to choose, it is imperative that we have in Gwynedd a vigorous and efficient opposition party that is there to challenge decisions that go against the will of the people.

Our whole existence stems from the sterile background that preceded our formation, nine years ago, when Gwynedd Council was to all intents and purposes a one-party mini state. Almost half the Plaid Cymru councillors had ‘walked’ into their seats without even an election.

It’s from that particular vaccum that we emerged. When one party has too much power and there is no credible opposition, there is always danger that complacency creeps in.

The moral of that story is, when May 2017 comes around, use your vote wisely and when possible decide to stand as a candidate.

Yours etc

Cllr Owain Williams

Clynnog Ward;Leader

Llais Gwynedd.