THE government’s planned merger of Gwynedd and Anglesey has been described as a “soap opera with a plot that’s hard to follow”.

Gwynedd Council leader Dyfrig Siencyn made the comments at a meeting to discuss the proposals, which come as part of a move to slash the number of authorities in Wales from 22 to 10.

Presenting 11 principles drawn up in response to the government, he said: “We must decide on what level that public services should best be provided.

“There have been voluntary moves in terms of working together to improve the economy, with the realisation that together we are stronger.

“There are other examples where we’ve been working closely with Anglesey on issues including education.

“There’s no recommendation as such, but ask you to consider the 11 principles when debating this afternoon.

“We’re not refusing any moves towards merging councils if its proven there are benefits.”

But across the political divide, concerns were raised over the government’s council merger plans.

Liberal Democrat Stephen Churchman said: “I’m very concerned and feel we risk disenfranchising the people of Gwynedd and Wales if we go down this road.

“We should be devolving power to the people from the centre down, but this concentrates control of everything over several local authorities. This takes power away.

“I’m not very happy over the talk of merger, the way forward is collaboration.

“Look at Betsi Cadwaladr health board, big isn’t always beautiful.

“We’ll have a local authority so far from the area it covers that it will lose touch with the people it represents.”

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