We’ve invited all the County Councillors in Cardiff North to write about their first year since being elected in May 2017.
This article is by Linda Morgan, Conservative Councillor for Whitchurch and Tongwynlais.
A year ago I was returned as the County Councillor for Whitchurch and Tongwynlais I was absolutely thrilled to represent both villages once again, especially as I was born in one and spent most of my early years in the other as were generations of my family.
To me the role of County Councillor is to represent every person equally in both villages irrespective of their political leanings. This is a great honour and privilege.
For me personally it’s not about politics it’s about people and doing the very best you can, the politics really does come second (that’s me deselected next time).
It’s been a very busy, rewarding and sometimes frustrating year. I’m what you would call a back bench Councillor, I have no aspirations to either chair or sit on lots of committees, I just want to do the job in hand. I have made many new friends, laughed and cried with them, and occasionally cried with frustration when things did not come together. As a Councillor you are expected to sit on at least one committee so I sit on The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee. Also as a teacher I shadow the Cabinet Member for Education. Each month we all attend full council in the City Hall.
Within the wards of Whitchurch and Tongwynlais we attend many meetings such as Hectra, ward surgeries and home visits to residents. During this year I have been successful in helping four young families to be re- housed. I was especially thrilled as the available housing stock is very small and the joy on the faces of these families made it all worthwhile.
I have also been involved in a number of planning disputes in which I have had some success. I was involved with residents regarding the new Velindre Hospital and the Trust.
There have been many anti-social behaviour problems dealt with. I have been dealing with families needing disabled facilities such as disabled parking and H bar markings throughout both villages.
I have been involved in many resident issues that to some may seem rather small but to the individual the could be life changing.
I am constantly working with local authority officers to improve roads, pavements etc. In the next few months in Tongwynlais and Whitchurch a number of roads and pavements will be re-surfaced. I have built up a good relationship with these officers and even though they have budget cuts to consider always manage to help (it’s because I continually nag them). I won’t accept no for an answer, but however some things can be solved immediately, and other work takes a little longer.
I also believe it’s important to be involved in voluntary work within the ward. I am the musical director of The Castell Coch Choral Society, Chairman of the Tongwynlais Village Hall, Chairman Whitchurch and Tongwynlais Festival committee, Secretary of Churches Together, member of I Love Ton. I work with the Tongwynlais School Choir and Whitchurch Primary School year 3 and 4 choir, I am also a Sunday school leader.
On a personal note I hope to be allowed to continue fighting for the residents of Whitchurch and Tongwynlais for as long as possible. I believe there is no better place in Wales, our communities are vibrant with a great community spirit. They should be treasured, and by working together we can keep it that way.
By Linda Morgan (Councillor for Whitchurch and Tongwynlais)
My Cardiff North 