A COUNCIL leader and his cabinet have signed a letter condemning an MPs presence at a protest march against council cuts and accused him of a “complete lack of understanding.”

The letter, sent by Caerphilly County Borough Council leader David Poole and signed by every member of his cabinet, asked Labour’s Islwyn MP Chris Evans to explain why he supports protestors fighting against leisure centre cuts.

The local authority wants to maintain four ‘strategic’ leisure centres in Caerphilly town, Risca, Newbridge and in Aberbargoed or Bargoed to service the entire borough.

But the plan means leisure centres in Cefn Fforest, Pontllanfraith, New Tredegar and Sue Noakes face closure as local schools would be unable to assume management of the sites.

A report on the strategy will go before the cabinet on November 14 for a final decision.

So far, a petition against the cuts has drawn over 5,500 signatures, with hundreds marching against them in Blackwood on November 3.

READ MORE: Hundreds of Blackwood protestors joined by Lord Kinnock and MP Chris Evans

They were joined by Mr Evans, who gave a speech to the gathered crowds. Former Islwyn MPs Lords Neil Kinnock and James Donnelly Touhig also marched with protestors.

But on November 7, council leader David Poole and his cabinet sent a signed letter the Mr Evans, accusing him of failing to consult with them over their sports and recreation strategy.

The letter, seen by the South Wales Argus, criticised Mr Evans’ presence at the march and added his speech showed a “complete lack of understanding”.

It continued: “It would be helpful to know why you have taken the stance you have and why you have not consulted with Caerphilly council.”

Mr Evans’ response, also seen by the South Wales Argus, refutes the council leader’s claim that he has not consulted with them.

The MP points out he was told the council leader would not be able to meet with him until after Christmas.

 

(The letter sent to Islwyn MP Chris Evans by Caerphilly County Borough Council's leadership)

It reads: “On Tuesday, 23rd October, I had a telephone conversation with you where we discussed the strategy together with a joint statement issued on 1st September signed by myself, Lord Kinnock and Lord Touhig.

“In that conversation I made you aware of my intentions to join the march against the proposed leisure centre closures on 3rd November.

“I also offered to meet with you in person but was told by your office that you were not free until after Christmas.

“I wish to make it clear that, whilst I perfectly understand your sports and recreational strategy, I do not agree with it.”

Mr Evans' letter adds: “As the Member of Parliament for Islwyn, I have a duty to listen to, and act upon, the concerns of the people I represent. There has been widespread opposition to these proposals from people across the constituency.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council have been contacted for comment.

 

(Islwyn MP Chris Evans)

In a statement, Islwyn Constituency Labour Party called the letter “disgraceful”.

A spokesman said: “Islwyn Constituency Labour Party strongly condemns the disgraceful actions of Council leader Dave Poole and the Caerphilly council cabinet, for their unprecedented criticism of Chris Evans MP, after he spoke out against the council's plan to close Pontllanfraith and Cefn Fforest Leisure centres.

“Islwyn CLP, along with Chris, totally opposes the leisure strategy which will lead to the closure of

Cllr Tom Williams, chairman of the constituency party, added: “For Cllr Dave Poole and his entire cabinet to sign a letter criticising a Member of Parliament for speaking up for his constituents beggars belief.

“It shows they are not only determined to press ahead with the plans to close these vital leisure centres but they want to silence all those opposed to this plan."