Writing on the wall

Criticism is mounting over Lib Dem plans to introduce fortnightly refuse collections on the streets of Swansea. Although portrayed as a ‘green’ measure, the change is simply another in a long list of front-line service cuts introduced to make up a multi-million black hole in council finances caused by their inept political administration.

Similar plans were touted a few years ago but Holley & Co were forced to rapidly backtrack in the face of opposition. This time, they have managed to slip it under the wire. But there is little chance of council spinners getting away with describing this backward and ill-prepared step as a ‘recycling initiative’ - especially when the same crowd have just brought the controversial Tir John landfill site back into operation.

In 2004 and (somehow) again in 2008, the Lib Dems managed to bullshit the public about their commitment to openness and transparency, public consultation, sound finances and a cleaner city. Their record so far is zero out of four. No prizes for guessing how bad things will have got by 2012.