The Conservative Group on Flintshire County Council.

There are 70 members of Flintshire County Council, 4 of them are Conservative as follows:

Cllr. Nigel Steele-Mortimer (Trelawnyd & Gwaenysgor) Leader and Whip

Cllr. Matt Wright (Brynford) Deputy Leader

Cllr. Hilary Isherwood (Llanfynydd)

Cllr. Mike Warburton (Ewloe)

Following the By-Election in Penyffordd, where our candidate, Will Gallagher, put up a tremendous show, finishing close-up third, the state of the parties is Labour 36, combined opposition 34. The next elections are due in May 2008 and I am confident that, given enough candidates, we can topple Labour and take over control of the Council as a Rainbow Coalition. It is obviously important that we, as Conservatives, do well in that election and we aim to raise our seat total to 8. There are a number of winnable seats but, to win them, we must have candidates. Is there anyone interested? Please let Gwladys in the office or Nigel on (01745)854452 know as soon as possible.

What are the burning issues in the Council at present? One of the most important is the pressure being put on the Council by the Labour controlled Welsh Assembly Government to eliminate extra school places in the County. Put into plain language this means shutting small schools. The Conservative Group is opposed to the compulsory closure of any school. Already the process has been put into effect to close Rhydymwyn and others are in the pipeline. The closure of a school is a blow to the village it serves and another example of the value Labour puts on the rural way of life.

There are a number of other threats to rural Flintshire. Attempts are being made to withdraw the Skip Service, which we are fighting. The provision of Wardens in Sheltered Accommodation may be replaced by a service run from the towns. The provision of CROP a much loved programme of physical fitness classes in our Village Halls is under threat.

One more push and Labour will go. Please help us to achieve this most desirable situation.'

Nigel