A Tenby county councillor and a stalwart of local politics who marked 55 years of service last year, has lashed out at the ‘failings’ of Local Government - whilst highlighting continuing cuts to fundamental basic services and hitting out at ‘political pygmies’ at County Hall who only seem interested in ‘self promotion’ on social media, ahead of getting their ‘hands dirty’.

Cllr Michael Williams, who represents the seaside town’s north ward, said that there can be little doubt currently that local government continues to decline to the detriment of local communities.

“The reduction of basic services does in my view mean that Pembrokeshire County Council often no longer provides basic statutory services to the huge detriment of our communities,“ he remarked.

“Have no doubt, it is not the fault of what officers that are left, many are carrying out the duties the kind of which they never expected to have to undertake whilst being starved of basic recourses.

“It was reported yesterday that in the UK one in ten local authorities are facing bankruptcy, with a further estimate that up to 50% will be in this situation in five years time.

“Authorities Nation wide have seen their funding reduced dramatically in the last ten years. This is not sustainable.”

Cllr Williams highlighted the loss of facilities such as Tenby Avenue Centre which support the most vulnerable in our society as one of the most worrying aspects of budget cuts.

“A first action must be to reduce the number of County Councils in Wales from the current twenty-two to five, but I very much doubt if turkeys will vote for Christmas,” he continued.

“There must be a total reorganisation of minor authorities, the current situation is farcical. In Pembrokeshire alone minor authorities cost in excess of £2M a year and most contribute little if anything apart from for some a form of sense self aggrandisement for some individuals.”

Cllr Williams who represents Plaid Cymru on the Local Authority slammed those in local government who appear ‘obsessed’ in getting their photographs in the press or on social media.

“We appear to be surrounded in local government by political pygmies, who are afraid to challenge offering only platitudes. Many never say a word in committees, let alone challenge senior cabinet members or highly paid officers.

“Many claim ‘Independence’ - yet they hide behind this veil of obscurity, the easy way out of their responsibilities, taking responsibility for nothing, and engaging in sophistry as their justification for their inaction.

“It’s time for these political pygmies to grow up and face the challenges that will ensue.

“Being an elected local member is far more that having your photograph continually projected for the sake of self promotion.

“It is indeed time for the political pygmies to stand up and be counted, put aside their veils of anonymity, and do their jobs.

“Put aside the obsession with photos on social media and get your hands dirty. Thats what we are paid for!” he added.