Statement on latest developments - 20th September 2007

Six members of the Nelson Action Group attended the National Assembly for Wales petitions committee meeting on Thursday 20th September; where our petition requesting the return of the Miner's Welfare Ground to the people of Nelson was to given initial consideration by the newly formed petitions committee.

The presiding officer; Val Lloyd A.M accepted our petition on the 11th July, after which it was successful in being referred for consideration.

Other members of the committee are:

Mike German A.M
Andrew R.T Davies A.M
Bethan Jenkins A.M
Joanest Jackson A.M

Our petition (Reference P-03-067 ) was due to be heard at approximately 2:00 PM . However, after the introduction of the item the presiding officer announced that she had - only half an hour before the session, received a message from ministers informing her that consideration was being given to a number of requests received for a "call-in" of the planning application for the Ty-Du site; and this case could therefore not be discussed.

We know that in addition to the Nelson Action Groups request; our A.M Jeff Cuthbert has made a formal request and our M.P Wayne David has contacted ministers on our behalf.

In the meantime we carry on with our peaceful protests. The next group protest outside the planning offices at Pontllanfraith will be held at 4:30 PM Wednesday 3rd October.

In addition placard protests will be conducted each Tuesday and Thursday (weather permitting). We meet at the bus station at 4.15 PM, pick up the placards and walk to the A472.

The Nelson Action Group would like to thank all the residents of Nelson who have taken part in protests, and for the moral support that is in so much evidence throughout the village.