OPPOSITION councillors in the Vale have accused the Labour-Llantwit administration of committing a u-turn after it proposed merging with Bridgend Council.

Vale Tories responded to the cabinet’s decision, on Monday, November 17, to propose a merger with Bridgend rather than stand alone or another authority, by accusing Vale Council leader, Cllr Neil Moore of a “damaging u-turn”.

Conservative group leader, Cllr John Thomas, called for the wider council to have an opportunity to look at the issue again.

Full Council is scheduled to discuss the issue on Wednesday, December 17.

In a Vale council motion tabled by the Vale Conservatives earlier this year councillors of all parties opposed earlier plans to merge the Vale with Cardiff.

Only Rhoose Vale Councillor, Phil Clarke rejected the decision – favouring a merger with Cardiff.

At the full council meeting, Labour leader Neil Moore described the Williams proposals as a “slaughter of local government which is not necessary”.

Plaid stressed the need for the Vale to retain its own identity, but the Conservatives are now accusing both parties of a dramatic u-turn.

Conservative group leader, Cllr John Thomas said: “The Conservatives will vigorously oppose these plans to merge the Vale with Bridgend. Councillors of all parties, including Labour, voted against a proposed merger with Cardiff on the basis that the Vale has the potential to be a viable and successful authority. What has changed?

“Earlier this year Cllr Moore described Williams’ proposals as a ‘slaughter of local government’ and I would urge him to put Vale residents above narrow party interest and abandon these plans.

“If, however, Neil Moore has undergone a ‘Road to Damascus’ style conversion and the Labour group is determined to force through a merger then an urgent meeting of full council should be called to enable councillors to vote on all of the options on the table – not just the one which suits his party.”

Bridgend Council cabinet members expressed an interest in a merger with the Vale on Tuesday, November 18.

The Williams report recommends that Cardiff and the Vale are merged.