REGIONAL AM Andrew RT Davies has said he is "hugely disappointed" that the public services minister turned down his invitation to come and speak with people in the Vale of Glamorgan about his plans for merging the area's council with Cardiff.

Speaking at the Senedd last week, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives told minister Leighton Andrews that people in the Vale, including "many Labour councillors", are concerned about his plans for merging the authority with Cardiff.

He then asked: "Would you come along with me, minister, and engage in a public meeting to take those views on board first hand in the Vale of Glamorgan so that you can appreciate the way the people want to keep the Vale of Glamorgan as a separate entity because they are very proud of their local area."

Mr Andrews responded: "I've had many discussions with councillor Neil Moore. I'm very pleased that we have a labour administration in the Vale of Glamorgan and I know that if I was doing any public meetings on this subject, in places like Barry, I would be pointing out that the Conservatives want to take money away from places like Barry and move it to other parts of Wales."

Speaking afterwards Mr RT Davies said he was "hugely disappointed" by the response.

“Communities across the Vale of Glamorgan are incredibly proud of the area and it is nothing short of appalling that a Labour minister is intent on bullying through proposals without any engagement with local people," he added. "This is not what government should be about.

“Equally worrying is Cardiff council’s record of delivery, which has lacked leadership and been nothing short of appalling in recent times. I can fully understand why residents fear vital local services will be put at risk by an enforced merger from Welsh Labour in Cardiff Bay.

“The Welsh Conservatives have been steadfast in our opposition to this absurd idea - we will fight to save the Vale - and next May will be a straight decision between Welsh Labour’s plan to abolish it or our proposal to protect the Vale of Glamorgan.”