THE recently elected Vale of Glamorgan councillors for Dinas Powys have given an insight into the life of a new member following their historic election earlier this year.

Cllrs Andrew Robertson, Vince Driscoll, Steve Griffiths and Robert Crowley were elected in a Conservative clean sweep following the May 4 poll which saw them take all four Dinas seats, the first time the party has done so in 30 years.

Cllr Robertson said he was “very very pleased” with the result in May.

He said: “We expected a couple of seats because we have been working very hard for 13 years but to win all four – we were surprised and delighted.”

“What people really want in Dinas Powys is a bypass and we have given them hope.

“People have said that they wanted a change.”

Cllr Driscoll said that it had been a steep learning curve, a “culture shock” and a “huge change” from being a community councillor.

“We feel the weight of responsibility. It is our duty to help the people of Dinas Powys in any way we possibly can.

“I still have community council responsibilities too.”

Cllr Robertson stressed the importance of preparation saying that you can’t go into meetings unprepared.

He said: “You need to know what is being talked about.”

The four new councillors said they have new ideas about how to interact with constituents and that a few changes will be seen in the village.

Cllr Driscoll, who is the vice-chairman of the Vale council’s planning committee, said it has been “really interesting” so far.

“It is important to have that position so I know what is happening in the area as it is not just about full council meetings.”

The councillors agree that as they have got more involved with it, it has become more satisfying saying that the officers have been very friendly and helpful so far.

Having heard commitments from the leader and the cabinet about the priority for a bypass, the new four councillors say they have a much better idea of what the thinking is.