OPPOSITION motions to drop car parking charges and scrap school closure plans in the Vale of Glamorgan have been blocked by Labour – despite the party’s councillors slamming the controversial proposals when they were in opposition.

Two motions which called for the complete scrapping of plans to introduce parking charges and move Llancarfan Primary School to Rhoose were voted down by the Labour-led administration at a full council meeting on July 29.

There was widespread opposition to both plans – put forward by the previous Conservative leadership of the council – and they were criticised by senior Labour councillors who are now running the authority.

The Conservatives, which put forward the two motions, have accused Labour of “rank hypocrisy” for refusing to back them.

But council leader Neil Moore has accused the Tories of “playing politics and trying to make policy on the hoof” without consulting the public.

Cllr Moore says his administration, which took over in May, will bring back new “more balanced” proposals for parking charges, and announce what he intends to do with Llancarfan School in September.

Cllr Vincent Bailey, leader of the Conservatives on the Vale council, said: “It is deeply disappointing that the Labour Party has refused to back our motion and kick these flawed proposals for parking charges into touch.

“This is an issue of trust and public confidence in the new administration, and Vale residents will be stunned by the change in tone from the new Leadership.

“The fact is, these proposals for parking charges would have a devastating impact on High Streets across the Vale – and in particular trade on Barry Island.”

The original parking charges were described at a meeting in April this year as “flawed” by Cllr Lis Burnett, who is now the deputy leader of the council. She also labelled the proposals for Penarth as a “joke”.

Cllr Moore said in a meeting in July last year the original parking proposals were “predicated on making money by fleecing our residents. I think that’s wrong.”

Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales and MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, said: “I am incredibly disappointed that the Labour Party has decided to block a motion which would have scrapped proposals to introduce car parking charges in the Vale.”

The backlash against the school and parking plans led to Cllr Thomas being deposed as Conservative leader – which led he and seven other councillors leave the Tories and join a new administration led by Labour.

Cllr Moore said that if Labour accepted the motion it would have meant committing to no new parking charges at all.

Cllr Moore said: “I have already made it perfectly clear that the system of charging as proposed by the previous administration will not be implemented. Indeed a full review of the policy is already underway and will be considered fully in the near future.

“I accept that we may have to make some charges, as we do now in some areas, because it costs money to provide car parking.  However, the challenge will be to make it sensible, realistic and fair for everybody and work towards cost neutrality. We also have to look at ways to charge visitors to the county, who make no other contribution to the council.

“As I said when I took on the role of leader, this administration is not going to rush big decisions. We are not, however, going to duck them either.

“Providing first class public services costs money and with budgets continuing to be cut by national Government, we have no alternative than to look to generate income. Where we do this we will of course be sensible, and any charges for services proposed will be realistic.”