Plaid Cymru candidate wins Rhondda Cynon Taf Council by-election

Anthony Lewis, local democracy reporter

A newly-elected councillor has promised to oppose any development on the former Lady Windsor Colliery and the expansion of the Craig yr Hesg quarry as she strives for a “safer and greener” Ynysybwl and Coed y Cwm.

Paula Evans of Plaid Cymru won a by-election on Thursday, September 29, which meant the party held the seat it won on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in May.

The vote was held after the previous councillor, Plaid Cymru’s Tony Burnell, died just months after being elected.

Cllr Evans said she hopes to carry on the good work started by Tony Burnell and her fellow ward councillor, Amanda Ellis.

She received 435 votes while Richard Flowerdew of Labour received 246.

Lloyd Griffiths of the Conservatives got 34 votes, Jessica O’Donovan of Gwlad got 14 and Jeffrey Lee Baxter of The Green Party got eight votes.

Overwhelmed

Cllr Evans said: “I’m totally overwhelmed by the result and the fact that so many in the village have put their faith in me to represent their community.

“I’m looking forward to working with Cllr Amanda Ellis again, after four years working together on the community council. We make a good team.

“I’m hoping that I can help with issues in the village such as speeding, fly-tipping, dog mess, litter etc, striving for a safer and greener Ynysybwl and Coed y Cwm.

“Along with Amanda I hope to be a voice for the prevention of any development on the Lady Windsor Colliery site and opposing the expansion of Craig yr Hesg quarry – both of which would lead to destruction of green spaces and further traffic congestion.

“I’ll also be looking at implementing ideas which I believe will be of benefit to the village and its residents and will cover all age groups and abilities.

“I hope that I can carry on the good work started by Cllr Ellis and my predecessor, Cllr Tony Burnell.”