Comment DBCC-8044

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this finds you well. As a Town Councillor for the Pontyclun Central Ward on Pontyclun Town Council, I wish to make the following comments:

I strongly advocate for the merger of the Pontypridd constituency with Cardiff West rather than Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare for the purposes of the Senedd Constituency boundary changes ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election.

Following the 2023 Periodic Review, the town of Pontyclun - including Miskin and Groesfaen - was transferred from the Pontypridd constituency to Cardiff West. This change has led to an electoral discrepancy, as the Tyla Garw area of the ‘Pontyclun West’ electoral ward remains part of the Pontypridd Constituency.

The proposal to unite Pontypridd and Cardiff West is bolstered by significant community connections, as most residents of Pontypridd look southward towards Cardiff for employment, shopping, and social engagements. The settlements of Llanharan and Llanharry, along with Talbot Green and Llantrisant, have particularly strong ties with Pontyclun (and thus the Cardiff West Consituency). Additionally, areas such as Llantwit Fardre, Efail Isaf, Church Village, and Tonteg share close relationships with Creigiau and Pentrych, supported by robust transport links including rail and bus services - links that are notably weaker for those commuting to Merthyr and Aberdare.

Regarding Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, I am concerned that the majority of residents in Pontypridd feel little to no connection to this area. Instead, I believe the constituency would be better aligned with Rhondda and Ogmore, which not only share deep cultural ties rooted in their industrial heritage but also possess strong infrastructure and transportation links. This is exemplified by the transfer of settlements like Ynysybwl, Glyncoch, and Cilfynydd from Cynon Valley to Pontypridd during the last periodic review—all of which identify more closely with Pontypridd than with Aberdare and the Cynon Valley.

It's also important to point out that one of the initial proposals from the 2023 Periodic Review was to merge the Rhondda and Cynon Valley constituencies, further acknowledging the strong connections these areas share.

I very strongly believe this would be a more appropriate merged constituency given the points listed above. Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter, and I look forward to your response as soon as possible.


Warm regards,

Jamie

Jamie Daniel | Cynghorydd / Councillor | Pontyclun Central
Covering Pontyclun, Ynysddu, Hendy and Lower Miskin
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Tel: [REDACTED]
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Respondent type

Local councillor or other elected official

Organisation name

Pontyclun Town Council

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.