Narberth rates battle continues (From Western Telegraph)

South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns invites Welsh Assembly's local government minister, Carl Sergeant, for Narberth meeting

10:05am Monday 8th March 2010 in County News

Presure is still being kept on the Welsh Assembly Government to reduce Narberth’s rates increase before the first instalment of the bills is due in a few weeks' time.

The town’s traders -who are facing an average rates bill hike of between 158% to 240% - have been joined by South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns in spearheading a campaign.

Mrs Burns has now asked the Assembly's local government minister, Carl Sergeant, to come to Narberth to visit the traders.

She said: "The Petitions committee is still considering Narberth’s Chamber of Trade’s plea for an impact assessment to be carried out on the effect the increase will have on the town,”

“I have now asked the Petitions committee to invite representatives of the Chamber of Trade to the Senedd so that they can make a personal appeal for the study to be carried out and brief the members fully on the issues.

“I have also written to local government minister Carl Sergeant asking him for a meeting to discuss the issue face-to-face and have tabled a written question asking if he would consider visiting Narberth to meet the traders.”