Councillor Steven Bletsoe

14/09/2026

This is the problem.

The Labour led administration have led our Council since 2008 and they have managed a decline that sees the basic maintenance like this not carried out

They make bold claims about Bridgend Working through their "Bridgend Works" scheme, but their legacy will be that their headlines aren't reflected in what we see around us.

BCBC has been controlled by National Political Parties since it was formed. Whether it be the local Labour Group or the Rainbow Alliance agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, we have been run by the National Parties.

We need an Independent administration in 2027 so we can start getting these things right.

14/09/2026

Are you interested in standing as an Independent Councillor in your Community?

There are elections next May for Town and Community Councils across Bridgend County.

We are keen to speak to those who want to serve their communities and support them through the election and their term of office.

Get in touch.

12/09/2026

Free point in Wednesdays quiz!
Tag your cleverest team member and the name of your team.
Get off to a great start

11/09/2026

Being a Councillor is an honour, being in oppostion is hugely frustrating. We don't get the chance to change the big things we want to and know need to happen. Changing the spending priorities or direction of travel on the major items. We have the chances through motions and scrutiny meetings but the way the Council is run is dictated by the "controlling party".

On many occasions we have to just keep plugging away on issues raised by the residents who elected us to serve them. Case in point, this bench, was reported last week and sorted this. But, let's be honest, it should never have fallen into this state of disrepair in the first place.

In the last 18 months that this Labour administration has, they have launched "Bridgend Works", but let's be honest, Labour hasn't worked for Bridgend for the last 18 years, the last 18 months will never undo that.

Next May is the chance for generational change and I hope to be re-elected alongside enough Independent Councillors so that we can finally see the Independent administration that BCBC needs to create a Better Bridgend.

07/09/2026

I am extremely proud to say that I will again be standing as an Independent Candidate in the May 2027 elections in Bridgend Central.

I hope that there will be enough Independent Councillors next May to achieve an Independent majority and start the work of creating a Better Bridgend.

01/09/2026

On Thursday, the Development Control Committee at BCBC will consider an application from Llanmoor Development Company for a Hybrid (outline and full) Planning Application for 850 homes at "Land West of Bridgend".

This does not fall in the Bridgend Central Ward, however in my opinion it will directly affect its residents, specifically those who live along the A473 (Bryntirion Hill and Park Street)

I have made representation on this application, asking for S106 Monies from the developer to improve the road, reduce the Nitrogen Dioxide levels and look after the wellbeing of residents and our future generations.

I find it inconceivable that an addition 850 at one end of the A473 would not have a negative impact on those who live along it.

I will not be making verbal representations during the meeting, but my representations are included in the report. https://democratic.bridgend.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=164&MId=5095

I will await the meeting and see how the matter is discussed and resolved.

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

Be more Dolly

26/08/2026

I have been having numerous residents in Maes y Felin contact me to state that the recycling bins are "already full" and are filled with the wrong recycling items and this means they are unable to recycle as they are required.

I have been told that this is due to one property filling the bins entirely with the contents from a garage nearby. This action is many things, but ultimately its unacceptable and is having impacts on other residents who abide by the requirements imposed on them to recycle.

I have been in contact with V2C overnight and this morning to see what we can get done to deal with this situation.

We are all trying to not have waste piling high within a system that still doesnt work after 9 years, but this level of selfishness and lack of any care for neighbours just exacerbates the problem.

I will continue to work with colleagues to get this sorted, both in the short and longer term

24/08/2026

The "Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) came into force in Bridgend Town Centre on 14th October 2017. The PSPO primarily restricted anti social behaviour associated with the public consumption of alcohol, giving South Wales Police the powers to stop drinking and confiscate open containers.

This PSPO covered Bridgend Town Centre, Newbridge Fields, Sunnyside, Coity Road, St Marie Street, South Street, Glanogwr and most of Merthyr Mawr Road.

In 18th June 2022, this Labour led administration at BCBC failed to renew the PSPO on its 3 year cycle before carrying out a public consultation on it being renewed.

We have all seen the deterioration of these areas from anti social behaviour and much of that is due to alcohol and/or drug related situations.

Today, the 5 Independent Councillors who cover the Bridgend Town Centre Wards are calling for an immediate reintroduction from this Labour led BCBC of the Public Spaces Protection Order for Bridgend Town Centre and surrounding areas.

Failure to start this process immediately will only delay the reintroduction when we, as your Independent Councillors reintroduce it when we have an Independent led BCBC in May 2027.

For too long the current Labour administration has failed to reinstate this PSPO and as a consequence town has seen too many issues from drunks who intimidate the general public.

Independent Cllrs for Bridgend Town Centre are requesting Labour to reinstate this by-law now, or we will in May.

No ifs, no buts.