Troops leisure concessions call

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Servicemen and women returning on leave should have free or concessionary use of leisure facilities to thank them for their efforts, a former mayor urged.

Anthony Taylor from Neath Port Talbot Council said to many troops felt their efforts went unappreciated.

Cllr Taylor said he hoped whatever fellow councillors felt about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan they would back his plan to thank serving troops.

His idea will now be considered by the authority.

Cllr Taylor said he had no military background himself but through his duties as last year's mayor had met many serving personnel.

If it's just a concession to use the gym or swimming pool to stay fit while on leave then it is a way to say thank you Cllr Anthony Taylor

He said some had told him that on returning to the UK they felt the sacrifices being made were not being appreciated.

"Whatever you think of the wars these people are there fighting, they are doing their job and they are serving their country," said Cllr Taylor.

"If it's just a concession to use the gym or swimming pool to stay fit while on leave then it is a way to say thank you."

Cllr Taylor, who represents the Aberavon ward, said he was hopeful his suggestion for free passes would find support among his colleagues on the council.

He said if it was adopted in Neath Port Talbot then he hoped other councils would follow.

He has made the request in writing to the council's chief executive Ken Sawyers.

Mr Sawyers said: "The letter has only just been received and the request is still being considered."