Why won't Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway speak to the people of Blaina?

This is all for you Huw - wear it with shame

So just why is it that the Chief Fire Officer for South Wales, Huw Jakeway and the leader of the 1,500 brave men, who man the 50 stations in South Wales are frightened to face and answer the questions of the people of Blaina?  He said he would.

• I was there when he said it.
• The widow and daughter of one of the firefighters killed in 96 were present when he said it.
• At least six borough and town councillors heard him say it.
• Almost 100 residents of Blaina listened to him say it, when he visited Blaina Fire Station to talk to the fire crew he intends to betray.

Well the bad news for Huw Jakeway, was that Councillor Lisa Winnett also heard him say it, and so followed up with a letter to him attempting to arrange a time and venue for the people of Blaina to speak directly to Huw Jakeway, whose wages they help pay and voice their concerns.

Well everyone tells me that Huw Jakeway is a decent man, a brave man, a man fit to lead heroes, in short an honourable man, but those of you familiar with Shakespeare will know that people also said that Brutus was an honourable man and yet he took part in the murder of a man who called him friend.

For Brutus is an honourable man;
So are they all, all honourable men--

Well at least Huw and those behind him have no intentions of murdering the crew of Blaina Fire Station, at least not as far as I am aware of, but I would not mind betting that Huw and the bean counters, who are also all honourable men, are feeling pretty murderous by now, as it appears that their plans to deprive us of our fire station are most likely to be thwarted.

No, these honourable men just want to sack our fire crew and throw those who defend us, onto the street of unemployment.  Merry Christmas boys.

But Huw Jakeway is an honourable man, and so too are the bean counters behind him, all honourable men.

So how did the honourable Huw Jakeway respond to the missive from Councillor Winnett, well with shameful cowardice surrounded by weasel words.  Read them yourselves:

I fully understand the community reaction and emotions to our proposal, which is why I want this consultation to provide full and engaged responses so that our Authority can make a fully informed decision in December.

Therefore, I do not feel it would enhance the consultation if I addressed the protestors following the Council meeting or attend a public meeting. As a Service we commit to holding structured engagement sessions in the area and would welcome suggestions from you on locations, individuals and groups we can engage with in a manageable manner.

Well I am an individual, I also speak for a group, so talk to me Huw, talk to me.

Years ago, men would be handed the ultimate symbol of contempt for cowardice.  Huw Jakeway, accept this virtual White Feather from me.