Bridgend Pride has submitted formal complaints over comments made by a local councillor about a rainbow-decorated picnic table at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Bridgend.
What happened
Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr councillor Owain Clatworthy posted an image of the multi-coloured table on Facebook and criticised its presence in the shopping centre, saying people were being constantly reminded of a political view. His post drew a swift reaction online and from local organisations.
“You can’t even sit down for a coffee at McArthur Glen for five minutes without being reminded of the latest mandatory ideology.”
Bridgend Pride described the post as deeply concerning and said it had taken the step of referring the matter for formal consideration because of the potential effect on members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the wider public trust in elected officials.
Where the complaints have been sent
The organisation says it has lodged complaints with multiple bodies so the matter can be examined through proper processes. The complaints are aimed at ensuring elected representatives meet standards expected of public office.
| Recipient | Reason |
|---|---|
| Bridgend County Borough Council | Alleged breaches of councillor conduct |
| Public Services Ombudsman for Wales | Potential violation of standards for public office |
| Local Member of Parliament | Notification and request for oversight |
Community reaction and context
In a statement published on social media Bridgend Pride emphasised the work it has put into building an inclusive local event and community. The group said that public office carries responsibilities, including treating all residents with respect and avoiding language that could marginalise people.
- Bridgend Pride called the councillor's post "deeply concerning" and says it invested time and resources into community inclusion.
- Complaints have been submitted to the council, the Ombudsman and the local MP for independent review.
- The councillor's post criticised what he described as a pervasive ideology being displayed in public spaces.
The incident underlines tensions that can arise when public symbols intersect with political debate. For many in Bridgend, rainbow imagery is a visible sign of support for LGBTQIA+ people and events; for others it prompts discussion about the role of political messaging in shared spaces.
Bridgend County Borough Council and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales have not issued public responses at the time of publication. It is for those bodies to consider whether any code of conduct has been breached and, if so, what remedial action is appropriate.
Members of the public seeking to follow the formal processes can contact Bridgend County Borough Council's standards committee or the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales for guidance on how such complaints are handled.
This office will monitor any official responses and formal findings as the investigations proceed.
