THERE was anger as crisis-hit Anglesey council was the only authority in North Wales to close its doors for St Davids’ Day.
Mike Hardyman, of Llanfachraeth, hit out after he called the environmental health department, only to receive an automated message giving emergency contact numbers.
“I was surprised and quite angry that my rates and my council tax are going to pay for people to have a day off,” he said.
Mr Hardyman, who runs a cafe in Cemaes Bay, said that other council employees such as teachers and library staff should have been included.
He added that it was suggested to him that the decision was taken to promote the idea of a public holiday on March 1.
He added: “I’m all for a public holiday, so long as everybody gets one, not just the council,” he said.
“If this has been running for ten years a public holiday for Wales, I think it’s a great idea, but they’re doing this all wrong,” he said. “I think it should be put out in the public domain and promoted, not just saying ‘we’re all having a day off’.”
Mr Hardyman also questioned the cost of closing the council offices for a day.
Council leader councillor Clive McGregor said that the council had officially celebrated St David's Day since 1997.
He added: “As an authority, we believe that it's important to celebrate our patron saint's day, especially as Anglesey is regarded as the Mother of Wales (Môn Mam Cymru).
Cllr McGregor said that the closure was advertised in newspapers and online, and that the day off was negotiated in employees’ contracts.
"I like to think that Anglesey is setting an example for other authorities and organisations to follow,” he said.