Hope of a solution to eyesore problem (From Penarth Times)

Hope of a solution to eyesore problem

DESPERATE pensioners complaining about a derelict eyesore building have been given a glimmer of hope.

But the Belle Vue Close residents, whose homes back onto the old Belle Vue Court council offices in Albert Road, say they will not believe anything is going to be done until they see it for themselves.

According to Vale councillor Maureen Kelly Owen, officers are currently completing a proposal for next month's planning committee.

She said: "The proposal is this council-owned building is put on the market with a view to having it used for residential purposes. "They will retain the front and side facades.

"Even though it is not a listed building, it's very much part of Penarth Conservation Area."

According to Cllr Kelly Owen, discussions have taken place with Albert Road Primary School next door and it has been decided the sensible option would be for them to have a piece of land for its playground.

Cllr Kelly Owen added: "It looks at last as if we're going to get something better for the people living behind the building."

But resident Doreen Barber, 74, is not convinced.

She said: "This is exactly what a council officer told me before I moved in 13 years ago. He said the building, then a homeless hostel, was coming down as one was being built in Barry.

"He said eight flats would be built there. But still nothing has happened." According to Mrs Barber, the building is a breeding home for pigeons, a rubbish dump and a magnet to vandals.

She said: "People dump rubbish there, even a shopping trolley.

"Recently two boys stole a manhole cover leaving a dangerous hole in our entrance. A man with yellow paint put a circle round it but it's still not fixed. "I think anything happening to that building would be better than what we've got now. We just want something done."