OAPs offered a glimmer of hope (From Penarth Times)

OAPs offered a glimmer of hope

DESPERATE pensioners eager to see a local eyesore developed have been offered a glimmer of hope.

But the Belle Vue Close residents, whose homes back on to the derelict Belle Vue Court Council offices, say they won't believe it "until Nelson gets his eye back."

At a meeting of the Vale Council last week, members approved a development brief supporting the sale of the building.

The primary objective is the building's retention, repair and conversion, with its front and side facades retained.

Ancillary buildings such as the caretaker's cottage and fire station annex are earmarked for demolition.

And the land provided by the demolition should provide space required to extend Albert Primary School's playground next door.

It should be good news for the pensioners, who have campaigned that something be done for 12 years since the building, then a homeless hostel closed, but Doreen Barber, 74, is not convinced.

She said: "It's all right for them to have these meetings and say 'we want to do something', but why haven't they done anything about it before?

"If this building is sold by the council to a developer, it is going to cost them a lot of money. I've seen the interior through the door and I wouldn't put a foot in there, it's in such a bad condition."

But Cllr Paul Gray said: "This is good news for the residents of Belle Vue Close who have, for too long, suffered the consequences of living with a derelict building on their doorstep and all the attendant acts of vandalism such dereliction attracts.

"This is also good news for the parents, pupils, staff and governors of Albert School, who have campaigned for an extended play area."

Cllr Maureen Kelly Owen said: "All being well we should start to see something nice and pleasant there."