Left in the dark (From Penarth Times)

Left in the dark

BAFFLED residents are again demanding answers on the future of the Billy Banks, saying the Vale Council has "lost the plot".

Frustrated members of the Alexandra Ward Residents Association (AURA) are now asking the council "what on earth is going on with this project?"

The Harbour View and Royal Close estates have been earmarked for development but residents say they have not got a clue what is going on.

Just weeks ago, Don Goodwich, 68, of Prince Charles Court, said: "The last I heard was five years ago when the council offered me £19,000. By the time they do anything it's going to be too late to benefit me."

Alan Guppy of AURA said: "Almost one year has elapsed since the consultants taken on by the Vale presented their report and nothing appears to have happened."

He said AURA had been told by Vale officers the report with recommendations was to be presented to the Cabinet in September 2001 but the date slipped to November and then to 2002.

Mr Guppy added: "Here we are at the back end of March 2002 and still nothing appears to have happened.

"Something is very wrong and the Vale seems to have lost the plot."

He said ward councillors attending AURA's public meeting "do not seem to be aware of what the situation is and residents are of the opinion that they don't seem to care very much."

Valerie Richards, of Plassey Square, said: "If these councillors perform as poorly on behalf of the residents as they seem to have with regards to this project, then they will have to look to their laurels when they are due for re-election."

A Vale Council spokesman said there was "nothing to report" and that work was progressing.