Link fears (From Penarth Times)

Link fears

MOST members of The Penarth Society would agree that the new one-way traffic system on the sea front, allowing a continental-style cafe quarter together with additional parking, has been a success.

However, we are concerned over the delay in implementing plans for the Headland Link. We visited the exhibition at the Paget Rooms and having spoken with designers and engineers were led to believe that a planning application would be submitted in February this year. Well, that has passed and no new date has been set. This is disturbing.

The Link is crucial to the future of Penarth as it affects the whole area. The Society is currently trying to secure match-funding on behalf of the Vale to allow a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to upgrade Alexandra Park under the Urban Parks Renewal Programme, to ensure an attractive route from the town centre to the beach, then on to the Barrage.

Unless this exciting project becomes a reality the Esplanade will come to a full stop at a pumping station instead of being part of a visionary link to Cardiff Bay.

Demolition of the car park has been a start, but it seems everything has now been put on hold. We have an enviable pier but look at the state of the pavilion!

We must not let these imaginative plans become buried.

Audrey Poole, on behalf of the Executive Committee, The Penarth Society