All ears for radio date (From Penarth Times)

All ears for radio date

PENARTH went out live on air last week when the popular BBC Radio Wales programme People's Assembly was broadcast from the town.

Held in the Methodist Church in Albert Road, the panel was introduced and the debate opened with a range of intelligent and diverse questions from the floor.

The panel included Wayne David, Labour MP, Dr Dai Lloyd, Plaid Cymru AM, Mick Bate, Liberal Democrat AM, and David Davies, Conservative AM.

Presenter Vaughan Roderick worked hard to make sure he kept the discussions in line, especially when questions were asked about affordable housing in Penarth.

One of the most vocal residents was Nigel Stannard of Maughan Terrace.

He said the area is in a housing crisis with 450 families in temporary accomodation and the rising problem of young people attempting to access the housing market.

Before the panel could address the question, Vaughan Roderick added: "We looked into the figures for houses on the market in Penarth and found that a one-bedroom flat in this area costs an average £114,000."

Despite assurances from members of the panel the housing problem would be eased when Harbour View was redeveloped and 20 percent given up for affordable housing, they were interrupted by a resident of the dilapidated site, Bernadette Pleace.

She said: "I don't want to leave my home and be re-housed in a place I don't know.

And I don't believe that when it is finished I will be given a flat back there.

I don't see why I have to be moved."

While the discussion was very lively at that point, most of the session, which had lasted a very fast-moving 30 minutes was over.

It had covered questions about health priorities, especially concerning the availability of beds, operations being cancelled and mental health provisions.

Another two topics burning their way into the discussions was the war on Iraq and the issue of asylum seekers in Britain.

It was well attended with approximately 40 people there, including students from Stanwell School who contributed to the discussions.