Residents debate future of the Vale (From Penarth Times)

Residents debate future of the Vale

RESIDENTS in the Vale of Glamorgan have had their say on the future of the area in the first debate of its kind in Wales.

The State of the Vale debate took place at Barry Memorial Hall, on Tuesday, May 20. The aim of the evening was, in the words of the Vale's chairman, Cllr Anthony Powell, to debate five key areas.

Those were economic regeneration; lifelong learning; community safety; health and well-being and the environment.

Approximately 300 residents attended and questions from the floor were hard hitting and sometimes amusing.

Issues raised by the public included the Central Park application; the question of why so much money is invested in the waterfront at the expense of the town centre and the shortage of car parks in Barry town centre.

On the waterfront-town centre issue Rob Quick, director of environmental and economic regeneration, said: "It's an absolutely crucial issue, we want to develop as many linkages between the town centre and the waterfront."

Andrew Dakin, area development manager of the WDA, added: "Regeneration takes a generation - we've got a lot more work to do."

Pensioners attending the debate were not shy in voicing their concerns over insufficient transport to supermarkets and also an apparent case of age discrimination at Holm View.

On this latter issue a full investigation was promised, to Hilda Price who raised the problem, by Anthony Hampton, cabinet member for lifelong learning.

Council leader Jeffrey James revealed that the council are not looking "for a proliferation of Sully Hospital" in terms of student accommodation.

And on the subject of safety Chief Inspector Steve Sidall of South Wales Police said though the Vale is statistically a safe place to live what is important is that people feel safe.

One wit asked if this feeling of safety could be recognised in the most appropriate manner in the premiums offered by insurance companies.