Battle hotting up! (From Penarth Times)

Battle hotting up!

THE Glebe Street controversy raged on this week when traders presented the council with 400 customer statements - the vast majority of which oppose the much-debated scheme.

Over the past few weeks the Times has highlighted the amazing strength of feeling surrounding the pedestrianisation project.

And the intensity of emotion shows no sign of letting-up with parking and loss of revenue by traders the main concerns voiced by those opposed to the scheme.

The majority of the signatories were against the idea and showed sympathy for the traders.

Expressing his dismay at the way the scheme has affected his business, landlord of the St Fagans pub, Stephen Docking said: "I was surprised that my trade has been affected by this scheme. I did not think my business would suffer, but it has.

"And large delivery lorries are having difficulty negotiating the scheme, in particular those that have to use the one way system in Arcot Lane - that's if they can turn in the first place."

Another opponent of pedestrianisation, David Lush, of Lush Butchers, said: "I have been here for 22 years and I have not seen business so quiet.

"The pavements on both sides of the street would have been busier in the past than they are at the moment."

One business that has actually seen its takings rise in recent months is Image owned by Sylvia Godfrey.

The pleased trader said: "I think Penarth has needed a focal point like other towns for a long time.

"I think it will be a success if people give it a chance. The seating area is nice and people can take their time enjoying the town.

"Most of my customers have said they like the idea. When phase two and three are implemented it will be a great attraction for Penarth.

"I am interested in the Penarth area and the pedestrianisation will bring people into the town."

Penarth town councillor Ruby Osborne, who has long been against the project, presented the comments to the Vale Council.