Foresight (From Penarth Times)

Foresight

THE CAPTAIN'S Wife seems to be displaying a somewhat unattractive and unsympathetic image of herself at the present time. Let me explain.

I am, of course, referring to the pleasant and well-known public house and restaurant situated on a prime seafront site in Swanbridge, with a fairly large privately owned car park in front, which seems to be the sole public parking for those wishing to visit Swanbridge Beach or Sully Island.

That there is now a parking charge to use this car park does not bother me unduly. Nor did the fee of £1 for up to four hours' parking, though an option of 50p for up to two hours - more than enough for many visitors - would be convenient.

It may already be widely known that the said car park is now divided into two zones, the first dedicated to motorists with passes and the disabled.

Now as it happens one of my two lady passengers on June 19 was disabled, partially sighted, and I am entitled to use her disabled badge when accompanying her.

I parked in Zone One but discovered that this did not exonerate us from a parking charge in spite of our displaying the usual credentials.

I assume that all patrons would be able to recover the £1 parking charge on purchasing food or drinks inside.

Having purchased three coffees which came to about £4.20 I discovered that to obtain reimbursement one has to purchase meals.

I wonder whether a more far-sighted local authority might, many years ago, have purchased a slice of land adjoining Swanbridge beach for car parking rather than leaving all the neighbouring terrain in the hands of caravan site owners and slightly greedy corporate owners of licensed premises.

Michael O'Neill, Warley, Railway Terrace, Penarth.