'State of the area' is up for debate (From Penarth Times)

'State of the area' is up for debate

PENARTH residents have the chance to air their views on life in the Vale of Glamorgan at the first of this year's State of the Area Debates.

The council is holding the unique events for the third year running this month, in three Vale locations, starting at the Paget Rooms in Penarth on Wednesday, April 13.

The event gives residents the opportunity to quiz representatives from the council and its partner organisations on their vision for the future of the area.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council was the first local authority in Wales to organise an event of this type, and debates held in 2003 and 2004 proved an invaluable opportunity for decision makers and residents to talk to each other about issues of mutual interest.

Doors are open from 4.30pm for people to view exhibitions from a range of council departments on topical issues in Penarth, including the Penarth Heights project.

The debate itself begins at 6pm and will be chaired by the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Cllr Emlyn Williams, with a panel headed by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Jeffrey James.

Guests will hear presentations on developments and issues directly affecting Penarth, and will have the chance to ask questions on any topic they wish.

For those who can't attend, there will be two more chances to air your views at the State of the Area Debates at Barry Memorial Hall on Wednesday, April 20 and Llantwit Major Comprehensive School on Thursday, April 28.

For further information, contact the council's Cabinet Office on 01446 709826 or log onto www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/stateofarea

Please also contact the Cabinet Office if you plan to attend any of the debates and are hard of hearing or will require Welsh translation facilities.