Locked out of pier (From Penarth Times)

Locked out of pier

PENARTH councillors have expressed outrage at a decision to lock local council members out of talks over the future of the Pier Pavilion building.

Councillor Lis Burnett said: "The cabinet of the Vale Council has voted yet again to avoid public scrutiny of their decisions."

Cllr Burnett said she had concerns that the council'planned to decide the future of the much-loved Pier Pavilion and Italian Gardens Shelter without any opportunity for local input'.

She asked for the cabinet decision to be discussed by the council's multi-party Economy and Environment Scrutiny committee.

The scrutiny committee voted for future decisions on the pier to be available for discussion, but the council cabinet has decided to hold the talks behind closed doors.

Cllr Burnett said: "Penarth people have a huge affection for the Esplanade and particularly the Pier Pavilion.

"The thought of most Penarth Councillors being excluded from such important decisions is very worrying."

After a marketing exercise no bids were received to develop the pier pavilion.