Views were independent (From Penarth Times)

Views were independent

11:31am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Letters

I FEEL that I must reply to the letter from Councillors Burnett & Roberts, published in last week's issue (Penarth Times, February 7).

Firstly may I refute their accusation and reference to me having a vested interest (Oxford dictionary: "personal interest in state of affairs, usually with expectation of personal gain") in the proposed remedial & refurbishment works at St Pauls Church.

I have given my time and efforts without payment or reimbursement of any kind and will continue to do so until my services are no longer required. My commitment has been to assist the Clubs in the negotiations with the Vale and to endeavour to achieve justice for them.

Similarly I do not have children attending the clubs or have any involvement in the day to day running or administration. What I do have is a pretty good knowledge of the achievements of both Clubs over many years existence. I would for clarification & information list the following, which may be of assistance to members of St Augustines Ward when completing their survey forms.

* Penarth ABC - originally established in 1953 & resident at St Pauls Church since 1973. Currently has around 60 members.

* Penarth Gym - originally established in 1961. Evicted from Penarth Pier after 17 years in residence there. Currently has around 150 members, 25 of whom are registered disabled.

I would also suggest that reference be made to the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting of 29 February 2012 at which the approval to spend £250k was given for the specific purpose of (I quote) "the continued use by Penarth Boxing Club and to allow Penarth Gymnastics Club to occupy the main area of the facility, as their Agreement to use the Pier Pavilion was ending". This appears pretty categorical to me.

The people of Penarth must be aware, as been previously stated, that the future existence of both Clubs is being put in serious jeopardy by the delays currently being experienced in providing a permanent home for them.

In my letters on this subject I have always recorded the facts and truth as I have witnessed, and will not accept that my last publication was in any way personal. I fully appreciate that Messrs Burnett and Roberts were elected to act for the people of St Augustines Ward, but that surely does not prevent or preclude other residents of Penarth making comment on decisions they make or proposals they may put forward. Democracy and Freedom of speech come to mind.

I believe a more potent personal attack was levied on the officers and members of both Clubs, when the decision to delay or maybe even cancel the refurbishment works was made in May 2012. The personal effect on these individuals could be catastrophic. I make no apologies for assisting to fight for the continuing existence and the future of both Clubs.

Nick Chandler Via e-mail