LIKE many other Penarth residents I am aware that Penarth seems to come low on the priority list of the Vale council with finance being prioritised for the Barry area.

The recent information that Vale councillors have decided to join up with Bridgend council (I am told this is against the advice of the Welsh Assembly) will mean an increase in our rates.

I am concerned what the future for Penarth is under this council. Unlike Barry, the wishes of the local people are totally ignored - see the result of action regarding St Pauls Church and the suggested skate park in Penarth.

However in Barry local residents are being asked for their ideas about the location and equipment of play provision in their areas.

Penarth has close links with Cardiff particularly with the marina and the barrage areas which link us to Cardiff. If Penarth was joined up with Cardiff council this connection could be strengthened and provide Penarth with opportunities for development. (Cardiff also has lower rates than Bridgend!)

The Vale councillors say that Bridgend has more in common with the Vale being more rural. Penarth is not a rural area so why not separate the Vale and put Penarth with Cardiff and the rest with Bridgend? Or even better why aren't the councillors asking the residents what they would really want to do. Or is that to simple an idea?

Mary Davies

Via email