I HAVE received written notification from the Vale Council that the quite large building diagonally opposite where I live is to be demolished next month – scheduled date is October 16.

I refer of course to the former garage owned by the Smith family, father and then son Monty, then Andrew. Robert owned the other garage opposite the police station, but both businesses no longer operate from these two sites.

The building to be demolished used to be a cinema years ago, the Windsor Cinema years ago. It was one of two cinemas in Penarth at the time.

That fact would probably not justify listed building status, though these days one can never tell.

The building It is hardly architecturally distinguished and the front area (where the petrol pumps once were) is now looking particularly run-down and derelict.

Issues may arise after the demolition.

What kind of shop will operate and where will be the parking space for the staff, customers and delivery vehicles?

One trusts these matters will be taken into full account by the local council, who should anticipate problems, rather than reacting to them afterwards.

Michael O'Neill

Railway Terrace

Penarth