PENARTH will have to pay more rates this year, decided a special meeting on Tuesday.

The general rate will be 16/4, an increase of 1/3, but would have been 2/1 but for cutting back nearly £31,000 on the estimates.

“The real trouble,” said Mr Harold Green, “is that Penarth is hoisted with a 1/- increase in the county rate before we begin.”

But things would have been worse if the council, under the guidance of Mr William Jeffcott, had not decided to cut nearly £31,000 from the original estimates.

Out of the window went many cherished projects and others were deferred…

Mrs Kathleen Evans had to leave early, and when the chairman asked for confirmation that she would endorse decisions taken in her absence, a crestfallen Mrs Evans replied, “Yes! You have already chopped out all the things I wanted!”

Over their shoulders some members cast a wistful glance at the pegged Cardiff rate.

Disquiet was voiced at the continued rating increases and Mr Nigel Gibbs was certain that in future they should re-plan their social services in order to bring them down to a steady annual rate instead of an ever-increasing rate as it is from year to year.

Even so, said Mr Salmon, they could not have done better than they had, and he moved acceptance of the new rate.

VISITORS’ pleas for more high class restaurants in Penarth town centre are being answered.

This week the former Regent Café, Stanwell Road, opens its doors under the new name of the Regent Grill.

The proprietors, Mr and Mrs Gordon Waterfield have completely transformed the premises into a restful and attractive restaurant, the main theme being black and amber.

With curtains and carpets to match, amber lighting, black walls with Parana strip slats and a suspended ceiling in Parana Plae, the old style café has completely disappeared. The grill is air conditioned too, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere in summer and winter.

Mr Stamp, the manager and chef, who comes from Plymouth said that he had been in catering all his life.

His plan was to produce a first-class meal at a reasonable price.

The menus bore out his claim with midday set lunches at 5/6, and evening meals from 5/6 to 15/6.

“This,” said Mr Stamp,” makes it possible for two people to have an acceptable meal out for under 30/- and as the premises are fully licensed you can supplement your meal from a full list of good wines.”

Evening dinners are served from 7pm until 12 midnight, but it should be noted that the grill is closed from 4pm to 7pm daily.

However, morning coffee may be enjoyed before the lunch time rush.