We'll ensure you are heard (From Barry And District News)

We'll ensure you are heard

YOUR views on the future of Sully Hospital will be known to all at Westminster within days.

Home Secretary David Blunkett will soon receive a file from the Penarth Times containing copies of every single article and letter concerning Home Office plans to put 750 asylum-seekers in the disused site.

Mr Blunkett will know 86 percent of you think it is an inappropriate place for asylum seekers. But he will also find out the Home Office has support from 14 percent of readers.

The shock story broke in January when the Times was contacted by many furious readers.

Some locals were so angry they formed a group and collected 500 signatures on a petition in just three days and 800 within a week.

Conybeare Road resident Colette Dampier, who helped set up the petition, said after collecting signatures: "Feelings are still very strong and we are more determined than ever to put a stop to it.

"I've had a couple of bad reactions, with people telling me I want to get my facts straight and I'm prejudiced, but that's just a few people."

The Home Office has maintained that no decision has been taken and that Sully Hospital is on a list of eight UK sites being considered.

But the lack of any decision has resulted in worrying rumours and gossip. Last week, a scared Cogan resident said: "Apparently, they've been decorating the place and builders have been working at night. Asylum seekers will be transferred down the motorway at night."

But Vale MP John Smith said: "This seems like very worried people picking up on gossip which goes round on occasions like this. I'm pretty certain it's not going to happen."

Penarth Times news editor Sue Vincent-Jones said: "We want readers to know that we value their opinions. We have taken note of every single comment and opinion given to us with a view to making sure Mr Blunkett knows the strength of feeling in the area."