Call to debate future of lido (From Barry And District News)

Call to debate future of lido

A CAMPAIGNING Barry teacher has challenged the Vale Council to 'come clean' over their plans for the crumbling Knap Pool.

Gerwyn Pugh, of Park Crescent, wants a full debate on the future of the town's once magnificent lido that has fallen deeper and deeper into disrepair.

He told the News: "Only those of us who have grown up in Barry can appreciate the worth of the Knap Pool but surely, it is about time the local authority realised this too.

"If nothing else, when it was operational it kept children off the streets and provided peace and relaxation of mind for parents."

Gerwyn, who teaches special needs at a Cardiff school, stresses the importance of using the facility so it provides a cost-effective service to the young people of the town.

The thirty-two year old said: "There are hidden costs to not making the most of our greatest assets. If proper facilities for children are not provided by the council, they will find other ways to keep themselves occupied. These alternatives carry far higher dangers and can cost the town dear."

Gerwyn is now calling for the local authority to get it's act together although he is not too hopeful after being promised action at a resident's meeting four years ago. A meeting that, he claims, saw council officers make promises they did not keep.

"We were told that the whole area would be maintained until such money was available to reopen the pool and that it would not be allowed to fall into rack and ruin or be filled in for another use," he said.

Gerwyn's views were echoed by the White family of Ogmore-on-Sea.

Speaking at the Knap on Bank Holiday weekend, Claire told the News: 'The pool used to be wonderful. It's such a shame that a prime spot has been left to decay so badly. Let's just hope it's not filled and used for housing."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said the whole Knap area, including the pool, was under review.

What do you think? Should the Knap be restored to its former glory, used for housing or turned into something completely new? Write to the News with your views.