Archive - Friday, 24 May 2002


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Axe hangs over arson-hit lifeline

BARRY families could lose a crucial community facility thanks to an arson epidemic sweeping their estate.

Gibbonsdown residents may see their housing office permanently shut down by the Vale of Glamorgan Council after fire ravaged the building last September.

The attack, one in a long line of incidents, caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage and led to temporary closure of the site.

Locals living on the deprived estate were forced to use the Civic Offices to seek repairs and pay their rent.

But despite repeated promises from the council, the building has never been reopened.

Now it looks increasingly certain the office will be closed forever. The fears have provoked an angry response from residents.

Furious councillor Rob Curtis, who represents the ward, told the News: "The local authority will be turning their backs on some of the most vulnerable people in the Vale if they close the office."

Resident and Vale councillor Bob Wilkinson added: "This office was opened in response to the needs of people who live here. They tend not to have easy access to cars. The trip to the Civic Offices was difficult. "The office offered the chance to have council services within reach."

George Anastasi, 68, who has lived in the estate for 32 years, said: "I could come in to report repairs needed, and it was so easy to pay my rent. It would be dreadful if it was to shut."

Matthew McGill, 29, who lives nearby, added: "I'm in the middle of buying my house, but the office was really useful when I paid rent. It would be missed on the estate."

A council spokesman said: "The Community Wellbeing and Safety Scrutiny Comm-ittee has made a recommendation that a survey of tenants, residents and other stakeholders be carried out to assess what services are wanted locally by local people.

"The council is to consider whether any complimentary services could be provided locally, and in a more effective way.

"The matter will be further discussed by Cabinet on May 28."