Archive - Thursday, 27 June 2002


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Vale MP backs lido homes plan

VALE MP John Smith has thrown his weight behind the campaign to stop houses being built on the site of the disused lido.

He made his comments after meeting up with campaigning Barry teacher Gerwyn Pugh to discuss the West End eyesore.

Despite a busy schedule, the MP agreed to meet with Gerwyn after the Barry and District News set up the chance for them to talk.

The special needs teacher has been a constant voice in Barry for action to be taken on the disused Lido.

Mr Smith told the News: "Both Mr Pugh and I agree that the old pool is a real eyesore, and urgent action needs to be taken.

"Both Mr Pugh and myself have fond memories of the days spent in the open-air attraction, but failure over the years to invest in the pool means it is now beyond repair.

"However, I am as equally opposed to building houses on the site as is Mr Pugh.

"I will voicing my objection should any plans to build on the site come into question."

For a long time, it has been a hotly debated issue as to what should be done with the area. Cllr Steffan Wiliam has long called for a holistic approach to the situation, and Mr Smith agrees with that.

"The area needs to be looked at as a whole. It has great potential, and this must be realised. If there is any doubt as to what should be done with the area while funds are found, then perhaps it should be levelled off as a public open space until such time as a decision can be made," he said.

"As to the promises made about it remaining as it was originally intended, that really is for the Vale council to come to terms with what they offered four years ago. But there are too few amenities for recreation in the area to cope with the amount of houses being built to date.

"Putting any more in Barry would stretch them all to breaking point."