Archive - Thursday, 18 July 2002


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Knap pool: call grows for a poll

BARRY'S crumbling and derelict Knap lido has once again come under the spotlight.

As pressure mounts on the Vale of Glamorgan to finally make public the pool's fate, locals are now calling for their say.

Knap resident Margaret Jones is challenging the local authority to hold a referendum on the whole issue.

Mrs Jones, who lives at Crosshil with her husband David, told the News: "I think that the councillors who are elected by the people of Barry should take notice of us.

"They shouldn't fob off those who placed them in their positions.

"I strongly believe there should be an open referendum on the whole issue of the Knap lido and its redevelopment for all the people of Barry to have their say."

The born and bred Barrian says she has watched with dismay as her home town has steadily declined.

She said: "Why must the rape of Barry continue and when is it going to end? Since I was a child I have watched the gradual deterioration of this once beautiful area.

"It's hard to believe the Knap used to be one of the jewels in its crown."

And although Margaret is not calling for the old lido to be reopened, she is disappointed with the Vale council's lack of action

Along with John Smith MP, she is strongly against building more houses but believes everyone in the town has a right to have their say.

She added: "I don't think there is only one option for this prime site. I also don't think houses need to be built to finance further developments in the area.

"I think the Knap should be left totally for recreational purposes.

"With all the new estates springing up, where is all the council tax going? It seems as though we have very few returns for paying higher council taxes. Many good ideas have been put forward already.

"The views should be given careful consideration before this beautiful area is buried under some hideous building site and lost to everyone for ever."

* What do you think? Write to the News with your views.