'Don't trust them' (From Barry And District News)

'Don't trust them'

KNAP Pool campaigner Gerwyn Pugh has warned Barry residents not to trust the Vale Council's open meeting on the redevelopment of Central Park.

In a stinging attack on the local authority he has drawn attention to pledges made four years ago at a public meeting.

The Barry teacher claims officials from the Vale of Glamorgan council then promised that the Knap Lido would be opened for public use instead of being pulled down to make way for a luxury housing development.

But the pool has since been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.

Mr Pugh, 32, told the News: "We were told that the whole area would be maintained until such money was available to reopen the pool.

"We were told that it would not be allowed to fall into rack and ruin and that it would not be filled in for other use."

A meeting was held this Monday on the future of Central Park and the old Town Hall - two other council owned properties in dire need of a face lift.

Mr Pugh advised members of the public attending the meeting to keep minutes which could be signed by council officials.

He said they must not allow the meeting to only pay lip service to the concerns of Barry residents.

"Knowing our council, there will be a reluctance to make any final decisions or sign any promises," he said.

"Don't let the meeting only pay lip service to the issue."

In reply, Dinas Colbourne, of Barry Citizen's Action Group, said they should be optimistic about the outcome of the meeting.

She said that she had been pleased by the range of architect's plans for the old Town Hall and Central Park.

"Things are moving on now," she said. "I was even told that scaffolding will be up on the Town Hall by December."

"I hope the council agree with what the public has decided."