Sell-off rumour circles Knap pool (From Barry And District News)

Sell-off rumour circles Knap pool

BARRY'S crumbling Knap lido is at the centre of fierce debate following rumours of its sale for housing development.

Plaid Cymru councillors have reacted to current speculation by reiterating their bitter opposition to such a scheme.

And they have warned senior Vale of Glamorgan Council officers that any such moves would be firmly resisted.

Baruc councillors Steffan William and Nic Hodges joined local group leader cllr Chris Franks at a high level meeting with local authority officials last week.

At the talks they forcefully expressed opposition to any building plan in a bid to reinforce the views felt by the wider public.

Cllr Hodges told the News: "Once again Plaid has emphasised that the public will not stand for the erection of properties on the Knap pool land. As local councillors we are resolutely against any such schemes.

He said that he was aware of the economics of the situation but that any plans for housing development would fly in the face of public opinion.

"We fully understand the problems that the council faces financially but the easy option of selling off this land for housing will be resisted by Plaid," he said.

"However, this is not an excuse for inaction by the council. The area has been allowed to deteriorate and is a disgrace to the town. It is almost an insult especially to residents with happy memories of the lido in its heyday."

Cllr William added: "Although there has been progress in some areas, the Knap problems have not been addressed. We will continue to work to see improvements in the area." Cllr Chris Franks, leader of the Vale Plaid councillors, fully endorsed the opposition to the development.

He stressed that both cllr Hodges and cllr William were to be fully supported in their fight to improve the Knap, adding: "There are too many council owned sites that have been allowed to become slums."

The Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed it is looking at the area although no concrete plans for the site have been announced.