Let public have a say (From Barry And District News)

Let public have a say

CAMPAIGNING Barry teacher Gerwyn Pugh is calling for an immediate public meeting over the future of the crumbling Knap Lido.

The former lifeguard has stepped up his protest following rumours that the pool is to be filled in by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in a bid to attract property developers to the site.

He told the News: "It is about time the local authority came clean over their plans for the Knap Pool.

I would like to see them face the public and give a written assurance that the land will not be sold off to the highest bidder."

Barry-born Gerwyn, 33, says he realises that the Lido cannot be returned to it's former glory but insists that the site should be kept as public open space.

He said: "I still maintain that there is a need for open-air pool in the town even if it is on a smaller scale. Something like Cosmeston would be ideal."

The Park Crescent resident also agrees that the Knap area should be looked at in its entirety and supports the holistic approach championed by local Plaid Cymru councillors. Cllr Steffan William recently told the News: "The Knap Pool problem should not be looked at in isolation.

The full picture needs to be studied rather than just focussing on the derelict Lido."

"Plaid Cymru's view is that we cannot forget the rest of the Knap.

I'm sure people notice that there are other areas of concern. For example, the state of the water in the lake is appalling."

The Baruc Ward councillor also calls for full public consultation and is confident that residents will be kept informed of progress.

He stressed: "What we want is a holistic solution - not just the cleaning up of one area.

It will take a lot of money and time. The more ideas from the public we have to work on, the more chances the people will get what they want."

The Vale of Glamorgan Council are believed to be looking at the Knap as a whole but there are no current plans for a public meeting.