Vale of Plenty (From Barry And District News)

Vale of Plenty

THE VALE of Glamorgan has been hailed as the wealthiest region in South Wales.

But while this is good news for businesses and tourism, it is hitting the most deprived areas of the county very hard.

Councillor Bob Wilkinson, who lives in the Gibbonsdown area, has slammed the claim, saying people should view these findings in the right context.

He told the News: "I was stunned when I heard about this survey.

It seems like a skimming exercise to me.

They have looked at the statistics in the Vale, which in many parts is wealthy, and tailored the results to suit themselves.

"Just as an example, the Gibbonsdown ward, Court and Dyfan wards are all struggling.

It doesn't make the battle any easier when sweeping statements are made like this."

In the survey, carried out by Barclays, plush properties in Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major, have nudged the Vale into the top slot in the list of the wealthiest constituencies in Wales.

And even though the average salary for the Vale stands at £23,564, when the cost of living is factored in it equates to £34,350 - putting the Vale 32nd in the whole of the UK.

Huw Evans, of Shelter Cymru, agrees with the Labour councillor, adding: "The Welsh Housing Statistics for 2001 saw 130 families homeless.

"This is an increase from 116 the previous year.

If you calculate the average family being made up of 2.6 members, you are looking at well over 300 people eligible to be classed as homeless in the Vale of Glamorgan alone. And that does not take into account individuals outside a family situation."

Cllr Bob Wilkinson added: "A massive amount of people receive housing help, meaning they are on benefits or have low incomes.

"So whether it's the municipal sector or the private sector, there are massive problems needing to be addressed in the Vale - not ignored."

The Welsh Assembly Health Minister and Assembly Member for the Vale, Jane Hutt, agreed, adding: "If this survey helps to draw attention to the Vale as a great place to work and live, then that's fine.

"But I don't think we should take it too seriously.

"Despite what it says, there are significant 'pockets of deprivation' in the Vale and it is vitally important that those areas receive the level of support and investments that they need.

"Government initiatives use tried and tested means of identifying where the areas of greatest need are and they pinpoint smaller areas within each local authority.

"This was how I managed to get Communities First funding for parts of Barry, as well as our Barry Heart Health inequalities project, SureStart and Children First support."