Misleading coverage (From Barry And District News)

Misleading coverage

Further to recent speculation and misinformation in the press concerning the future of the Pontalun Close flats, I must first express my disappointment with the way this has been handled and the misinformation reported on this matter.

The way this has been presented has caused unnecessary anxiety and stress for the residents of Pontalun Close.

The HOMES4U scheme has been hugely popular, and one that the local press has supported through the advertising of homes for people to choose to live in.

To run a story that misrepresents the true picture on something which the News has supported is not a fair reflection of events.

Notwithstanding, I would like to explain the background to what is happening, and what has been undertaken to date, to set the record straight.

The council has numerous empty houses on schemes such as Pontalun Close, which it is unable to let because those eligible (older persons) do not wish to be rehoused at this location.

Faced with no demand for the approximately one third of empty houses at Pontalun Close, the council is seeking to let empty blocks of flats to general needs groups.

We are concerned to ensure that the many people who have contacted the council for rehousing and want to live in the area occupy all our empty homes.

I can confirm that the properties are not being re-designated specifically for single homeless people or any other group of people.

The council's priority has been to ensure that the many people who have contacted the council for rehousing and want to live in the area occupy all our empty homes.

This will have many benefits for both the council and the local community.

Occupied homes minimise the potential for vandalism, and the increase in rent income will allow the council to spend more money on repairing and maintaining homes.

It will also enable people who are from the area to return to their community, which they currently cannot do due to the limited number of homes in council ownership as a result of Right to Buy activity.

At present, many Vale residents are living in unsatisfactory bed and breakfast accommodation throughout South Wales because we have no homes available to let to them. Others are forced to share cramped conditions with relatives and friends - including residents in Gibbonsdown - whilst they wait for a home.

I am sure you understand the importance a home can make to all of us and the responsibility we all have to assist residents in the Vale to secure good quality affordable housing.

However, the council is also most concerned to ensure it safeguards the interests of existing residents who already live at Pontalun Close, and I must make it quite clear that we do not intend to force people out of their homes and they do not have to move if they do not want to.

The residents of Pontalun Close have been consulted in recent days and their views on what the process is and what they want to do, discussed with them.

We will be contacting them again in the next week to discuss how best we can meet their specific needs and will continue to liaise with them individually as to what they want.

Residents living at Pontalun Close who wish to remain in their homes can do so and those who wish to transfer to a bungalow or a flat elsewhere in the Vale of Glamorgan will be supported by the council to move to a home of their choice.

Be assured that, if individuals do not wish to move from their home, then they do not have to. If they do, then we will offer both practical and financial assistance.

The council fully understands the concerns expressed and the unnecessary upset caused by the misinformation that has been circulated so, hopefully, this information will allay those concerns.

I must re-emphasise that this entire process is one of choice and the decision is up to the residents as to what they want to do.

Whatever conclusions they reach will be fully supported by the council and, if they do not wish to transfer, then they do not have to.

If they do wish to move, then we will assist them as much as we can.

Finally, a helpline has been set up on (01446) 709840, which residents can contact to discuss any concerns in relation to this matter.

James Cawley, Director of community services Vale of Glamorgan Council

Editer's note: I HAD prepared a lengthy response to this amazing letter (above), which seems to try to blame the News for what is clearly the council's own communications disaster with its tenants.

But I trust the common sense of the people of Barry who have read all the coverage to be able to judge where the real fault lies over Pontalun Close.

We reported the anxiety and fear of residents AFTER they contacted us. We did not create it.

Suffice it to say, we stand by our original report.