We were tricked (From Barry And District News)

We were tricked

FURIOUS Gibbonsdown residents have claimed they were "tricked" by the Vale Council over the controversial Homes4U scheme.

The council faced a barrage of questions during a public meeting last week for residents from Pontalun Close, Monmouth Way, and surrounding estates.

Joanne Gronow, a resident from Monmouth Way, said: "It was disgusting, they have not consulted us at all.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that today is Halloween! The council has tricked us since day one."

Director of community services for the Vale, James Cawley, said: "They say they haven't been consulted, but I have evidence to demonstrate what consultation has taken place. I can spend a long time talking to anyone about what was said.

But I didn't want the meeting to be about that. It was to allow people to express their views."

The residents are worried about the sort of people who may be moved into the area if the scheme goes ahead.

Molly Conway, chairman of Gibbonsdown Residents Board, was pleased with the outcome. "I think we shook them rigid.

They haven't consulted us at all, even though they said in the beginning they had.

"I think today they did a lot of back pedalling and realised they have come up against a force."

Concerns were also raised about the covering of drainpipes and new fencing which has been put up in the area.

Mr Cawley added: "They are not security measures, they are what the council call environmental improvements.

We've done it elsewhere and it is about trying to improve the area and the neighbourhood.

"Even if the scheme does not go ahead we will complete those improvements because whoever lives there has the right to have better than broken down fences."

Councillor Rob Curtis said: "I'm also furious that the cabinet member responsible could not even attend or one of the cabinet in his place."

Mr Cawley said that Cllr John Thomas was available for the original meeting on October 30 but due to the capacity of the hall and the number of people invited it had to be re-scheduled resulting in Councillor Thomas being unavailable.

A second consultation with residents will take place on November 13.