Knap attack (From Barry And District News)

Knap attack

THE Knap regeneration scheme, although delayed, will be a vast improvement for residents and visitors alike. With the determined support of the community, we helped to block Vale plans to build on the land. By frustrating the plans of the council, the area was spared yet more flats.

Faced with enormous financial demands, councils are often tempted to try to make some money by developing land for houses. Sometimes this results in serious errors of judgement, as in the Knap case. However, thanks to a united campaign, this plan was prevented.

It was a shame that your recent letter-writer chose to bring politics into the issue of the Knap pool. It was also unwise, as he should know that under the last Labour rule the Knap pool was allowed to become a slum. It was anything but the "jewel in the crown of Barry" he suggests.

Then New Labour was more interested in spending millions on a country house and ignored Barry. Football matches were more important than the education of school pupils. Barry children, at risk, were not given the protection they deserved. These are not the words of political rivals but government inspectors.

Plaid Cymru councillors have helped to restore the quality of education in the Vale. We have improved the care for the elderly and youngsters. Much of the damage done by New Labour has been repaired. Have you forgotten the thousands of parents that surrounded the Civic Offices when New Labour councillors tried to cut £1 million from schools?

We also remember the hundreds of home-helps sacked by New Labour councillors. We helped to obtain £250,000 of public investment to remove a slum and to create a public park. What have New Labour councillors done?

Nic Hodges Steffan Wiliam Plaid Cymru Councillors Romilly Road Barry