Eyesore (From Barry And District News)

Eyesore

I am writing in response to recent comments made about the exterior of Gibbonsdown Community/ Children's Centre in Barry with regards to the deteriorating state of its paintwork.

I have to agree that the building is an absolute eyesore and that it is in urgent need of a revamp. Comments like this have already been made by the regular users of the centre, but the reason that the Committee decided not to spend money on the outside is that we are currently chasing funding for the external works. If we had decided to press ahead and painted the exterior and we were successful in obtaining funding it would be considered a waste of money that could have been better spent elsewhere.

But please do not let the outside put anyone off using the centre as there is a lot of good work being undertaken not only by the Community Centre but also its partner the Children's Centre. We are striving to make the much needed improvements for local residents and determined to make it a centre that we can all be proud of.

Yes - the facility has been neglected for a number of years, however we are a newly established management group we are currently prioritising our maintenance work programme. However, should we not be successful in obtaining funding by next summer then I will certainly be putting a recommendation to the management group for the centre to be painted.

Richard Bertin Chair, Gibbonsdown Community Centre Maesycwm Street Barry