Councillors meet with officers over village concerns (From Barry And District News)

Councillors meet with officers over village concerns

RHOOSE councillors Jeff James and Gordon Kemp have met with senior council officers to discuss the numerous issues affecting the village.

The talks focused on the development of land north of the railway line, the adoption of roads at Rhoose Point and the ongoing use of the level crossing.

The problems of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the village were also discussed.

Cllr James said after the meeting: "We are determined to see these problems resolved and bring progress on all these outstanding issues.

"The council must and will take the lead and engage with the police, Welsh Water, Cofton (developers) and the Welsh Development Agency (WDA).

"The situation cannot be left to continue - progress must be made for the benefit of the people who have to put up these problems, as well as for the community as a whole."

Around 500 new homes were built on Rhoose Point in 2001 and a further 600 are planned on land north of the railway line.

The latter has caused controversy among local residents.

However, Cllr James and Cllr Kemp insist they have been working closely with the council's planning department to develop a planning brief which will ensure proper use of the site.

"We are both determined that the village and the people of Rhoose see the benefit from any development," they said.

They also stressed that the community would be given the opportunity to comment on the planning brief at a public exhibition to be held in Rhoose Community Hall.

But the chairman of UKIP Wales, Richard Suchorzewski, who has been working closely with local residents, says he is astounded by these comments.

He said: "I find it strange that the council leader and one of his cabinet members have come out with this statement, bearing in mind that the WDA has rejected the Vale of Glamorgan's development brief for the proposed 600 extra houses north of Rhoose Point, and plans to advance its own brief.

"On the other matters raised, I am appalled that Gordon Kemp admits that it is only now that he feels it is necessary for the council to take a lead.

"Nevertheless, I welcome any progress which our lobbying has caused, and invite both councillors to a public meeting in Rhoose, where they can be on the platform to address the serious issues and concerns of local people."