New hope in bid to save historic house (From Barry And District News)

New hope in bid to save historic house

RESIDENTS and politicians were rejoicing on Monday night as they saw a glimmer of hope in their fight for the the future of Cadoxton House.

The issue of whether or not to sell the historic building is to be handed back to the Vale of Glamorgan Council, it was decided at a meeting of the Vale's Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee.

Previously, the council's Cabinet had been in favour of putting the house on the market, claiming that repairs which are necessary to the building would be too costly.

But now local action group, The Friends of Cadoxton House, have been allocated a period of three months in which to come up with a viable business plan to meet maintenance costs.

Heather Skinner, spokesperson for the Friends of Cadoxton House, said: "We are hopeful that this will allow the group the time we have requested to prepare a sound business case for an arts centre of this type in the Vale.

"We also hope that the council will then take a decision not to sell off this valuable asset - that was donated to the people of Barry - but to allow us to run it as a community facility that people of all ages can enjoy."

Cadoc ward councillor Fred Johnson said: "Cadoxton needs this facility. There are more children here than in any other part of the Vale.

"Now the whole council is going to be able to vote on the future of the house."

Mark Hooper, Liberal Democrat spokesman for the Vale, said he was also pleased that the issue had been referred to full council for debate.

"But I am disappointed that the debate turned into a slanging match between Labour and Tory councillors," he added.