on the hit-list (From Barry And District News)

on the hit-list

A BARRY park has been earmarked for potential sale by a private consultancy group - although the council says it has no intention of cashing in on the asset.

Pencoedtre Park is just one of 150 sites across the Vale identified by housing consultancy company Tribal HCH as a marketable asset.

The Vale Council, which brought in the company, needs to sell off some of its housing land in order to pay for the maintenance of its current council housing stock - otherwise the stock would have to be sold off to the private sector.

Other areas identified as being saleable assets are a former play area at the rear of houses on Earl Street, Barry Island; an area of grassy land situated to the rear of Nelson Road, Gibbonsdown; a play area at the end of Peterswell Road, Cwm Talwg, and the central green at Cadoc Crescent, Palmerston.

The council's cabinet recently approved the consultancy company's report, which was contained inside the Vale's asset management plan for 2006/7.

Vale MP John Smith has expressed his concerns that numerous sites had been identified as salable assets.

He said: "The Vale council's cabinet has approved an asset management plan that raises the possibility that many open areas identified by consultants could be sold off.

"I am totally opposed to the sale of play areas, playing fields and other green areas.

"They provide green lungs in built up areas and should be protected.

"Pencoedtre Park is an 8.2-acre site, with public football fields and play areas enjoyed and used by the local community.

"It should be removed from the list."

James Cawley, the council's director of community services, told the Barry and District News that this particular site would not be sold off - as it would be highly unlikely that such an action would be granted planning permission.

Court ward councillor Richard Bertin said: "We have been told that the park will not be sold off in a million years - but I, and other ward members, are going to keep an eye on the situation.

"Tribal are not from the area, and are not aware of local politics and issues.

"As far as the ward members are concerned, we would not let it happen.