Welcome to the
Vale of Glamorgan Council

Councillors Ms. M.E. Alexander

(Leader) - Vale of Glamorgan Council

Councillor N. Moore

(Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Finance, ICT and Property) - Vale of Glamorgan Council

Councillor S.C. Egan

(Cabinet Member Social and Care Services)

Councillor Mrs. V.M. Hartrey

(Cabinet Member Legal and Public Protection)

Councillor G. John

(Cabinet Member Leisure and Tourism)

Councillor Mrs. M. Randall

(Cabinet Member Human Resources)

Councillor Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson

(Cabinet Member Housing and Community Safety)

Councillors Miss. J. Cole and K.R. Stockdale.

Questions

Answers

What are the specific crime figures for Barry?

Inspector Rice responded that he did not have the precise details but that he would make that information available as soon as possible.  In rough terms, 50-60% of all crime in the Vale of Glamorgan occurred in Barry.

Attention was drawn to unreported crime and car crime in Barry and the question asked “what is the point of reporting it?”

The point was strongly made that only by the community reporting crime could the Council identify resources to help tackle it.  The example of Alleygates was quoted whereby back lanes had been blocked off in certain areas of the town where crime had occurred and other complaints had been received.  That initiative had been very successful and was a prime example of targeted spending.  Inspector Rice confirmed that every car crime that was reported was investigated.  Councillor Moore then reiterated that the statistics were vital in determining the use of limited resources for both the Council and for the police.  He urged the audience to attend local PACT meetings and for victims of crime to report those crimes, obtain an incident number and thereby help ensure the accuracy of the statistics which, in turn, would inform the decision to and funding of remedial action.

A resident of Usk Way questioned the “success” of Neighbourhood Watch, stating that whilst commitments had been received from 3 Police Officers in the last 20 years to visit the scheme in that area, no such visit had ever taken place.

The enquirer was requested to leave his name and address with Inspector Rice who would look into the matter and chase up the apparent inactivity.

The Minister of the Elim Church, located on the corner of Pyke and Crossways Streets, drew attention to the fact that the recently installed Alleygates in the lane abutting the Church were constantly left open.  He asked whether the Council monitored usage. 

The Council relied on the community to report any matters of concern.  The Council had installed over 200 Alleygates in Barry and had only one officer to look after them.  Where a problem was identified, the Council would contact the residents concerned and remind them that it was in their interests to keep the gates locked.

Questions

Answers

As referred to later in the meeting, attention was drawn to the lack of parks and areas where youth could go for recreational purposes, and specifically the fact that the Council was allowing development to take place on such areas.  If parks and open areas were continued to be built upon the problem of youth annoyance would not disappear.  A plea was then made to save the area of Brookfield  Avenue Park which was the subject of a recent planning application. 

It was explained that the land in question was not owned by the Council, that it was a very small piece of land, that it was not the intention to build on the Brookfield Avenue Park area, and that any objections to the planning application should be made in writing to the Planning Department following which the planning application would be considered in accordance with normal processes.  Those processes would include consideration of matters pertaining to traffic and highway safety and public open space.

The Minister from the Elim Church advised that the Church wished to engage with the youth.  When efforts had been made to engage with the youth through the auspices of the Council, the Council had responded that it did not engage with faith-based groups.  In such circumstances, he asked, who could he contact given that he and members of his Church wished to work in partnership to serve the community.

The enquirer was requested to leave his details and the request would be passed to the Safer Vale Partnership for consideration.

A further question was asked in relation to potential residential development in the area of the Brookfield Avenue park area in that any residents of that area would actively discourage children / youths from utilising the site in the manner they presently enjoyed.  A young resident who currently played football on the park asked where he and his colleagues would be able to play.

If and when residential development were to take place on the land in question, a very large area would still remain for children / youths to enjoy.  The young footballer was asked to leave his name and address and the Council would try to encourage him to set up a PACT meeting for the youth in that particular area. 

Play Rangers visited Stratford Green on Wednesdays for 2 hours.  A young resident who utilised the area asked “what about the rest of the time?”

Councillor Moore indicated that the way forward was to continue talking to both the users of the area and their parents to see how progress could be made in a way suitable to all. 

A youth worker based at Area 41 indicated that she and her colleagues had brought along young people to the meeting and asked when they were going to be given the opportunity to tell the Council what they wanted.

Councillor Wilkinson confirmed that a meeting would be set up to discuss such issues.

The same representative from Area 41 then referred to the refurbishment of Central Park, a facility that was well utilised but which was closed at 8pm.  She asked the question “where do they go from there?”

Councillor Moore reiterated that Council was asking for the views of users.  He undertook to arrange for a Youth Worker to discuss with the enquirer a way forward.

Question

Answer

Why do recyclable materials have to be separated?

Why do the tins / bottles etc. have to be washed prior to being put out for collection?

The current contract required that materials be kept separate.  The Council’s contractor was prepared to process plastic and cardboard together but not other products, the contract having just a 5% contamination rate.

Why are refuse vehicles sometimes used for recycling collections as opposed to purpose built kerbside collection vehicles?

Speed - it being noted, however, that the materials would be separated later in the process.

How often are recycling bins in car parks emptied?

That was dependant upon frequency of use and it was admitted that bins were not always emptied as frequently as required.  The specific issue at Court Road was currently being addressed with the contractor.

A tenant of flats run by the Hafod Housing Association drew attention to the fact that tenants had requested the installation of recycling bins at the flats but that they had not been delivered.  She also drew attention to the issue of litter picking in the area.

Councillor Moore agreed to address the issues raised.

There appeared to be little correlation between street cleaning schedules and those for rubbish / recycling which frequently caused street cleaners to return to an area following rubbish collection.

It was explained that, where possible, street cleansing was scheduled to occur following rubbish / recycling collection but that it was not logistically possible to ensure that that was the case in every area.

The popularity of the Council’s special collection service resulted in waste being dumped in lanes etc.  What steps could be taken to address the problem?

The Council was aware of the need to address the problem.  There was a clear need to reduce the lengthy delays between reporting the need for a collection and the actual collection date.  The aim was to reduce that wait to 2 weeks.

Question

Answer

Any chance of the pillars being re-erected at Cadoxton Park (by the Royal Hotel)?

The balustrade would need to be custom made.  It was recognised that there had been problems in that area for many years and it was hoped that the introduction of CCTV would help reduce the incidents of vandalism.

Attention was drawn by a worker in the Youth Service to the fact that the park in the area of Belvedere Crescent within the Castleland Ward (itself an identified deprived area) was being used by drug addicts.  Needles had been found in the park itself, rendering the play area unsafe for children and neither the police nor the Newydd Housing Association had taken steps to address the problem.  

Inspector Rice responded that he was aware of the problems and that he would step up action in the area.  Councillor Moore agreed to put the matter on the agenda for the next PACT meeting.

The audience was reminded that on no account should needles be picked up.  The matter should be reported to the Council and / or the police who employed officers trained in that duty.

Reference was made to the Knap Gardens and the wonderful coastline generally in that area.  The area had been subject to long-term decline and was being addressed with only a piece-meal approach. 

Monies had been allocated to refurbish the Shelters and work was being undertaken to repair the collapsed drain which would all contribute to alleviating the current eyesore of the Knap Pool and Gardens area.  It was explained that Network Rail had now fitted an expensive filtration unit which meant that the water quality of the feeder stream into the Lake had improved.  Contractors would be on site very soon when excavation works would take place at the poolside and on the promenade.  The Lake itself would likely be drained in the autumn, following which it would cleaned and re-filled.  Work was ongoing in conjunction with Richard Taylor Memorial Fund to re-vamp the Skate Park - all of which would contribute to the upgrading of the area.

Why, despite the millions of pounds going into Barry Waterfront, is there no plan for a children’s play area?

Housing developers were required to install such areas within their own developments.  In addition to those pocket play areas, attention was drawn to the fact that there was a large area of land yet to be developed on the Waterfront.  One of the clear objectives of the Council was to make that area a far more mixed use area incorporating improved leisure and open space provision.

Attention was drawn to the absence of lavatories in parks.  A particular reference was made to the lack of facilities at the Parade and Romilly Park.  Such facilities were necessary for general wellbeing and particularly important for women and children.

The facilities at Romilly Park had been closed due to their misuse by a section of the population.  The Council was aware that there were insufficient public toilets not only in Barry but throughout the Vale and, as a first step, was aiming to improve existing facilities.  The Council was also considering opening the Romilly Park facilities on a seasonal basis when use of the facilities could be better controlled.

The question was asked where could play areas with excellent facilities such as could be found in Roath Park in Cardiff be found in the Vale of Glamorgan and especially Barry.   All that seemed to exist were little areas with sufficient equipment to cater for 10 or less children.

The enquirer was asked to leave her name and address in order that a list of existing play areas could be sent but attention was drawn to the fact that this Council had neither the money nor resources of Cardiff.  Attention was also drawn to the myriad of open spaces within Barry.

Why is grass on the park in the vicinity of Brookfield Avenue cut only twice a year?  How can children play in grass 18 inches to 2 feet high?

The area in question was treated as a meadow, therefore two cuts per annum was the norm.  An undertaking was given that the frequency with which the area was cut would be reviewed, it being accepted that if the area was used by children it needed to be cut more regularly.

Given that children could not play ball games on Stratford Green and that the park at Brookfield Avenue was subject to a planning application, when and where would a new ball / play park be opened for children in Barry?

The planning application referred to on land in the vicinity of the Brookfield Avenue Park which was not in the ownership of the Council.  The owners of the land in question had submitted a planning application as they were entitled to do, but there was no guarantee that planning permission for the construction of any dwellings would be given.  What was certain, however, was that the area of the parkland itself would remain.  Objectors would have the opportunity to lodge those objections with the Planning Department and the planning application would be progressed through the usual procedures.

Questions

Answers

Does the Council have a long-term plan for the much needed regeneration of Barry (which would help address many of the issues raised earlier in the meeting by e.g. paying for services which needed funding such as play areas and affording employment opportunities)?

It was confirmed that the Council did have a long-term plan and that long-term planning was vital for the future of the area.  The WAG had identified Barry as key in the development of South East Wales.  Great opportunities were open in respect of the development of Barry as well as plenty of challenges.  The Local Development Plan, key to development opportunities across the area, would be subject to widespread consultation throughout each of its many processes.  Further development would take place on the Waterfront and the Council would ensure that the benefits from such developments would spread across the rest of the town.

Attention was drawn to the excellent library and art facilities in the new Town Hall and disappointment expressed at the proposed violation of the integrity of the Gallery by installing a café.  The space would be better utilised for community facilities/ entertainment.

Councillor John stated that no decision had yet been made regarding the future of the Gallery area but that he would report the concerns of the enquirer to Cabinet and let her now the outcome.

Once again, the Council’s efforts relating to the Town Hall and Library were applauded but the question asked about the condition of shop fronts in Holton Road.

The audience was informed that the Council’s next priority after the paving works currently being undertaken was to address the issue of shopfronts.  It was explained that the Council used to attract money from the Welsh Development Agency for improving shopfronts but that that expenditure was no longer a priority for the Welsh Assembly Government.  Any improvement to shopfronts would necessarily take some time to achieve but the Council would work in partnership with the shopkeepers to progress the same.

Why doesn’t the Council join the Keep Wales Tidy Group, and do something about the state of the Cold Brook?

In response, the effectiveness of the Probation Service was questioned.

The condition of the Cold Brook was known to the Council.  The Council did work with the Keep Wales Tidy Group, although that group was not always available, and the services of the Probation Service were often utilised.

Given that St. Cyres was on two sites, when will the Council build a new single site school in Penarth?

The Council had now approved the School Investment Strategy in which 3 secondary schools had been identified for improvement, including St. Cyres.  Design Teams would be selected in September 2007.  The Council’s consultants had identified Cowbridge as the priority with Penarth and Llantwit being identified thereafter in that order.  The consultants’ priorities had been based on the educational needs of the children and the conditions of the premises.  An undertaking was given that work would take place in Penarth but no firm date for the commencement of that work could be given.  The aim of the Council, however, was to make each of those schools fit for purpose by 2012.

A question was asked relating to the refurbishment of local parks in Cadoxton when the Council appeared to be refurbishing parks in other areas.   

Councillor Moore confirmed that work on Victoria Park would be finalised this current year.  He stressed that the Council was here to listen and that, as local member for the Cadoxton Ward, he would do what he could to improve facilities where need was identified. 

Would Council work with Cardiff Council to improve the bus service once enjoyed in Barry?  The enquirer referred to previous times when residents had had more frequent services and wider route choice within the town itself, referring in particular to those days when for example, residents could more easily travel to and enjoy the facilities of Barry Island. 

The audience was informed that the Council worked closely with Cardiff and other bus providers relating to services.  The Council looked in particular at areas throughout the Vale to identify pockets of need in consultation with the community in an attempt to respond to gaps in services.  Given the Council’s limited resources and the increasing demand for mobility, the Council was, however, unable to meet all requirements.  The audience was also reminded that the Council had no control whatsoever over most bus routes within the Vale of Glamorgan since they were commercial operations run by the bus companies themselves. 

What was the Council’s position regarding the development of the area of Old Harbour, which was rapidly becoming a death trap in its current condition?

What progress had been made in respect of WAG’s initiative to encourage marinas?  The enquirer had received no response from the Council or WAG to his enquiries in that respect.

The enquirer was informed that the Council was currently looking at options for the siting of a marina in Barry under the “Catching the Wave” WAG initiative.  Consultants were currently investigating three options within Barry and the resultant study was likely to be completed within a month following which a public report would then be made to the Council’s Cabinet.  Comments on those proposals would be invited at that stage.  Meanwhile, a response to his enquiries to the Council would be expedited from the officer concerned.

A question was asked relating to the provision of satisfactory pedestrian access from Holton Road to the Waterfront.

The Council was going out to tender for the footbridge from the bottom of Thompson Street to the Waterfront within the next week or so.  The Council was keen to join the Waterfront with the other side of the railway line not just in that area and would be looking at other options to cross the railway line further west as that phase of the development progressed.  As regards the aforementioned footbridge, it was anticipated that works would commence on site in late summer. 

A question was asked in relation to the buses used to transport children to and from school.

The Council took school transport very seriously and had completely reviewed its policies in recent years.  The Council was now regarded as a lead authority in that respect.  As regards the quality of the buses used, the Traffic Commissioners regulated their suitability for the transportation of school children.  It was confirmed that the Council only used vehicles judged fit for the purpose by the Traffic Commissioners and that safety was paramount. 

In response to a question relating to the suitability of drivers, it was confirmed that the contractor supplying the drivers was required to ensure that those drivers had the necessary licences, had passed the required CRB checks and were qualified to drive buses.