South Wales Evening Post - 14 September 2005
For more than a century the people of Sandfields in Swansea put up with problems caused by having a football ground in their midst. Now that the Swans have gone to The New Stadium Swansea in Landore it is only right that the residents should have a say in what will replace the Vetch. Judging by our poll, they clearly want a park or a green, open space for the community to use.
Whether they get it depends on Swansea Council, which owns the ground. The authority has promised to consult with the residents on the Vetch's future but will no doubt be under tremendous pressure from developers.
The ground is on a prime site close to the city centre and is worth millions. That is money that could be reinvested in other services or used to help pay for major projects such as Swansea Leisure Centre and The New Stadium Swansea.
On the other hand, green open space is at a premium in Swansea, particularly the city centre which is under increasing pressure from developers.
Quality of life is as important as development and Swansea needs more greenery. For the sake of the city centre and the residents, whatever is planned for the Vetch should include substantial open space for the local community to enjoy.
