South Wales Evening Post - 28 September 2006
Those people writing to you under the guise of "defend council housing" really need to make their mind up. We have had endless letters questioning what would happen if the new Community Mutual Housing Association failed and went bust. The answer is that the Assembly would not let that happen.
Now the organisation's chair is arguing that the stock transfer company will make a surplus "Tenants must take part" (Have Your Say, September 25).For the record Tawe Housing will be a non-profit making organisation. Nobody will benefit personally from serving on its board. If it makes a surplus then that money will be re-invested in improving tenants' homes or in building new social housing for rent.
Paul Lynch also argues in his letter that tenants will be forced to put the interests of Tawe Housing ahead of their own. Why does he consider these interests to be mutually exclusive? The housing association will exist to provide social housing and to serve its tenants. Ultimately, it belongs to its tenants and they will have an important say in the decision making process - far more than if they stayed with Swansea Council. Because councillors also serve on the board then there will also be a democratic input.
Finally, Leigh Richards alleges that rents will rise to unacceptable levels. This is not true. The business plan guarantees rents for the first five years.
After that period they will be regulated by the Assembly, whose policy is to peg them to the rate of inflation.
If they vote "yes" tenants will see major investment in their homes while paying no more rent than if they had stayed with the council.
Councillor Peter Black AM
NO NEW VAN SITE IN CITY SAYS HOLLEY
South Wales Evening Post - 27 September 2006
Swansea will only get a second traveller site if the Assembly forces the council to build one.
Council leader Chris Holley has moved to quell fears over a possible site in Llansamlet.
Two potential spots in the ward had been earmarked by the council in response to Assembly guidelines.
One is on land behind Asda on Swansea Enterprise Park and the other is in Swansea Vale.
However, Councillor Holley revealed neither will be used for an official site.
He said: "The reality is that this is an Assembly Government policy.
"It is about time they started taking ownership of their own initiatives."We are not opening any more sites in Swansea."
Councillor Holley said that unless the Assembly forced Swansea Council to open a new site in the city nothing would change.
He said: "We have responsibilities for the welfare and education of children of travellers.
"These problems will still be there.
"Assembly members and MPs can tell us we need a site, but not one of them has come up with a suitable place.
"They say that this is the policy, but they do not give us a solution.
"This council is not going to build another gypsy site."The assurance is a relief to residents and businesses who feared they would see an increase in anti-social behaviour if a permanent site was built near them.
Jonathan Hughes, the managing director of Swansea Bakeries, had threatened to relocate his business if a site was built on land close to the bakery.
He welcomed Councillor Holley's assurances that the council had no plans to build a second site in the city.
He said: "Obviously that is good news for us as tenants.
"There is still a problem with the illegal sites up here. They are always left in such a state.
"It is a prime site and ideally we would like to see it redeveloped for a big business to come here."
Councillor Lawrence Bailey, who represents the Llansamlet ward, said travellers had caused problems in Swansea Enterprise Park in the past.
He said: "I'm sure that firms and their employees will be delighted that this ridiculous idea has been dropped.
"But they will also be looking to Swansea Council to protect their businesses from any further illegal camps."
Swansea will only get a second traveller site if the Assembly forces the council to build one.
Council leader Chris Holley has moved to quell fears over a possible site in Llansamlet.
Two potential spots in the ward had been earmarked by the council in response to Assembly guidelines.
One is on land behind Asda on Swansea Enterprise Park and the other is in Swansea Vale.
However, Councillor Holley revealed neither will be used for an official site.
He said: "The reality is that this is an Assembly Government policy.
"It is about time they started taking ownership of their own initiatives."We are not opening any more sites in Swansea."
Councillor Holley said that unless the Assembly forced Swansea Council to open a new site in the city nothing would change.
He said: "We have responsibilities for the welfare and education of children of travellers.
"These problems will still be there.
"Assembly members and MPs can tell us we need a site, but not one of them has come up with a suitable place.
"They say that this is the policy, but they do not give us a solution.
"This council is not going to build another gypsy site."The assurance is a relief to residents and businesses who feared they would see an increase in anti-social behaviour if a permanent site was built near them.
Jonathan Hughes, the managing director of Swansea Bakeries, had threatened to relocate his business if a site was built on land close to the bakery.
He welcomed Councillor Holley's assurances that the council had no plans to build a second site in the city.
He said: "Obviously that is good news for us as tenants.
"There is still a problem with the illegal sites up here. They are always left in such a state.
"It is a prime site and ideally we would like to see it redeveloped for a big business to come here."
Councillor Lawrence Bailey, who represents the Llansamlet ward, said travellers had caused problems in Swansea Enterprise Park in the past.
He said: "I'm sure that firms and their employees will be delighted that this ridiculous idea has been dropped.
"But they will also be looking to Swansea Council to protect their businesses from any further illegal camps."
PROTESTS AT NEW TRAVELLER SITE PLAN
South Wales Evening Post - 18 September 2006
A New site for travellers could be on the way to Swansea, the Post can reveal. Council bosses are looking at a variety of options to accommodate families in the city.
Residents claim a site opposite Asda in Llansamlet has been earmarked.
But Swansea Council insists no decisions have been taken.
But the proposals are likely to anger local residents and businesses. They fear such a move would devalue their homes.
There are also concerns a second campsite in the area could lead to a clash between warring travelling families.
Swansea Enterprise Park has had a string of problems with travellers already this year.
Carl Lewis, of Tregof Village in Swansea Vale, is concerned about the possibility of a new gypsy site so close to the existing one next to Morganite.
He said: "Can you imagine something like that being proposed at Asda, no wonder house prices in Swansea west are higher than those in east if we are left with that kind of thing.
"The council will be devaluing the house prices.
"If we put another site opposite Asda it is going to be smack in the middle of where everyone works, what is that going to say to their clients?
"Apparently the council is paying out £100,000 a year to move these families on.
"Businesses and residents would prefer that money to be spent moving these people rather than having a permanent feature."
Mr Lewis said he had been told by council leader Chris Holley that travellers do not want to live in the east of the city because it is too far away from their chosen school.
Councillor Holley said discussions had begun on controlling unauthorised encampments.
He said the Assembly had made the council responsible for the welfare and education of travellers.
Mr Holley said: "Although we have met with the police and local ward members in Swansea Vale, I want to stress that no decisions have been taken by the council.
"No decisions will be taken until a process of full consultation and discussion has taken place.
"The important thing is to ensure that people's views are taken into account and that dialogue on this issue is dealt with sensitively."
Councillor Lawrence Bailey said he and ward colleague Councillor June Evans had met with city leaders.
He said that he had been told that the proposed site opposite Asda was unlikely to be pursued.
Councillor Bailey said: "Our main concerns were about sites being suggested. We made it very clear we were opposed to these sites."
Mr Lewis said: "There is going to be uproar. Why should Swansea east carry the can for the whole of Swansea. I am sure that there will be problems.
"I am just gobsmacked that they have come up with the site there."
A New site for travellers could be on the way to Swansea, the Post can reveal. Council bosses are looking at a variety of options to accommodate families in the city.
Residents claim a site opposite Asda in Llansamlet has been earmarked.
But Swansea Council insists no decisions have been taken.
But the proposals are likely to anger local residents and businesses. They fear such a move would devalue their homes.
There are also concerns a second campsite in the area could lead to a clash between warring travelling families.
Swansea Enterprise Park has had a string of problems with travellers already this year.
Carl Lewis, of Tregof Village in Swansea Vale, is concerned about the possibility of a new gypsy site so close to the existing one next to Morganite.
He said: "Can you imagine something like that being proposed at Asda, no wonder house prices in Swansea west are higher than those in east if we are left with that kind of thing.
"The council will be devaluing the house prices.
"If we put another site opposite Asda it is going to be smack in the middle of where everyone works, what is that going to say to their clients?
"Apparently the council is paying out £100,000 a year to move these families on.
"Businesses and residents would prefer that money to be spent moving these people rather than having a permanent feature."
Mr Lewis said he had been told by council leader Chris Holley that travellers do not want to live in the east of the city because it is too far away from their chosen school.
Councillor Holley said discussions had begun on controlling unauthorised encampments.
He said the Assembly had made the council responsible for the welfare and education of travellers.
Mr Holley said: "Although we have met with the police and local ward members in Swansea Vale, I want to stress that no decisions have been taken by the council.
"No decisions will be taken until a process of full consultation and discussion has taken place.
"The important thing is to ensure that people's views are taken into account and that dialogue on this issue is dealt with sensitively."
Councillor Lawrence Bailey said he and ward colleague Councillor June Evans had met with city leaders.
He said that he had been told that the proposed site opposite Asda was unlikely to be pursued.
Councillor Bailey said: "Our main concerns were about sites being suggested. We made it very clear we were opposed to these sites."
Mr Lewis said: "There is going to be uproar. Why should Swansea east carry the can for the whole of Swansea. I am sure that there will be problems.
"I am just gobsmacked that they have come up with the site there."
LEADER 'AGHAST' THAT TOP POLITICIANS HAVE QUESTIONED COUNCIL INTEGRITY
South Wales Evening Post - 15 September 2006
The integrity of Swansea Council has been called into question by calls for a public inquiry into a supermarket development, the council leader has claimed. Chris Holley has hit back at demands by two local politicians for the inquiry into the proposed £20 million Asda supermarket development in Gorseinon.
The US-owned retail giant has submitted plans to Swansea Council to build a new 30,000 sq ft superstore on land between Heol y Mynydd and Cecil Road.
The application has divided public opinion, with concerns including the effect on local businesses and an increase in traffic in the town.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme, but many residents also feel the store would bring a boost to the local community, with knock-on effects for local traders.
Gower MP Martin Caton and the area's AM Edwina Hart this week called on the Assembly to take the planning decision for the new store out of the hands of Swansea Council.
They said it was the only way to ensure an independent consideration of the plans as the council owns the land.
But Mr Holley said he was shocked and surprised at the move. He has now called on the pair to wait until the planning department has given its verdict on the application.
"I am aghast that an AM and an MP call into question the integrity of councillors of all parties," said Mr Holley.
"It is regretful they have such a low opinion of the local authority and elected representatives.
"If anything is requested to be called in by the Assembly, it should be on planing grounds and not on the grounds of personalities.
"I am utterly let down by it. It is a slight against all of the council and elected members, and the integrity of the council."
Readers Views
Given Swansea City Council's abhorrent record dealing with planning applications I for one welcome this intervention. If the Councillors followed the recommendations of their officers then we would not have to suffer the cost of planning appeals going to the Welsh Office, only for thew councillors' decisions to be overturned in most cases. Their record is deplorable and they are a disgrace to Swansea. When asked how to get a planning application passed a local councillor replied that it was necessary to pay the right people, and he didn't mean planning fees! What more can I say.
David Morgan, Swansea
Why are the council so shocked that their integrity is called in to question? With the recent debacles over the Leisure Centre, the ongoing castle quays development that may or may not go ahead, council officials personal planning applications and the swing bridge debate on Oystermouth Road - the list goes on. Our roads are in an extreme state of disrepair, we're losing hospital services and Swansea has the 2nd highest defecit for housing repairs. We see very little for our council tax, so why are people shocked when a multi national corporation rings these alarm bells.
Steve, Swansea
The integrity of Swansea Council has been called into question by calls for a public inquiry into a supermarket development, the council leader has claimed. Chris Holley has hit back at demands by two local politicians for the inquiry into the proposed £20 million Asda supermarket development in Gorseinon.
The US-owned retail giant has submitted plans to Swansea Council to build a new 30,000 sq ft superstore on land between Heol y Mynydd and Cecil Road.
The application has divided public opinion, with concerns including the effect on local businesses and an increase in traffic in the town.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme, but many residents also feel the store would bring a boost to the local community, with knock-on effects for local traders.
Gower MP Martin Caton and the area's AM Edwina Hart this week called on the Assembly to take the planning decision for the new store out of the hands of Swansea Council.
They said it was the only way to ensure an independent consideration of the plans as the council owns the land.
But Mr Holley said he was shocked and surprised at the move. He has now called on the pair to wait until the planning department has given its verdict on the application.
"I am aghast that an AM and an MP call into question the integrity of councillors of all parties," said Mr Holley.
"It is regretful they have such a low opinion of the local authority and elected representatives.
"If anything is requested to be called in by the Assembly, it should be on planing grounds and not on the grounds of personalities.
"I am utterly let down by it. It is a slight against all of the council and elected members, and the integrity of the council."
Readers Views
Given Swansea City Council's abhorrent record dealing with planning applications I for one welcome this intervention. If the Councillors followed the recommendations of their officers then we would not have to suffer the cost of planning appeals going to the Welsh Office, only for thew councillors' decisions to be overturned in most cases. Their record is deplorable and they are a disgrace to Swansea. When asked how to get a planning application passed a local councillor replied that it was necessary to pay the right people, and he didn't mean planning fees! What more can I say.
David Morgan, Swansea
Why are the council so shocked that their integrity is called in to question? With the recent debacles over the Leisure Centre, the ongoing castle quays development that may or may not go ahead, council officials personal planning applications and the swing bridge debate on Oystermouth Road - the list goes on. Our roads are in an extreme state of disrepair, we're losing hospital services and Swansea has the 2nd highest defecit for housing repairs. We see very little for our council tax, so why are people shocked when a multi national corporation rings these alarm bells.
Steve, Swansea
SHAME AT DIRTY CASTLE SQUARE
South Wales Evening Post - 14 September 2006
Swansea's landmark Castle Square has been branded a filthy mess. Critics say they are angry over continuing problems with skateboarders and bike riders using stonework to perform flicks and tricks close to startled passersby.
City centre visitors are also unhappy about the area being used as a personal beer garden for down and outs, who intimidate others with their drunken behaviour.
It often results in discarded beer cans and bottles being left strewn across the square.Last weekend saw it filled with scores of bottles, crates and rotting vegetables. Pedestrians said it left the city centre looking filthy and second rate.
The moans have come just days after the council heralded a big clean up for Swansea. It intends sending in teams of super-quick cleaners to tidy up blackspots.
But city centre worker Ian James, aged 45, of Uplands, said the state of the fountain last weekend "had to be seen to be believed".
He said: "It was a right mess. The fountain was full of litter and looked awful.
"There were also young boys flying about doing stunts and things, it was all very off-putting.
"Castle Square used to be a place for people to enjoy a quiet moment in the city centre. Now it is a gathering point for all kinds of anti-social behaviour.
"Where are the city centre rangers in all this?"Pedestrian Helen Taylor, of Bonymaen, said she had been in the city centre with visitors. She added: " I was ashamed when we came across Castle Square.
"I know it is the public who leave this mess and not the council but why is nothing done about it quickly?''
Swansea Council has insisted it is doing all it can to tackle problems in the area.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said yesterday: "The ranger on duty on Sunday did not report any unusual or unruly behaviour in Castle Square.
"There are signs in place to advise that skateboarding is prohibited in the square, if these are ignored the rangers or the police advise them to move on.
"The fountain in Castle Square is a unique feature in the city centre. It is for the benefit of the community and visitors and is cleaned frequently.
"In spite of this, there is a minority of people which sees fit to discard rubbish into it.
"We would urge all members of the public to dispose of any litter responsibly."
Swansea's landmark Castle Square has been branded a filthy mess. Critics say they are angry over continuing problems with skateboarders and bike riders using stonework to perform flicks and tricks close to startled passersby.
City centre visitors are also unhappy about the area being used as a personal beer garden for down and outs, who intimidate others with their drunken behaviour.
It often results in discarded beer cans and bottles being left strewn across the square.Last weekend saw it filled with scores of bottles, crates and rotting vegetables. Pedestrians said it left the city centre looking filthy and second rate.
The moans have come just days after the council heralded a big clean up for Swansea. It intends sending in teams of super-quick cleaners to tidy up blackspots.
But city centre worker Ian James, aged 45, of Uplands, said the state of the fountain last weekend "had to be seen to be believed".
He said: "It was a right mess. The fountain was full of litter and looked awful.
"There were also young boys flying about doing stunts and things, it was all very off-putting.
"Castle Square used to be a place for people to enjoy a quiet moment in the city centre. Now it is a gathering point for all kinds of anti-social behaviour.
"Where are the city centre rangers in all this?"Pedestrian Helen Taylor, of Bonymaen, said she had been in the city centre with visitors. She added: " I was ashamed when we came across Castle Square.
"I know it is the public who leave this mess and not the council but why is nothing done about it quickly?''
Swansea Council has insisted it is doing all it can to tackle problems in the area.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said yesterday: "The ranger on duty on Sunday did not report any unusual or unruly behaviour in Castle Square.
"There are signs in place to advise that skateboarding is prohibited in the square, if these are ignored the rangers or the police advise them to move on.
"The fountain in Castle Square is a unique feature in the city centre. It is for the benefit of the community and visitors and is cleaned frequently.
"In spite of this, there is a minority of people which sees fit to discard rubbish into it.
"We would urge all members of the public to dispose of any litter responsibly."
TOP POLITICIANS IN ASDA INQUIRY CALL
South Wales Evening Post - 13 September 2006
Controversial plans to build a new £20 million Asda supermarket in Gorseinon should be decided by a public inquiry, according to two senior local politicians. Gower MP Martin Caton and the area's AM Edwina Hart have joined forces to ask the Assembly to take the planning decision for the new store out of the hands of Swansea Council.
The pair claim only an independent review can properly weigh up the arguments for and against the development.
The US-owned retail giant has submitted plans to build the new 30,000 sq ft superstore on land between Heol y Mynydd and Cecil Road.
The application has split public opinion in the community amid concerns over its impact on local businesses and extra traffic in the town centre.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme, but many residents feel the store would be a boost to the local community.
Now the MP and the AM have written to the Assembly's planning minister Carwyn Jones asking him to call in the planning decision and to appoint an inspector to decide the future of the project.
Ms Hart said: "We have to remember that Swansea Council owns the land in question and stands to make millions by leasing it to Asda, if this application gets approval.
"Local people are very worried this will influence their judgement if this decision is left to councillors.
"We want to see this application considered objectively and fairly with all relevant issues properly taken into account.
"We believe that can best be achieved by going straight to public inquiry."
Mr Caton added: "We believe there is no need for this proposed Asda store and that it poses an enormous risk to the future viability of the existing High Street district shopping centre."
Controversial plans to build a new £20 million Asda supermarket in Gorseinon should be decided by a public inquiry, according to two senior local politicians. Gower MP Martin Caton and the area's AM Edwina Hart have joined forces to ask the Assembly to take the planning decision for the new store out of the hands of Swansea Council.
The pair claim only an independent review can properly weigh up the arguments for and against the development.
The US-owned retail giant has submitted plans to build the new 30,000 sq ft superstore on land between Heol y Mynydd and Cecil Road.
The application has split public opinion in the community amid concerns over its impact on local businesses and extra traffic in the town centre.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme, but many residents feel the store would be a boost to the local community.
Now the MP and the AM have written to the Assembly's planning minister Carwyn Jones asking him to call in the planning decision and to appoint an inspector to decide the future of the project.
Ms Hart said: "We have to remember that Swansea Council owns the land in question and stands to make millions by leasing it to Asda, if this application gets approval.
"Local people are very worried this will influence their judgement if this decision is left to councillors.
"We want to see this application considered objectively and fairly with all relevant issues properly taken into account.
"We believe that can best be achieved by going straight to public inquiry."
Mr Caton added: "We believe there is no need for this proposed Asda store and that it poses an enormous risk to the future viability of the existing High Street district shopping centre."
COUNCILLOR HITS OUT AT DELAYS ON RESORT PLAN
South Wales Evening Post - 13 September 2006
A £150 million golf and leisure resort planned for Swansea could be at risk because of Assembly intervention, according to one city councillor. The Royal Fern Park project, which could create more than 200 new jobs, has received the backing of Swansea Council.
However, the Assembly used its powers to call in the plans 16 months ago.
Councillor Richard Lewis says he is worried the plans might now be abandoned because of ongoing delays.
City-based Dillwyn Productions want to create a golf and leisure resort on a 350-acre site near the M4 at Llangyfelach.
One expert has said the development could bring in as much as £35 million a year to the local economy.
Councillor Lewis said: "This project would see the creation of an 18-hole golf course and the setting up of a golfing academy, which would offer free tuition to local youngsters. There would be 95 executive houses, a fitness centre and clubhouse.
"And set amid the woodland around the course would be 80 chalets for use by visiting golfers.
"It would be a major coup to have such a development on our doorstep, and we would hope it would bring about spin-offs from the golfing world.
"In concept, it's not unlike Center Parks.
"Tourism has to be nurtured and developed. I'm sure a development like this would go from strength to strength.
"The Assembly called in the plans in May last year because of concerns over its possible effect on the character and appearance of the area.
Councillor Lewis said: "The Assembly threw a spanner in the works by calling this in, even though there was only one objector. The continuing delays on deciding these plans could put the project at risk.
"I think that's disgraceful, and I want to know which Minister it was who called in these plans.
"If this development fails because of the delays it has been subjected to, then whoever was responsible should resign."
A spokeswoman for the Assembly said yesterday: "The planning application was called in by Carwyn Jones, the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside following notification by Swansea Council that it was a departure from its Development Plan.
"The report from the inspector was delayed because of the inspector's illness.
"We received the report last week and it is our aim to deliver decisions within 12 weeks of the receipt of an inspector's report.
"We expect this case to go before a Planning Decision Committee by December."
A £150 million golf and leisure resort planned for Swansea could be at risk because of Assembly intervention, according to one city councillor. The Royal Fern Park project, which could create more than 200 new jobs, has received the backing of Swansea Council.
However, the Assembly used its powers to call in the plans 16 months ago.
Councillor Richard Lewis says he is worried the plans might now be abandoned because of ongoing delays.
City-based Dillwyn Productions want to create a golf and leisure resort on a 350-acre site near the M4 at Llangyfelach.
One expert has said the development could bring in as much as £35 million a year to the local economy.
Councillor Lewis said: "This project would see the creation of an 18-hole golf course and the setting up of a golfing academy, which would offer free tuition to local youngsters. There would be 95 executive houses, a fitness centre and clubhouse.
"And set amid the woodland around the course would be 80 chalets for use by visiting golfers.
"It would be a major coup to have such a development on our doorstep, and we would hope it would bring about spin-offs from the golfing world.
"In concept, it's not unlike Center Parks.
"Tourism has to be nurtured and developed. I'm sure a development like this would go from strength to strength.
"The Assembly called in the plans in May last year because of concerns over its possible effect on the character and appearance of the area.
Councillor Lewis said: "The Assembly threw a spanner in the works by calling this in, even though there was only one objector. The continuing delays on deciding these plans could put the project at risk.
"I think that's disgraceful, and I want to know which Minister it was who called in these plans.
"If this development fails because of the delays it has been subjected to, then whoever was responsible should resign."
A spokeswoman for the Assembly said yesterday: "The planning application was called in by Carwyn Jones, the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside following notification by Swansea Council that it was a departure from its Development Plan.
"The report from the inspector was delayed because of the inspector's illness.
"We received the report last week and it is our aim to deliver decisions within 12 weeks of the receipt of an inspector's report.
"We expect this case to go before a Planning Decision Committee by December."
REST OF CITY FORGOTTEN
South Wales Evening Post - 6 September 2006
In reply to the article stating Swansea is developing into a desirable place for people to live. It is stated that billions of pounds is being invested over the next 10 years. This will all presumably be in the SA1 and Wind Street areas of the city. The article also featured comments from several members of the public stating they had moved to Swansea and found it a wonderful place to live.
These people all seemed to live in the west of Swansea, in areas such as Mumbles and Limeslade.
I have lived in Swansea all my life and apart from the areas where investment has been made, I have seen the city become a much dirtier, violent and rundown place to live.
If you live in areas such as Manselton, Brynhyfryd and Gendros, it is likely your road has become a rat-run for motorists, your streets dirtier, with litter everywhere and lots of anti-social behaviour and rundown buildings.
It feels as if the rest of Swansea has been forgotten.
If apartments are being bought by wealthy people, they will be for second homes and the wealth will not spread to the rest of the city.We will end up with an even bigger divide between the poor and wealthy areas of Swansea.
This will not benefit anyone as it will lead to more violence and robberies, which will make people want to leave the city.
Mrs S Evans, Courtney Street, Manselton, Swansea
In reply to the article stating Swansea is developing into a desirable place for people to live. It is stated that billions of pounds is being invested over the next 10 years. This will all presumably be in the SA1 and Wind Street areas of the city. The article also featured comments from several members of the public stating they had moved to Swansea and found it a wonderful place to live.
These people all seemed to live in the west of Swansea, in areas such as Mumbles and Limeslade.
I have lived in Swansea all my life and apart from the areas where investment has been made, I have seen the city become a much dirtier, violent and rundown place to live.
If you live in areas such as Manselton, Brynhyfryd and Gendros, it is likely your road has become a rat-run for motorists, your streets dirtier, with litter everywhere and lots of anti-social behaviour and rundown buildings.
It feels as if the rest of Swansea has been forgotten.
If apartments are being bought by wealthy people, they will be for second homes and the wealth will not spread to the rest of the city.We will end up with an even bigger divide between the poor and wealthy areas of Swansea.
This will not benefit anyone as it will lead to more violence and robberies, which will make people want to leave the city.
Mrs S Evans, Courtney Street, Manselton, Swansea
YOUTHS SAY: 'GIVE US SOMEWHERE TO PLAY'
South Wales Evening Post - 5 September 2006
Fed-up Eastside youngsters have called for help to keep them off the streets after it emerged they have lost out on new sports premises. Youngsters said they had been dealt a bitter blow following the news that Swansea Council has decided to foot the bill for a new multi-use games area at Gendros Community Centre.
The youths claim there is nothing for them to do on their doorsteps.Fourteen-year-old Grenfell Park, St Thomas and Port Tennant Youth Forum spokesperson, Daniel Thomas, said: "The young people in the Eastside area are again losing out."
Congratulations to Gendros for getting funding but what is Swansea Council doing for us?
"The Eastside is classed as a deprived area but we are losing out.
"Our parks are being dug up and kids are being left to hang around the streets."
Darren Jones, board member of community regeneration group the GSP Partnership, said: "I absolutely agree with what our youth forum has said.
"Half of Maesteg Park has been turned into a building site for a new school
"While we value the building of the new St Thomas School, it has meant the loss of a much valued playing field.
"Also, Margaret Street Nursery, which has been a centre of community use for almost 40 years, is going to be sold off, probably to a developer."
Daniel added: "We need more youth provision in our area but it seems that what little we did have is being taken away.
"We want Margaret Street Nursery to remain as a community resource."We'd like to see a cyber cafe, we want a creche, we want activities for young people."
St Thomas councillor Alan Richards said: "The nursery could be a community facility, particularly for the GSP Partnership.''I will be pushing for that."We are very short of facilities and I'm sure the community could make good use of it."
Fed-up Eastside youngsters have called for help to keep them off the streets after it emerged they have lost out on new sports premises. Youngsters said they had been dealt a bitter blow following the news that Swansea Council has decided to foot the bill for a new multi-use games area at Gendros Community Centre.
The youths claim there is nothing for them to do on their doorsteps.Fourteen-year-old Grenfell Park, St Thomas and Port Tennant Youth Forum spokesperson, Daniel Thomas, said: "The young people in the Eastside area are again losing out."
Congratulations to Gendros for getting funding but what is Swansea Council doing for us?
"The Eastside is classed as a deprived area but we are losing out.
"Our parks are being dug up and kids are being left to hang around the streets."
Darren Jones, board member of community regeneration group the GSP Partnership, said: "I absolutely agree with what our youth forum has said.
"Half of Maesteg Park has been turned into a building site for a new school
"While we value the building of the new St Thomas School, it has meant the loss of a much valued playing field.
"Also, Margaret Street Nursery, which has been a centre of community use for almost 40 years, is going to be sold off, probably to a developer."
Daniel added: "We need more youth provision in our area but it seems that what little we did have is being taken away.
"We want Margaret Street Nursery to remain as a community resource."We'd like to see a cyber cafe, we want a creche, we want activities for young people."
St Thomas councillor Alan Richards said: "The nursery could be a community facility, particularly for the GSP Partnership.''I will be pushing for that."We are very short of facilities and I'm sure the community could make good use of it."
TENANTS ARE POWERLESS
South Wales Evening Post - 5 September 2006
Peter Black's claim that housing stock transfer will allow tenants "a direct say in the way their homes are managed" is remarkably disingenuous (Have Your Say, August 30). Unlike a commercial company, in which shareholders elect the entire board, tenants in a community mutual will only be able to elect a minority of board members. The tenant members would not be able to amend the constitution or pass resolutions without the support of non-tenants on the board who will clearly have different interests from tenants themselves.
A study at Oxford Brookes University found tenant members of registered social housing boards were "marginalised" and "powerless" in the face of manipulation by senior management. Further, company law would legally prevent tenants on the board from acting as representatives of other tenants.
Mr Black's claim that "voting for a councillor every four years" is somehow not democratically accountable enough is pretty astonishing considering he is up for re-election only every four years.
Mr Black agrees that there is a democratic deficit, but seems to think the solution is privatisation! So much for the "progressive" Liberal Democrats.
Jonny Jones, Swansea Defend Council Housing
Peter Black's claim that housing stock transfer will allow tenants "a direct say in the way their homes are managed" is remarkably disingenuous (Have Your Say, August 30). Unlike a commercial company, in which shareholders elect the entire board, tenants in a community mutual will only be able to elect a minority of board members. The tenant members would not be able to amend the constitution or pass resolutions without the support of non-tenants on the board who will clearly have different interests from tenants themselves.
A study at Oxford Brookes University found tenant members of registered social housing boards were "marginalised" and "powerless" in the face of manipulation by senior management. Further, company law would legally prevent tenants on the board from acting as representatives of other tenants.
Mr Black's claim that "voting for a councillor every four years" is somehow not democratically accountable enough is pretty astonishing considering he is up for re-election only every four years.
Mr Black agrees that there is a democratic deficit, but seems to think the solution is privatisation! So much for the "progressive" Liberal Democrats.
Jonny Jones, Swansea Defend Council Housing
ASSEMBLY COULD CALL IN ASDA PLANS
South Wales Evening Post - 4 September 2006
Controversial plans for a new Asda store in Swansea could be called in by the Assembly, it has been revealed. Campaigners fighting the proposals from the Wal-Mart-owned retail giant are speaking with Assembly Members about the plans.
They are hoping there are strong grounds for calling in the planning application before it goes to Swansea Council, who have agreed a multi-million deal with Asda for the land in Gorseinon.
The move has sparked a massive response from residents.
A petition of 5,200 objectors has been handed in to Swansea City Council opposing the £20 million store.
All the signatures have been collected from shops and offices in the town over the summer.
Secretary of Gorseinon's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Phillip Sillick, said there were overwhelming opposition to the new supermarket earmarked for land between Heol-y-Mynydd and Cecil Road.
He said: "People are worried about the impact from extra traffic in an already congested town and the effect on local businesses."
Mr Sillick said the chamber had repeatedly asked for impact assessment on traffic from the council which has apparently been completed, but it had not be forthcoming.
He said: "People are really worried about the extra traffic and pollution it will cause.
"We feel the roundabout that is proposed to filter people into a 470 new Asda car park is deserving of a separate planning application.
"We are making enquiries of our Assembly members to see if there are grounds to call in this application.
"The chamber feels there are sound planning grounds for the call in procedure on pollution and traffic alone.
"The emotional concerns that the superstore will kill off the local traders of butchers, bakers and charity shops are emotional, but very real fears too."
Mr Sillick said in the last week Asda had been making great play of its cheap back to school clothing lines including 99p T-shirts.
"Even charity shops in Gorseinon cannot sell T-shirts second hand for less than £2.
"The competition is fiercely unfair. Local business do not stand a chance.
"Gorseinon is doomed as we know it if Asda is allowed."
An Asda spokesman said: "Asda's proposed investment in the town reflects the attractiveness of the town.
"The actual and predicted growth of new housing in and around town is also a key driver in Gorseinon's future."
Controversial plans for a new Asda store in Swansea could be called in by the Assembly, it has been revealed. Campaigners fighting the proposals from the Wal-Mart-owned retail giant are speaking with Assembly Members about the plans.
They are hoping there are strong grounds for calling in the planning application before it goes to Swansea Council, who have agreed a multi-million deal with Asda for the land in Gorseinon.
The move has sparked a massive response from residents.
A petition of 5,200 objectors has been handed in to Swansea City Council opposing the £20 million store.
All the signatures have been collected from shops and offices in the town over the summer.
Secretary of Gorseinon's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Phillip Sillick, said there were overwhelming opposition to the new supermarket earmarked for land between Heol-y-Mynydd and Cecil Road.
He said: "People are worried about the impact from extra traffic in an already congested town and the effect on local businesses."
Mr Sillick said the chamber had repeatedly asked for impact assessment on traffic from the council which has apparently been completed, but it had not be forthcoming.
He said: "People are really worried about the extra traffic and pollution it will cause.
"We feel the roundabout that is proposed to filter people into a 470 new Asda car park is deserving of a separate planning application.
"We are making enquiries of our Assembly members to see if there are grounds to call in this application.
"The chamber feels there are sound planning grounds for the call in procedure on pollution and traffic alone.
"The emotional concerns that the superstore will kill off the local traders of butchers, bakers and charity shops are emotional, but very real fears too."
Mr Sillick said in the last week Asda had been making great play of its cheap back to school clothing lines including 99p T-shirts.
"Even charity shops in Gorseinon cannot sell T-shirts second hand for less than £2.
"The competition is fiercely unfair. Local business do not stand a chance.
"Gorseinon is doomed as we know it if Asda is allowed."
An Asda spokesman said: "Asda's proposed investment in the town reflects the attractiveness of the town.
"The actual and predicted growth of new housing in and around town is also a key driver in Gorseinon's future."
TRADERS URGE SHOPPERS TO SHOW SUPPORT
South Wales Evening Post - 2 September 2006
Work to create a new one-way system in The Kingsway will finish in November - but will start again in 2007, it emerged today. Shop owners had been promised that efforts to create the new one-way system would be completed in time for the festive period.
Although contractors will stop their work on November 20, Swansea Council has admitted they will have to return in the new year to put the finishing touches in place.
Traders in Swansea city centre are now begging visitors to use them for their Christmas shopping or risk losing them for good.
They are pleading with customers to start using them for their seasonal gifts before the work is finished in November.
The latest hold-up has come about after it emerged additional work is needed to sewers buried deep beneath the Dragon Hotel roundabout.
Despite the delay, council bosses have assured traders and shoppers that busy Christmas and new year shopping will not be plunged into chaos.
Instead, contractors will leave the site on the deadline date and return in January to complete the job.
Denise Road, chairwoman of JT Morgan, said November was still too late to catch many potential Christmas shoppers.
"Whoever decided to finish the work for December was clearly a man," she added.
"Only men do their Christmas shopping in December - the women who use us do their present buying in September and October.
"If people want to help us recover, they need to start using us now.
"Unlike the nationals, every pound spent in a local shop will stay in Swansea.
"Don't let us pay the price for what the council is doing."
A council spokesman insisted the project, part of a £10 million road improvement scheme ahead of the introduction of the Swansea Metro, was going to plan.
"Work is progressing well on the scheme along The Kingsway," he added.
"Following discussions with Welsh Water, additional work is required to the sewers beneath the Dragon Hotel roundabout.
"Any work which is not completed by November 20 will be completed in the new year."
One Swansea resident, who did not want to be named, added: "I noticed they seemed to be behind with the work. I drive there day in, day out. It's horrendous."
Work to create a new one-way system in The Kingsway will finish in November - but will start again in 2007, it emerged today. Shop owners had been promised that efforts to create the new one-way system would be completed in time for the festive period.
Although contractors will stop their work on November 20, Swansea Council has admitted they will have to return in the new year to put the finishing touches in place.
Traders in Swansea city centre are now begging visitors to use them for their Christmas shopping or risk losing them for good.
They are pleading with customers to start using them for their seasonal gifts before the work is finished in November.
The latest hold-up has come about after it emerged additional work is needed to sewers buried deep beneath the Dragon Hotel roundabout.
Despite the delay, council bosses have assured traders and shoppers that busy Christmas and new year shopping will not be plunged into chaos.
Instead, contractors will leave the site on the deadline date and return in January to complete the job.
Denise Road, chairwoman of JT Morgan, said November was still too late to catch many potential Christmas shoppers.
"Whoever decided to finish the work for December was clearly a man," she added.
"Only men do their Christmas shopping in December - the women who use us do their present buying in September and October.
"If people want to help us recover, they need to start using us now.
"Unlike the nationals, every pound spent in a local shop will stay in Swansea.
"Don't let us pay the price for what the council is doing."
A council spokesman insisted the project, part of a £10 million road improvement scheme ahead of the introduction of the Swansea Metro, was going to plan.
"Work is progressing well on the scheme along The Kingsway," he added.
"Following discussions with Welsh Water, additional work is required to the sewers beneath the Dragon Hotel roundabout.
"Any work which is not completed by November 20 will be completed in the new year."
One Swansea resident, who did not want to be named, added: "I noticed they seemed to be behind with the work. I drive there day in, day out. It's horrendous."
