Manorbier.com
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL BUILDING AT SKRINKLE
Whilst the editorial space might be at a premium and the final say of what is printed is vested with the Editors, it is worth seeing the original unedited version of the submitted letter. We supply such a copy upon which the reported "letter" about the possible additional building at Skrinkle was based and as it was supplied to the press.
Dear Editor, As the county councillor for the ward of Manorbier I would like to provide my comment on the sensational but nonetheless misleading headlines in your paper dated 16th May 2007. As far as I am aware the only pieces of land the county council intend to sell to the Pembrokeshire Housing Association are two small areas close to existing houses. The first one is between the fenced play area on Dewing Avenue and the existing houses and the second area is close to Skrinkle Cottage on Hounsel Avenue. The community council were fully aware of the proposals as I had kept the council fully informed at previous meetings. I have been informed that before being asked to sign the petition many residents were advised that I had agreed to demolish all the play areas in the area for the construction of social housing. My decision to support the sale of the land was made bearing in mind that there is a serious shortage of housing in the ward I represent. The truth is that my representations were taken to Cabinet by Cllr Stock that the fenced area for small children should be safeguarded and that the second area near Skrinkle Cottage should be considered more carefully before being sold. I also asked that as we have parking problems on the estate that any money raised by the sale should be used to alleviate the problem. As the result of the JUDP plan in my ward no areas are allocated for housing. Many residents brought up or currently residing in the area have contacted me to raise their concerns regarding the shortage of housing to rent or buy. Mr Wales has in the past put himself forward for positions to represent the public but as an un-elected private individual he undoubtedly retains the right and freedom to organise petitions gaining publicity through accepting the names in front of newspaper cameras. Whilst I do not wish to denigrate Mr Wales' very public exercise of this freedom, elected representatives have to make decisions based on the greater good of the community as a whole. It is a fact that the Skrinkle estate has within its boundaries a small children's fenced play area and a large children's fenced play area, also within easy walking distance there exists a large football field and a separate large cricket field /recreation area. I would suggest that the recreation facilities in this area of the ward far outweigh the provision for any other area of the ward. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a concern that I have in relation to the provision of housing issue namely that when the houses are built sufficient consideration must be given to ensure that people who live in the area are actually allocated the houses. In addition a solution for the housing crisis will only be found when the planning authorities, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Pembrokeshire County Council, take a realistic approach and allocate more land for development outside the current boundary of the JUDP plan. The appointment and funding of a rural enabling officer to assess the need for more housing is surely a complete waste of our taxes when it is common knowledge that there is a crisis in the housing market. |