Passing Comment – Barry must protect its sporting facilities
WELL, WELL, another day, another row with our valiant Vale Council as they once again make plans to slash one of our vital amenities – the Colcot Sports Centre.
A recent published proposal looks set to see the Colcot Amateur Boxing Club, the Dance School, a Welsh Language nursery, and our sand-filled hockey pitch all disappear.
The bulldozers would move in, knocking down their Colcot base to make way for more houses, and increase parking from 24 to an eye-watering 204.
Add that to the 140 houses being built on the old Barry College and you can’t help cross everything that our shaky roads can cope.
Imagine the chaos and congestion of treble the traffic along Colcot Road – and all at snail’s pace too as we observe the recent 20mph rule.
Campaigners, who have already swung into social media action with a petition, protest and public meeting, concede that a newer sports centre at the Colcot site would remain. There would also be along the six ‘cages’ which serve mini football.
I, along with them, also accept that the existing changing facilities at the Colcot Sports Centre site desperately need a long-awaited upgrade. I don’t think the building has changed since my kids changed for football there back in the day.
And let’s be honest, if we can’t step up to support the increasing demand for women and girls football, we may as well shut up shop and start driving around on horses and carriages again.
Campaigners are now calling for alternative proposals. In my view, Colcot Sports Centre site needs a modern, fresh, feel that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our up-and-coming town.
So come talk to us please councillors. I’m sure our resilient residents can come up with a perfect plan that’s not just houses and car park space. We look forward to hearing from you.
By Sue Vincent Jones
The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors
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