By Sue Vincent-Jones
WELL done Vale of Glamorgan Council, you really know how to read the room by instinctively realising what’s right for our residents – said absolutely no-one…ever.
I’m absolutely flabbergasted, that despite a staggering £13 million quid reported in reserves, plus the rich revenue from our recent unreal council tax hike, they seem keen to hit our hardworking folk with as many money-making moves as possible.
Letters to locals demanding they pay to access their own driveways, pandemic battered businesses charged to take a table or two outside, and parking charges slapped on nearly every top tourist attraction in their area.
Truth be told, I’m actually up for paying for parking in the town, I think permits have their place.
But couldn’t the council have taken a bit of time to let our town come back to some sort of post-lockdown life before letting loose with those awful officious letters.
Imagine using your driveway for years and that lands on the mat telling you to fork out £1,000 to get into your own home or take your chances parking on the street outside.
Such terrible timing as our cash-strapped community comes out of coronavirus chaos, and as far as I can see no community consultation.
No safe socially distanced public meetings, open online forums, or signs of satisfactory solution with resident groups here, just a dire diktat to pay up and shut up.
Bit of a community chat would have been nice, leading to a shared understanding, a bit of breathing space and then a gentle reminder that it’s time to take to the pavements and sort the driveway dilemma out – with help for those who can’t raise the revenue quickly.
So why not pounce on the coronavirus aftermath Vale council to shake things up a bit, start a new community conversation, and create a more listening local authority?
What do you think?
Like or make comment below.
