County delivery plan criticised
A few months ago Llangefni AgeWell (an organisation offering many vital social and support activities for the over-50s) was deeply shocked to hear of the death at an early age of one of their much-loved members, Barbara Taylor.
She had been in delicate health for some time but was an enthusiastic member of the Craft group, and outstandingly talented jewellery maker – raising funds for AgeWell – and a very keen member of the Art group. She also attended the falls prevention classes.
Barbara was always thinking of other people and was also a dedicated volunteer at the Llangefni Red Cross Charity shop, often struggling in when she was not well.
She lived locally in a small central block of flats and was determined to make the entrance to these apartments as pleasant and attractive as possible for all the residents and passers-by to enjoy. So, she got the help of a member of the Art A council blueprint has come under criticism for leaving out one of the island’s major towns and planning to build a new 3G pitch that could leave a hockey club homeless.
Yesterday, members of Anglesey council passed its first ever delivery plan for 2018/19 - its own version of the “Queen’s Speech” - which included proposals for more social housing, business units and encouraging cruise ship visitors to spend their money locally.
Despite being passed by Group to turn over the soil round an existing raised bed, which had just a single tree in the middle.
Spending her own money, she planted bulbs and other spring flowers there and soon it was a joy to behold!
Sadly, she became ill before Christmas and later passed away.
All her many friends were a wide margin, there were some concerns that aspects of the plan had left out Amlwch and swathes of northern Anglesey - a claim the leadership were keen to shoot down.
Cllr Aled Morris Jones questioned the proposals to build more business units in Holyhead and Llangefni while no such provision was given for similar units in Amlwch.
He said: “We must remember that Amlwch is the nearest town to Wylfa Newydd, which is one of the biggest developments that will be seen here for generations. The clock is shocked at the loss of such a gentle, kind woman.
They were anxious to mark her generous life in a tangible manner. The Art Group commissioned a little memorial plaque, made by local craftsmen, and this was securely concreted in to the little garden she had created.
Other AgeWell members contributed plants to add to the ticking and we have no time to waste.”
In response, deputy council leader Ieuan Williams said that the problem at the moment is a lack of available land to build around the industrial estate.
“We hope that this changes of course, but those are the circumstances we currently find ourselves in.”
Cllr Morris Jones also raised concerns that transforming the current astoturf at Plas Arthur in Llangefni into a 3G surface would leave Bangor Hockey Club without a plot.
Imagine everyone’s anguish, both at AgeWell and at the flats and Red Cross shop, to discover not long after its erection that it had been vandalised and cruelly ripped out of the pretty garden.
The police and council were informed, but no-one seemed able to throw any light on the senseless, unkind act.
Her friends remain totally staggered that anyone could have committed such a nasty deed.
However, the sadness and disbelief of ther old neighbours, new tenants and extensive circle of friends soon turned to positive action.
Many people have now donated plants, and the Art Group have money put aside to plant new bulbs next September. If anyone has any information about this wicked, heartless vandalism, please contact Llangefni police – who would like to hear from you.
Pauline Kenyon, Llangefni AgeWell chairman venue to call its own.
The authority is planning to forge ahead with the 3G proposals at a cost of around £200,000, hoping to attract grant funding of around £50,000 towards the development.
At present, the hockey club’s junior section is based at Llangefni but, once the new 3G surface has been installed, it would effectively leave them homeless.
Cllr Carwyn Jones, economic development and leisure portfolio holder, said: “We’re proud to be developing a 3G facility, as football clubs have been urging us to bring something like this to the island.
“It will also generate its own income.
“It is true that this will have an impact on Bangor Hockey Club but discussions are already underway and I’m aware there are alternative astroturf pitches available at RAF Valley and Canolfan Brailsford in Bangor.”
The detailed contents of the plan, which has been adopted as council policy for 2018/19, can be seen online at http:// democracy.anglesey.gov. uk/documents/s12701/