Salt Lake news is welcome

NEWS that BCBC has come to an arrangement to buy out the private leaseholders of Salt Lake in order to kick-start phase one of the stalled Porthcawl regeneration plan is welcome.

Townspeople have been exasperated by the delays so something was needed to break the deadlock after two supermarket chains pulled out of plans to develop a store on this land.

At the moment, the Evans families have a lease on the nine acres at Salt Lake which does not expire until 2033.

Buying them out gives the council sole control over the 28 acres of the entire site.

The Welsh Conservative group on the council has been asking searching questions about this deal to ensure value for money and will continue to scrutinise this important scheme.

Now the council needs to consult properly with residents about what will go on this site.

Scant regard was paid to their views in the past.

That cannot be repeated.

The people of Porthcawl want to be able to influence the council.

Many people do not want this prime seaside location packed simply with apartments and houses.

Some are happy with a supermarket plus some homes while others prefer a leisure and tourism element which is more than just cafes and restaurants and which would complement the developments around the harbour including the proposed Maritime Centre.

Whatever happens at Salt Lake will need to focus on making Porthcawl a destination town – drawing spending power to its businesses and improving facilities for its own residents as well as visitors.