Big developers should give back to community
I HAVE just read the Echo report on Section 106 money (“City misses out on £18m payout from developers”, August 13). As a community councillor in St Fagans I regret to say Cardiff’s failure in this area does not surprise me at all.
It almost beggars belief that a council spokesman should be defending the attitude of both the council and the developers.
If the developer wants to develop then fine, but the least the council can do is ensure some of the profit goes to the local community. After all, Persimmon, for example, made a profit last year of around £50k on every property sold.
John Griffiths, Chair, St Fagans Community Council
Plaque could honour Mrs Marlon Brando
POOR Anna Kashfi, who claimed to be from Darjeeling, was the daughter of an established butcher in Cardiff. She was a pupil at St Joseph’s Convent School, then clearly sought the bright lights.
Her father William O’Callaghan, who had Indian links, established his family in Newfoundland Road. “Anna” had this gleam of fame and changed her name from Joan Mary O’Callaghan to the name she used in the film industry where somehow she met and married
Brando.
Cardiff has produced Ivor Novello (I was born in the City Lodge opposite the Novello fam- ily home). My mum knew Dan Donovan at one time and father knew Canton girl Tessi O’Shea. Ray Milland claimed to be from Merthyr but hints here and there suggest Cardiff is a possibility.
Whatever, even though “Anna’s” star only glittered for a short while, she did join Hollywood royalty. Might one suggest a modest blue plaque on the house in Newfoundland Road to commemorate Mrs Marlon Brando?
Tom Jones
Plymouth
An optimist’s plans for a better future
AS the UK races towards a no-deal Brexit, Boris plans to create a postBrexit economy based on low taxes, privatisation and deregulation – the holy grail of the rich, global organisations and casino bankers.
Forever an optimist, I offer an alternative vision based on a rulesbased economy, political reform and community well-being:
■ Develop an immigration policy designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified people to promote growth and innovation.
■ Maximise the democratic process by either abolishing or establishing an elected House of Lords.
■ Expedite trade deals by recruiting people with the relevant skills and experience to do so.
■ Publish a written constitution
My mum knew Dan Donovan at one time and father knew Canton girl Tessie O’Shea
Tom Jones Plymouth
and a bill of citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
■ Reduce public and private debt levels by, for example, ending reckless bank and credit card lending.
■ Invest in infrastructure for electric and hydrogen transport systems.
■ Ensure our armed forces, police and security services are equipped