Centre black pioneer ‘snub’

A COUNCIL refused to name a new community centre after a black woman pioneer – and called it “Cemetery Approach” instead.

Campaigners are furious over the snub to their drive to call the new centre after Gwen Hinds Payne, the first black woman councillor in Wales.

But council chiefs in Barry rejected the tribute – and named it “Cemetery Approach Community Centre”.

The decision has sparked fury among anti-racism campaigners left “deeply disappointed and saddened”.

Stand Up To Racism Vale chairman Alison Woolcock said: “I am deeply disappointed and saddened that Barry Town Council failed to listen to public opinion and then held a limited consultation which did not offer Gwen’s name as a possible suggestion.

“Gwen Payne was a pioneer who, as the first black woman councillor in Wales, deserves to be recognised for her achievements. Barry has a long history of multi-culturalism.

“This could have been a fantastic opportunity for the council to honour a former member and would have been a positive start to Black History Month.”

Councillor Payne was born in Barry in 1917 and became the first black female councillor in Wales when she was elected in 1972.

She later went on to serve as Vale of Glamorgan mayoress from 1974 until 1976 and as Barry Town Council deputy mayor in 1979.

Ms Woolcock added: “Gwen should be celebrated for making history.”

Barry Town Council chief officer Emily Forbes said: “The council consulted with the public and took on board views and comments including those of this specific group.

“Full council resolved that the community building is not named after one individual.”