I REFER to Matthew Pimm’s recent enquiry as to what’s happening at Tredegar Park. Over ten years ago, Newbridge Construction Company presented plans to build housing on ground behind Whitehead’s sports ground near Pye Corner.

The problem was, however, the proposed site was on a flood plane. The developer’s plans were to build up the ground by bringing in thousands of tons of material. Also, flood protection schemes would be developed along the banks of the Ebbw. Being such an historic and beautiful area, many objections were raised. To protect the houses from the risk of flooding, it was proposed to lower the banks of the Ebbw, so enabling Tredegar Park to become a temporary flood storage lake. There were further objections and alternative plans were put forward.

This time it was proposed to heighten the banks of the river as far as Pont Ebbw. To walk in the park, you would lose sight of the river! All objections to the developer’s plans were upheld. So, how did the scheme get approval? The WAG’s Carwyn Jones stepped in with three others (none local) and within an hour had overturned all that had gone before. I believe they call it democracy at Cardiff Bay.

Ian Brewer, Melfort Road, Newport