Glyncornel

In celebrating our environment we also need to protect the environmental resources we have. I am opposed to any suggestion of losing Glyncornel as an environmental and educational centre.

It is important to clear up one myth being peddled about Glyncornel, however. It is not being closed. There was a proposal for closure made by consultants commissioned by the previous Plaid Cymru-run Council. The Labour Council has turned that closure proposal.

3,567 people use the Glyncornel centre on a day basis each year, over 1500 of them primary school children. The Council tells me that the facility for schools to take their children to the centre and use the nature trail etc is remaining as are the classroom/ resource centre rooms which the schools use when visiting with pupils. The Council says it is looking to develop the 'leisure, park and countryside aspect of the site' which will still be open for residents to enjoy. The small Rhondda Museum may stay at Glyncornel or possibly move to the Heritage Park.

However, I am very concerned about the possible loss of the hostel facility. In 2004-5 over 3000 people used this facility, and roughly the same number have used it so far in 2005-6.

I have written to the Council with a series of questions about the continuation of Glyncornel. I am supporting the public meeting to be chaired by Chris Bryant MP on February 3rd.