P-04-539 Save the Coal Exchange – Correspondence from the Petitioner to the Clerking Team, 12.02.15

Kayleigh

Many thanks for the reply.

It is promising that Welsh Government is discussing options for the building, although it is vitally important that this does not progress in the way Cardiff Council did in previous years, with a complete veil of secrecy and apparently no consultation with stakeholders, local residents and local business and  simply appearing to follow their own pre-determined hidden agenda.

It would be assumed that, in contrast to Cardiff Councils approach, appropriately qualified consultants will be selected for the study via an open and transparent process.

I must stress that the petitions aims remain as strong as ever, and I repeat from my petition as follows:-

This petition seeks a commitment from the Welsh Government to set up a public enquiry into the events surrounding the Coal Exchange and to support public opinion which seeks to protect and conserve the building.

Significant funds have been spent by Cardiff Council, and apparently continue to be spent (temporary fencing, staff costs??, lost parking revenue…..etc..) It would seem that this is now well in excess of £1m of which almost none appears to have been spent on protecting the building.   The public enquiry is considered essential as a means of demonstrating accountability of our politicians, rather than the current situation of apparent cover-up and protection.

I would reiterate that the offer of a visit and tour of the Coal Exchange to the petitions committee is in place and trust this offer will now be discussed on the 24^th Feb, and will be taken up in the near future.

Thank you again for your ongoing assistance with this.  It is greatly appreciated.

Regards

Jon