AGAINST a growing amount of concern, including opposition from a ward councillor, a council committee will meet this week to make a decision on plans to sell alcohol within the confines of a Penarth area country park.

As reported on Penarth Nub News last month, Vale of Glamorgan Council is looking to gain permission to sell alcohol and host events at Cosmeston Medieval Village, which is located within the Cosmeston Counctry Park.

The council's tourism and events department has applied for a premises licence to increase the services offered at the restored medieval village.

A meeting of the council's licensing committee will be held on Friday (14 October) when the application is the only item on the agenda.

In a report (which can be read in full via this link) to members of the committee, a number of residents outline their opposition to the plan, summed up by this comment: "We totally object to the granting of an alcohol license and all year entertainment at this venue with all the problems that will bring, from noise to pollution, and potential anti-social behaviour, in what is after all a Country Park setting", while another resident says: "It will detract from the tranquillity and openness of the Medieval Village and Country Park. It is considered that these proposals would serve to increase the general levels of any noise or disturbance associated with the use of the park.

Local Cllr Anthony Ernest, whose Plymouth ward includes part of the park, has also joined the objectors, writing to the council to say: "The park is heavily used throughout the year, with many thousands of visitors. There have been a considerable number of crime incidents reported to the Police over a period of many years. The addition of Alcohol will increase such incidents, especially with such Late Hours being sought by the applicants.

"There have been a number of tragic incidents at the park in recent years, including death by drowning. The availability of alcohol could well see an increase in similar incidents through the prior consumption of available alcohol.

"Cosmeston Lakes is surrounded by many hundreds of residential homes, and additional noise and disturbance from those enjoying alcohol in the late evening will affect the amenity and peace of these neighbourhoods. This is unacceptable."

The Conservative councillor concluded: "Many children use the Country Park, and School Groups are an integral element in providing an income to the upkeep of the park. Persons taking alcohol throughout the day and evening could well impact on the safety of children, who may be unaccompanied, and for this reason, I do not support the availability of alcohol within the park's perimeter.

"For those wishing to consume alcohol, there is a lIcensed restaurant around 100 metres outside the park."

South Wales Police initially objected to the application, but subject to a number of conditions, they say they have removed opposition.