Health centre a real priority for the future.

Byline: By Gavin O'Connor South Wales Echo

A transformed health centre is the biggest priority for people living in the heart of a rundown community.

That's according to some of the early feedback from visitors to an exhibition highlighting what could be in store for Loudoun Square, Butetown, Cardiff.

The regeneration proposals were on display in a caravan at St Mary the Virgin Church in Wales Primary School playground in North Church Street yesterday.

A new health centre is included within the proposals as well as retail units alongside affordable housing and a community facility.

The exhibition features draft ideas for the redevelopment of the area which follows on from last April's public consultation where residents were given the opportunity to pass on their views on how Loudoun Square could be improved.

Catrin Oliver, associate director at White Young Green Planning, who have developed preliminary options, said it was too early to give an indication of cost or what new shops would be built.

However, she said a health centre was being touted as one of the main priorities.

She said: 'People have mentioned having a launderette, a library and a hairdressing salon.

'But one of the real important elements of the regeneration seems to be the health centre and what it could offer.'

Former Butetown Councillor Betty Campbell said not much had moved forward since a series of drop-in sessions were held last year.

'It's fine having caravans and exhibitions but people don't really understand what are on the walls,' she said.

'More face-to-face meetings would give people more information.

'Priorities for the regeneration would be having a new health centre for everyone because the one we have now doesn't serve its purpose.'

She added: 'I also feel there should be a separate building altogether, preferably away from Butetown, where drug addicts can go.

'We desperately need a multi-purpose community centre, built for the diverse community we have in Butetown.'

Mum Salwa Diyab, of Hodges Street, Butetown, said: 'It's good to see the pictures and the bird's eye plan.

'We need this regeneration badly.'

Today, the caravan was moving on to Mount Stuart Primary School, Adelaide Street, and it waill be at St Cuthbert's Primary School in Letton Road, tomorrow, both between 3pm and 6pm.

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Publication:	South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales)
Date:	Feb 13, 2007
Words:	376
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