Vale of Glamorgan panel was supposed to ‘tackle prejudice in all its forms’
A REVIEW panel set up by Vale of Glamorgan Council in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement has met only once.
The panel was supposed to review all statues and commemorations, including street names, public buildings and plaques across the Vale that might have links to slavery.
Black Lives Matter Cardiff and Vale said: “This review panel is merely a performative gesture nothing more.”
Following the announcement of the panel in November 2020, Councillor Liz Burnett, told the Penarth Times: “I’m grateful for the Black Lives Matter movement for being the catalyst to bring this onto the agenda.”
But over a year later, the review panel has only ever met once, to confirm its terms of reference.
Black Lives Matter Cardiff and Vale said: “Large institutions like the council set up these review panels to appease those calling for change without the council actually having to make any change.
“If the council wants to create real change they need to meaningfully engage with the community and listen to voices of the community.
“In order for us to create a better future we must acknowledge the past.”
Vale of Glamorgan Council did not respond to a request for comment.
A ‘vital’ review to tackle prejudice
In announcing the beginning of a review in June 2020, council leader Neil Moore described the policy as: “A further example of the council’s determination to tackle prejudice in all its forms.
“It is vital those on public land are representative of local people’s values and those of a modern, inclusive council.”
The advisory panel was supposed to listen to the views of people from towns and communities across the Vale to decide a way forward.
In November 2020, First Minister Mark Drakeford ordered an urgent audit of statues, street and building names to address Wales’ connections with slavery and the slave trade.
The audit identified a number of street names in the Vale with possible connections to slavery including:
- Gladstone Road, Barry
- Gladstone Gardens, Barry
- Hood Road, Barry
- Nelson Road, Barry
- Clive Road, St Athan
- Picton Court, Llantwit Major
The Cardiffian contact the Vale council for comment several times but it did not respond.
