For over three years we've been fighting to save Rumney Recreation Ground from destruction. It's a battle against the leadership of Cardiff Council who appear determined to build on this precious and historic green space at the heart of the Rumney area. It's a battle led by local people who have been ignored at every turn.
I didn't join this battle just because I'm the local MP. 40 years ago I became a youth worker in Llanrumney and throughout that time, until now, the council has respected the views of local people. They know it's a village green – a space that local people use as of right – as much as any village green in Berkshire or Surrey, and the Council knows it too.
During the campaign I've had the privilege of hearing the stories of men and women, young and old, who have told me what this land means to them.
A young mother in Llanrumney pushes her new-born baby in a pram across the Rec as her toddler runs in front of her. She is determined to give her family the best start in life and is grateful for the open green space. That's why she's backing the fight for Rumney Rec to become a village green.
A woman in Trowbridge told me that her grandchildren are the third generation of her family to kick a football around on the Rec while dreaming of playing for Wales. That's why she's backing our fight for Rumney Rec to be recognised as a village green.
A widower in Llanrumney moved to the new estate in the 1950s with his young family. Now in his 90s, as he slowly walks the field he vividly recalls the memories of his late wife and their children sharing a picnic under the blazing summer sunshine. That's why he's backing the fight for Rumney Rec to be recognised as a village green.
A Rumney man who just lost his job told me passionately how important his daily walks on the Rec are. It's his lifeline for keeping a routine and meeting other people before the return to the flat where he lives alone. That's why he's backing the fight for Rumney Rec to be recognised as a village green.
People in Llanrumney, Rumney, St. Mellons, Trowbridge do understand that Llanrumney and Rumney High Schools need to merge to form a single modern 21st Century school. But that school doesn't have to be built on a precious green field that has been the "green lungs" of life in east Cardiff for almost a century.
A Public Inquiry will start at Llanrumney Library on Tuesday 21st September. With local residents, I will represent the people and argue that the Rumney Recreation Ground should be recognised in law as a village green and be protected against the steamrollers and the concrete. Only one objector stands against us - Cardiff Council. Expensive lawyers will be paid for by Cardiff Council - using taxpayers money to frustrate the wishes of thousands of Cardiffians.
We face huge odds. We're David, up against the council's Goliath – and remember that the odds were on Goliath to win! But the wishes of the people are clear and it's not too late for the council to withdraw its objection. That would be a victory for common sense, a victory for the people and in reality a victory for the council. For if they go on like this they will commit a major act of civic vandalism just so that they can make money by selling the old Rumney High School land. If you're going in the wrong direction, a u-turn is a really good idea.
The Village Green Public Inquiry will be held at the Llanrumney Library 21 - 23 September 9am - 5pm.
Alun Michael is Labour MP for Cardiff South and Penarth.
