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Resident Seeks Removal from Council Regeneration Video After Unauthorized Appearance
A Porthcawl resident has received an apology from Bridgend County Borough Council after discovering his image was used without consent in what he described as a Labour Party “propaganda” video promoting local regeneration plans.
Darren Beveridge attended a council-organized exhibition at the Hi Tide Inn to review the latest proposals for regenerating the Welsh seaside town. Days later, he was surprised to find footage of himself speaking with a planning officer featured in a Facebook video promoted by Bridgend County Labour councillors.
In a formal complaint to council leader John Spanswick, Beveridge objected to his inclusion, stating he had not agreed with the masterplan during the conversation captured on video. He expressed concern that his appearance alongside others who supported the plan could misleadingly suggest his endorsement.
“When my wife and I entered the Hi Tide, we were requested to sign in. I asked what it was for and was told that it was nothing to worry about and only to capture the number of attendees and where they live,” Beveridge wrote. “We did not give an agreement to be used in a Labour video, as I would definitely not side with Labour on any aspect.”
Councillor Spanswick promptly apologized for the “oversight” and committed to having the video edited to remove Beveridge’s image. “It was a public meeting open to all but [I] accept the point you are making,” the council leader responded.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the ambitious Porthcawl Waterfront regeneration project, which aims to transform the popular coastal destination known for hosting the annual Elvis Festival. The current plans represent a revised approach following previous iterations that faced community criticism.
According to publicly presented information, the regeneration scheme includes several key components designed to enhance both residential and tourism aspects of the town. Plans feature a new open-air lido and funfair to celebrate Porthcawl’s seaside heritage while creating fresh landmarks for visitors.
The housing component has been scaled back from earlier versions, now comprising approximately 980 homes with a target of up to 50% designated as affordable housing—a move aimed at prioritizing local residents. Building heights have also been reduced in response to community feedback about preserving the town’s character and coastal views.
Public space enhancements form a central part of the strategy, with proposals to expand Griffin Park and create a new coastal park and boardwalk connecting the waterfront. The plan emphasizes increased public open space and community facilities throughout the development area.
The regeneration would also return Sandy Bay Beach to public ownership, creating opportunities for hosting events such as surf lessons, outdoor fitness activities, and markets—strengthening Porthcawl’s identity as an active coastal destination.
Addressing long-standing concerns about traffic management, the plan incorporates new walking and cycling routes alongside parking solutions including a refurbished open-air car park and additional public parking areas.
The edited promotional video, now without Beveridge’s appearance, features interviews with several residents expressing positive views about the regeneration plans. One long-term resident commented: “I think the plans are great. This area has needed regeneration for so long… I think it will enhance the town because there’s going to be 2,500, maybe 3,000 new residents with kids. All the businesses are going to actually thrive off that.”
Another resident praised the family-friendly aspects of the plan: “It’s nice to see there’s so much for the youngsters, because I think Porthcawl’s really missing facilities for our young children… It’s also nice to see that the height of the buildings has been reduced significantly.”
The first phase of the Porthcawl Waterfront regeneration project is expected to break ground in spring 2027, with ongoing opportunities for public input as detailed planning continues.
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7 Comments
Residents have a right to privacy and to control how their image is used. The council should have obtained explicit permission before including this person in their video.
I agree, the council’s actions seem questionable. They should issue a sincere apology and review their policies to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
While regeneration plans may be important, the council’s actions here demonstrate a lack of respect for individual privacy. They need to be more mindful of residents’ rights.
The resident’s complaint seems valid. Using someone’s image in a promotional video without their knowledge or consent is unethical, regardless of the video’s purpose.
Absolutely. The council should take responsibility and make changes to prevent such privacy violations in the future.
This is a concerning breach of trust between local government and residents. Transparency and consent should be the foundations of any community engagement efforts.
This is concerning to see that a resident’s image was used without consent in a promotional video. Privacy and transparency should be top priorities for local governments.