THIS issue has fast become a hot topic, with politicians and Argus readers keen to air their views.

One reader commented on the Argus forum: "I can't believe what I'm hearing and reading regarding the listed building at the Celtic Manor. Have you seen it in the flesh?

"Now you might not play golf (which I don't) and you might not be a fan of Terry Matthews but if the eyes of the world will be on us for a couple of days and does the world want to see that eyesore right next to a clubhouse?

"This decision only emphasises the petty parochialism that abounds in our local government where more antipathy to a benefactor such as Terry Matthews overrides common sense.

"Shame on you councillors who have once again dragged our city's name through the mud."

Director of Hutchings and Thomas chartered surveyors Robert Carew-Chaston said Sir Terry was looking for a bit of assistance from the council.

He said the building "is not going to give the Celtic Manor the right image and its not going to reflect Newport in the best light."

Former councillor Christine Jenkins rang in and said she sat on the Newport planning committee that rejected the plan to demolish the building in 2006.

"We haven't got a lot of heritage but the little that we have got we should keep."

She said Sir Terry had four years to put it right.

Reader Edna Evans of Bettws said that the building could go to St Fagans.

"It would solve a lot of arguments," she said.

Jimmy Bryant of Chepstow Road called in to say it seemed to him "someone with a lot of money was steamrolling" over the council.

Newport West MP Paul Flynn appeared to disagree with the decision and said the sensible thing would be to move the farmhouse.

He said: "I understand Sir Terry's anger and the reason why he was angry," but he added: "I hope peace reigns between them."

Newport West AM Rosemary Butler said moving the farm would have been a good compromise but added: "I do think that Sir Terry really should have thought about this a lot earlier."