Some 1,200 people from the neighbouring area have signed a petition opposing the plans, which are due to be discussed by the city's planning committee today.

Coun Thomas studied sociology at Swansea University as a mature student.

Friends say he always regretted not enrolling at university as a youngster.

He qualified as a quantity surveyor and worked on many of the schools around the capital, including Fitzalan High in Leckwith.

He and his wife both worked for Cardiff Council, he in the quantity surveying department and Angela in the adult services division.

The Labour man was a proud socialist and, when Kevin Brennan decided to run for election to the Cardiff West seat in June 2001 following Rhodri Morgan's decision to relinquish the Parliamentary position and concentrate on the National Assembly for Wales, Coun Thomas became Mr Brennan's election agent.

On the candidate's successful election, Coun Thomas quit his job and took on the role of Mr Brennan's caseworker at Welsh Labour's headquarters and the Cardiff West constituency office at Transport House on Cathedral Road, Cardiff.

Two years ago, when he turned 65, Coun Thomas reduced his work so he could serve part-time.

He and Angela had three grown-up children: Amy, Dan and Laura.

Amy is a doctor, and recently emigrated to Australia; Laura works for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service while Dan is a microbiologist.

Coun Thomas' friends said he was a huge fan of the Cardiff Blues rugby team and the national side.

In his youth he was an active sportsman, running half marathons and even a marathon.

Coun Thomas devoted many years to public service in the city and only fell ill late last year.

But the regressive cancer spread to other parts of his body following his diagnosis in the autumn.

He sat on the council's planning and licensing committees. Political colleagues and opponents alike agree he was principled, with strong views to which he stuck.

Coun Thomas gained huge respect for the stances he took, his steadfastness and resolve.

Volunteers are being sought to help co-ordinate the scheme which works by text, e-mail, fax or telephone call.

Chief Inspector Steve Siddall called for residents to come forward across Cardiff.

He said: "The community and particularly the Neighbourhood Watch members are the eyes and ears of the police and we appreciate their on-going support.

"Ringmaster makes a significant contribution to making our communities safer and also provides reassurance to residents as it encourages people to be good neighbours."

It is hoped that Ringmaster will be particularly effective when police receive reports of bogus callers and distraction burglars.

Terry Lewis, from the Cardiff West Neighbourhood Watch Association said: "TheRingmaster system is an excellent tool in the fight against crime.

"Co-ordinators are kept up to date with what is happening in their areas and therefore they are also in a position to notify the police of anything of a suspicious nature reported to them by other residents."

Terry Flynn, of the Cardiff East NHW Association, added: "We at Cardiff East Neighbourhood Watch are delighted that the Ringmaster system is being re-launched.

"Ringmaster is an excellent method for the police to communicate with Neighbourhood
Watch co-ordinators and other groups such as doctors' surgeries, garages, public houses and many more groups, providing the very latest details of criminality in our communities as well as providing advice on crime prevention matters.

"We urge residents of Cardiff to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Group in their area, and help to make our communities a safer place to live, work and play."

If you wish to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Group in your area of Cardiff please contact 029 2073 1742.

Despite falling pregnant at similar times last year, they were determined to keep up the pace, exercising almost right up until their due dates.

And after post-birth medical check-ups and the go-ahead from their GPs, they were back on the track shifting the baby bulge.

Mother-of-one Jo gave birth to nine-week-old Emily by Caesarean section.

Although she is now limited to what she can do after the procedure, she wants to encourage women that no matter what labour they went through, they can still get back out and start rebuilding their fitness levels while shifting the extra baby pounds.

She said: "Joining a group like Outdoor Fitness is fab.

"It's great to be able to exercise with friends and everyone is so encouraging.

"The trainers tailor all the exercises to each individual person, which is great for me having had a c-section and being slightly restricted now.

"The most important thing is knowing your own limits and not pushing yourself too far."
Mother-of-two Alex, whose five-week-old daughter Libby was induced two weeks early, goes training with her husband three times a week.

She said: "It's our social life. This is our chance to see our friends and get fit at the same time. People ask me why I put myself through it so soon after giving birth, but I tell them it's like brushing my teeth - it's routine.

"My three-year-old Mia loves it too.

"When she knows I'm going training she practices her press-ups.

"My GP even suggested that for someone like me who is used to exercising a lot, stopping training during pregnancy could do more harm than good.

"You have just got to be careful."

Mum Leah, who gave birth naturally to Macsen in October, currently goes training four or five times a week.

She said: "I put on minimal baby weight during the pregnancy and have shifted it already.

"The groups are open to people of all fitness and are a great way of getting outdoors and staying up-beat despite the post-baby effects on your body."

Outdoor Fitness Ltd trainer Jeff Webb added: "I must stress that although we encourage all walks of life to come along to our classes, new mums especially must be careful and must check with their GP before enrolling in any hard exercise."

By Emily Woodrow