Cash to help steam railway (From Barry And District News)

Cash to help steam railway

THE VALE of Glamorgan Railway Company on Barry Island has been given an injection of cash to help phase three of the Steam Railway Project on its way.

The National Assembly have earmarked half a million pounds for the Vale of Glamorgan Council. It will be used to link the causeway to the Heritage Skills Training Centre and the Gladstone Road Bridge, with stops in between.

Stuart Bailey, Director of Finance for the Vale of Glamorgan Railway told the News: "We are a voluntary organisation, and the people who work here give a lot to the running of the centre. We are rapidly becoming an important part of this community.

"We work closely with schools around the Vale, helping children understand rail safety and management as part of their National Curriculum Key Stages One and Two.

"Also, many young people on the New Deal have used the Heritage Centre as a springboard into employment. This year, we have found our takings increase by 15 percent. Our patronage is up 45 percent."

The profile of the steam railway has been raised by recent events. Trips onto the Island from the Waterfront during the hugely successful RNLI celebrations last summer were popular. Schools all over Wales are coming for the Heritage seasonal activities. Santa comes every day, plus an art workshop and professional story teller.

Assembly Member Jane Hutt said: "The work the centre is doing is obvious. Since moving to Barry from Cardiff Bay, they have become a vital part of the community and the Assembly is pleased to support its growth and development."

The Vale of Glamorgan Railway Company is supported by Barry Action, a partnership between the Welsh Development Agency and the Vale council.

For more information, call into the Barry Heritage Centre, Barry Island or telephone 01446 748816.