Route is vital say residents (From Barry And District News)

Route is vital say residents

BARRY Island residents claim they are feeling more isolated than ever after gates leading to the town were welded shut.

As reported in last week's News, Associated British Ports (ABP) decision to close access from Clive Road and the Docks has been met with disbelief.

Now the campaign to reopen the route has gathered momentum.

An Assembly Member has offered her support as have the local Plaid Cymru group. Barry town councillor Howard Provis said: "We have seen the strength of feeling from people who use the steps to get to and from school and the town.

"The decision to close the gates was made only a few weeks ago yet a petition already has 700 names on it.

"We're meeting with Associated British Ports very soon. Hopefully we can settle this with mature debate."

The steps linking Clive Road to the waterfront have been used for generations as a permissive right of way. But health and safety legislation tightened and ABP closed the gates, offering then a different route around the waterfront.

Janet Haywood from Barry Island primary school said: "The closure of the steps is a huge disappointment to the community. It was a vital access route not just for shopping but for doctors visiting patients. We're also disappointed it was done without consultation."

Vale Cllr Steffan William said: "We have a few solutions in mind but if there is no negotiating with them, we are prepared to start waving placards."

Ivor Kerslake, 58, and his wife Vera, 57, have lived on Clive Road for over 30 year. They say their four children were denied bus passes because of the steps.

Ivor said: "When we applied, people from the council came and measured the distance between our house and their schools.

"They said the steps were a public right of way and we lived 200 yards too near to get a pass."

Jane Hutt AM scheduled her meeting to present the petition to Kevin Francis, the estates manager, of ABP yesterday.

She said: "I wanted to explore with ABP whether there is any way to keep this vital link open."