Steps protesters remain resolute (From Barry And District News)

Steps protesters remain resolute

BARRY Island residents are refusing to give up on their fight to keep the steps linking them with the town open.

It has been barely a month since people were told the gates from Clive Road to the Waterfront were to be welded shut because they are unsafe.

Despite meetings with the landowners Associated British Ports (ABP) the gates remained closed so a protest was organised.

On Tuesday, more than 30 people turned up with placards and banners. Sharon Bowen, 28, from Phyllis Street said: "We are not contesting the steps are dangerous. We're saying is the route offered is no safer. They want us to walk through a car park. That will be a nightmare in the summer."

The mother-of-two said she used the steps extensively, adding: "Taxis won't come onto the Island in summer. They meet you at the bottom of the steps."

The protest was backed by representatives from AM Jane Hutt's office, John Smith MP's office, Barry town and Vale of Glamorgan councillors.

Vale Councillor Steffan Wiliam said: "Though no commitment was made by ABP's port director Mr Majumda his only concerns were health and safety. He was open to suggestions as to how to resolve this issue."

Vale Assembly Member Jane Hutt said: "Budha Majumda was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling there is in the local community on this issue. He has agreed to consider if there is any way in which ABP can work with the Vale Council to find a solution."

John Smith MP called on ABP to bring in independent assessors to calculate the risks of the steps.

A Vale of Glamorgan council spokesman said: "Last week Cllr Nic Hodges handed in a 711-named petition objecting to the closure. The implications will need to be considered by the council's Cabinet."