Town hall idea 'is disgusting' (From Barry And District News)

Town hall idea 'is disgusting'

BARRY Town Hall, which has been battled over for nearly two decades, is at the centre of a new row.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council scrutiny committee has decided to use regeneration cash to house a chairman's office in the building.

This has again sparked anger among councillors.

Cllr Bob Wilkinson, Labour representative for the Court Ward, said: "I was under the impression funds were being made available for improvements to the town hall for the benefit of the public.

"I do not believe the people of Barry will throw a party if they see a chain of office walking through the doors, taking up space that could be used for public facilities.

He stressed: "I always saw the town hall as housing a library, a place for local organisations to meet, somewhere sociable for the people.

"But I never thought the Vale of Glamorgan Council would consider taking over the first floor of the East wing. It already has the civic offices."

Barry town councillor Harry Clease, vice-chairman of the finance committee, agreed.

He said: "I am amazed and disgusted this was even suggested. This part of Barry is the most neglected: a tip, a dump. In my opinion, this is a retrograde step in the fight for the town hall. Putting the Vale chairman in there is no benefit."

Cllr Wilkinson concluded: "The redevelopment of Barry's town hall was a step forward. But to cut space away from the facilities in this way is terrible."

A spokesman for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said: "A wide-ranging debate took place, during which a series of issues were raised.

"The committee agreed to endorse a Cabinet decision that the former council chamber and associated offices on the first floor should, in any planned redevelopment, be used as a suite of offices and a meeting room for Vale Council chairmen."

What do you think? Write to the News with your views.