Town's identity 'must be saved' (From Barry And District News)

Town's identity 'must be saved'

A BARRY professor has thrown down the gauntlet by challenging the Vale of Glamorgan Council to protect the town's character.

Unveiling a statue cast by local artist Robert Thomas in Barry Library on Tuesday April 8, Professor Tony Curtis issued a stark warning to the authority.

The Colcot Road scholar said: "Having lost the docks, Barry is seriously in need of another identity.

"If this town is not to become absorbed into a greater Cardiff, if we are to preserve something of its history, we must plan public art to preserve the distinct character."

Professor Curtis called for a cultural centre or museum as a focus of memory and pride.

He said: "We recently witnessed the demolition of the ill-fated fountains in King Square. That area is rich in history, and at last that disgrace is to be re-designed.

"Remembering our past does not mean slowing down the drive into our future.

The past is who we are, who our parents and grandparents are, where our people have been.

Our children and people coming to live here deserve to be able to partake of a shared heritage."

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Jeffrey James agrees with Professor Curtis and insists the local authority is already looking into improving public art in Barry.

He told the News: "When Mrs Thomas and her sons offered the statue, we were delighted to accept.

It will be given a prominent place in the new library and we have asked Mrs Thomas if we can use the image as a symbol for Barry library, to which she agreed.

"We are committed to public art. Last year, the statue of David Davies outside the Dock Offices was restored.

We work with architects making sure new buildings are better presented.

And we are currently in discussions will local artists, who may well become future icons like Robert Thomas, to increase art around the town."