'Memo' sign could change (From Barry And District News)

'Memo' sign could change

FORCEFUL Barry Town councillors are calling for unpopular signs outside the Memorial Hall to be replaced.

Six Labour politicians protested against the boards promoting the nick-name of the historic landmark 'The Memo', and including a cross-sight.

At a special meeting of the town council, a motion was put forward by Cllr Harry Clease to ask for a vote on whether the Memorial Hall Management Committee should remove the signs.

He was seconded by Conservative Cllr Tony Hampton and supported by Cllr Richard Bertin, Cllr Margaret Kirby, Cllr Betty Clease, Cllr June Germon and Cllr Olga Cash.

After a brief debate, it was unanimously agreed by the whole council that the proposals should go back to the Management Committee at their next meeting, which will be held in June.

Cllr Richard Bertin said: "We don't want to think our ourselves as rebels, but there has been such strong public feeling about the signs we felt we had to do something.

"I was very embarrassed to see so many letters going into the local press, I thought something needed to be done fast."

The British Legion also supplied a 3000 strong petition, adding their protests to the council meeting.

Cllr Harry Clease added: "I have hated those sings containing 'Memo' since they were erected and after we received so many complaints via the press, I said enough was enough, it was time for a change."

But leader of Barry Town Council, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson stressed that the battle has not been won yet. She said: "After the motion was brought in by Cllr Clease, the council were in full support. But even though the councillors voted unanimously to send the decision back to the Management Committee next month, we have no influence over the outcome. It is their decision whether the signs should be changed or not."