Plan gets thumbs up (From Barry And District News)

Plan gets thumbs up

1SHOPPERS in Barry had their first glimpse at the plans to transform the town hall, and their overall response was 'very impressive'.

Project manager John Dent was on hand to answer any questions regarding the £8m scheme, which, if planning permission is gained, will start April or May next year.

"We've had a very positive response over the last three days. The major question we're being asked is "when is it going to happen?" And we're pleased to say that subject to the scheme gaining planning permission in December, work could begin as early as April or May next year. This exhibition shows what has been submitted and not approved yet."

Seventy-one year-old, Ann Overall, of Rhoose, said: "It looks very good. It could have come earlier, but as long as it comes. I'm glad of the library being here again. I will be using it when it's here. I think it will enhance the area.

2Mark Eynon, a salesman from Barry Island, says: "I think it's good that a lot of the public will be able to use it rather than put it to retail, because there's a lot of retail shops not being used. The back section is very new and I don't think it complies with the old building. They could have blended in the stone. It's a totally different colour stone.

It needed something, the clock tower was falling apart. I grew up near here and I spent all my time around here, so to see it fall apart is quite sad.

3Business consultant Derek Bryer, 64, said: "It's taken a long time and it's well worth waiting for. The best part is that it's linking the old with the new, and the materials that are going to be used are first-class. It's going to be a new square that is worthy of a town of this size and it's history.

"This square is magnificent. This is for the long term and they are putting something in place here capable of lasting 100 years."

4Christine Coslett, of Union Street, said: "I think it's very impressive. I was a bit shocked where the library was going to be situated, because I didn't realise they were building at the rear of the building, but I think it might be better access for wheelchair users, so it might be to an advantage there. The park looks very nice, it has got a play area. I'm just a concerned about vandalism, but hopefully with the new lighting it might stop all that. The back looks quite modern compared to the front. I remember going into the building as a child, and to see that section closed for all these years was far too long a period. It will attract people as long as you have somewhere where people can sit and appreciate it.

5Rachel and Andy McSheehy, with their five-year-old daughter Lauren, said: "I think it's going to be a big improvement, especially with the park done up, it will be somewhere where the children can play. I used to use the library when it was here before, but since it moved down to the sports centre I haven't used it as much.

Andy added: "I think it's brilliant, something modern, up-to-date, fresh and it looks like it's going to be educational for the kids."

6Marjorie Sutton, from Lydmore Street, said: "I think it's very good, very nice. Long overdue. I will use the library because it's easier to get to. The other one is a bit too far. People should be really pleased with it."

7Forty-two-year-old, Bernard Kolano, said: "My first impressions are excellent. Well overdue. But it's going to be for the town's benefit. Considering it's just going to be a library, I don't think there's going to be much on offer. Very pleasing to the eye and I like what they've done with Central Park. We've just got the library, so I would like see more attractions in the town centre."