Wreck is no danger (From Barry And District News)

Wreck is no danger

A BARRY artist is disputing Vale of Glamorgan Council claims that a shipwreck in Barry Old Harbour is a dangerous eyesore.

Painter Bernard Van Lerop, of the Parade, says the vessel has become a romantic landmark and that the council has exaggerated stories of danger.

The 58-year-old told the News: "The shipwreck has become a favourite subject for photographers and artists over a wide area.

"Many are dismayed at the 'nannying' concerns of those who wish to get rid of the wreck.

"It has become a romantic landmark, and is loved by many local people and visitors. It is a picturesque feature and I believe that it enhances the harbour scene. It is also a wonderful stimulus to the imagination of children."

Council workers attempted to burn the wreck last week using straw and diesel. They aimed to burn away the wooden hull and then strip down the remainder of the vessel's metal structure.

A council spokesman said: "This action has been taken in the interests of public safety and to remove what we consider to be an eyesore."

He also confirmed the ship should be removed before the start of the holiday season as it was considered a safety risk.

This view was echoed by Gerry Adams, public relations officer for the Barry Dock lifeboat.

He said: "We have been called out to rescue people from this particular wreck several times. The last incident occurred towards the end of last year.

"We believe it poses a serious danger to the public and will be glad to see it removed. Each time the lifeboat is called out it costs us £5,000."

But Mr Van Lerop disagreed. He added: "I believe the dangers posed by the wreck have been exaggerated. There is a clear escape route from the wreck along a sandbank, which is the last part of the old harbour to flood when the tide comes in.

"The only real danger posed by the wreck is the steel hatches on its deck, which could close on to somebody's fingers, causing an injury, but these hatches could easily be made safe."

The wreck is believed to have arrived in the Old Harbour in 1996 after an attempt to float it from Milford Haven.

It was abandoned after an effort to restore it failed.