Athletics venue is under threat (From Barry And District News)

Athletics venue is under threat

The fight to save Athletics at Jenner Park is once again in the spotlight.

Both the Vale of Glamorgan School's Athletic Association and Assembly Member Jane Hutt have voiced their concerns over the stadium's future.

The Barry & District News recently revealed that the site is expected to fail a 3As health and safety inspection, later this month.

And that many blame the Vale of Glamorgan Council for failing to maintain the upkeep of the popular sporting venue.

Vale AM, and Health Minister Jane Hutt said: "I'm very concerned about the situation with regard to athletics at Jenner Park. We have extremely talented, enthusiastic young athletes in Barry, and there is no reason why we can't cater for their needs.

"We should be holding matches in Barry. I have written to Mike Harvey, who is the Cabinet member responsible for Jenner Park and have asked to be kept informed of progress on the repair works."

Jenner Park has been listed as not having a full safety certificate in an Athletics Association of Wales publication, entitled Athletics in Wales 2008.

Restrictions were imposed for the throws, long jump, triple jump and steeplechase after a safety inspection in July 2002.

If Jenner Park fails an inspection by Welsh 3As health and safety officers at Easter, both Barry and Vale Harriers and the Vale Schools' Athletics Association will have to find new homes.

Peter Morris, Assistant General Secretary of the Vale of Glamorgan Schools' 3As, said: "Jenner Park does not have a full safety certificate for athletics, and the council has failed to carry out the work necessary to bring it up to standard.

"Jenner Park is a jewel of a stadium, because it is ideal for both athletics and soccer, but it seems the council does not see it that way.

"It seems to place a high priority on the use of Jenner Park as a soccer facility. We have booked five fixtures at Jenner Park for this summer, but are very concerned that the Vale Council will again not undertake the necessary remedial work to ensure a full safety certificate is in place by May 1, 2004."