Traders all set to return to square (From Barry And District News)

Traders all set to return to square

WINSTON Square will finally see the return of its traders after a lengthy and hard-fought campaign.

Pharmacist Gareth Lloyd, Chinese Takeaway owner Qui Dan Tieu and storekeeper Norman Byrne have won the battle to rebuild their shops at the Newydd Housing Association site.

On Thursday, March 26, the former business owners signed a contract with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, guaranteeing them the right to place their premises back on the original site.

Colcot councillor, Anthony Powell, was a long-time supporter of the Save Our Shops Campaign, initiated by the Winston Square Action Group (WSAG).

He said: "I was elected onto the Vale of Glamorgan Council in May 1999, and my maiden speech was a plea to place the issue of Winston Square shops back onto the council's agenda. My motion was lost.

"However, I persevered and came up with a suggestion which was acceptable to both the council and the traders."

Cllr Powell, who represents Dyfan Ward added: "There have been four and a half years of negotiations between the council and the traders, which often broke down.

"I pay tribute to the people who created the 'Winston Square Action Group' (WSAG)."

Shirley Spence, formerly Shirley Power, who was a key member of the WSAG is delighted with the news.

She said: "This is the best result for us. So many people helped us and we thank them; the police for their support, the hundreds of people who marched with us and the Barry and District News, who made sure no-one forgot about us."