Town Hall plan has full council backing (From Barry And District News)

Town Hall plan has full council backing

THE LEADER of the Vale of Glamorgan Council is assuring the people of Barry that the Town Hall project will go ahead.

The Barry and District News reported last week that the spending for the refurbishment was over budget.

A massive £900,000 has been over-spent on the renovation, knocking the costs to £9,265,000.

But Cllr Jeffrey James says he wants to set the record straight.

He said: "Anyone reading last week's News could be led to believe that the Vale of Glamorgan Council is in danger of failing to deliver the long-awaited Barry Town Hall scheme. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"It is very regrettable that the alarmist article failed to point out, as indicated in a council press release, that the cabinet has unanimously given the go-ahead for the development, including a new county public library, enhanced King Square and Central Park and new car park at Wyndham Street.

"This could never be the position if, as the report proclaimed, there was a possible cash crisis. Work on the final phase is expected to start in late November and be completed by spring 2006.

"It is the council's intention to ensure that the iconic scheme at the heart of the largest town in Wales is delivered as promised.

"Very effective monitoring by the council's major projects team has ensured the smooth progress of the scheme to date, without any overspending.

"The team has highlighted the fact that because of extra costs in relation to detailed contract matters, additional capital funding might be required to complete the project, but the cabinet has agreed that these matters can be successfully dealt with as it seeks to deliver the highest quality scheme for the town.

"The council cabinet will ensure that it receives frequent, up-to-date reports of the scheme's progress. We are confident of a landmark development which will provide a focus for civic pride and mark a new confidence in the community."