Grand plans for our town (From Barry And District News)

Grand plans for our town

THE centre of Barry could soon look very different . . .

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has unveiled plans for a major programme of improvements to the prime shopping area in Barry"s Holton Road.

Following the on-going refurbishment of the Town Hall, King Square and Central Park, proposals for Holton Road include:

* Creating pedestrian-friendly shopping environments with space for socialising and seating

* Retaining the current one-way traffic system, but reducing the width of the carriageway

* Creating a sequence of French-style squares, enhanced by paving design, at each road junction

* Incorporating short-stay car parking lay-bys, disabled parking, loading bays and bus stops, extending the themes along Thompson Street.

The council"s Cabinet has resolved to submit a bid to the Welsh Assembly Government by the end of July for Physical Regenera-tion Fund grant to implement the first phase of the project - the one-way traffic system.

If successful, work is expected to start in 2006.

Council Leader Cllr Jeffrey James said: "Successful town centres are vital to thriving communities, and I am confident this project will make Holton Road more attractive as a place in which to spend time and shop, and which will be accessible to all."

Barry Town Deputy Mayor, Sean Barnsley said: "Barry Town centre is a major focal point for the residents.

"Central Park is very important to the area. It was a shame that it became such a mess, and when it re-opens will be an asset to the town. I would be even happier if the bowls teams could be playing there once again.

"The whole re-development for the Holton Road area will be good for the residents.

"We may be the third largest town in Wales, but people still know each other and enjoy meeting up in the centre. It would be nice if we could have a French-style area in the town."

Member of the Holton Road Traders Association, Ian Mathias, of Office Point, said: "I"d back the proposals all the way if the issue of parking is given top priority.

"I think the idea is great, but where will people park?

"The Wilkinson store will hopefully attract shoppers. But I still think the Vale Council urgently needs to address the issue of parking.

"If there was a 400-space car park down the road, we could accommodate the shoppers. I know car parks can"t be plucked out of thin air, but something must be done."

* Yesterday the Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet re-visited the proposal to charge shoppers to park.

The proposal was called in by Cllr Barry Shaw, who wants the scheme to be thoroughly investigated before it is taken any further.