Shoppers face traffic chaos (From Barry And District News)

Shoppers face traffic chaos

SHOPPERS and traders in Barry are facing weeks of chaos following the closure of a large section of Holton Road.

The area between Richard Street and Regent Street was closed to traffic last Friday following the discovery by Welsh Water that the Family Value building was structurally unsafe.

Shoppers and staff at the store were told to vacate the premises immediately, and the surrounding area was cordoned off.

A spokesman for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said a structural engineer had inspected the building and concluded it was an "immediate hazard to both pedestrians and traffic."

The spokesman said: "The council fully appreciates that this move will have a serious impact on trading in the area and regrets that it has had to take such action.

"However, the safety of the public is of paramount importance and the council will be working closely with the owners of the building to ensure a resolution of these structural issues as quickly as possible."

The road closure is expected to add to the traffic congestion in Barry.

The town centre is already experiencing congestion problems due to road works associated with a major improvement scheme around King Square and Central Park.