VALE MP Alun Cairns was joined by community leaders to consider Barry’s future regeneration funding.

With proposals to reduce the number of regenerations area from the current level of seven to three or four, as a result of Welsh Government policy changes now out to consultation, future monies could be under threat.

Barry is one of the seven areas currently covered, and Mr Cairns is determined to ensure it will be one of the three. So he is asking businesses, charities and members of the public to respond to the consultation by January 14 to ensure Barry’s success.

“I am delighted that a cross party group turned up to our recent round table meeting at The Hub," said Mr Cairns.

"It was an opportunity to share ideas and to ensure the Welsh minister knows that we are determined Barry succeeds.

“There is no doubt that Pride in Barry was pivotal to the bid last time and we want to support them and the authority in their activities. The consultation finishes on January 14 and we need to make sure Barry has made effective representations.

“As a result of the meeting, I agreed to summarise the key issues and publish them on my website aluncairns.co.uk," he added.

"We are asking anyone interested in Barry’s regeneration to respond to the Welsh Government’s consultation. The more people from Barry that respond, the more they will realise the importance of the money to the regeneration of the Island and other parts.

“After all, the Vale is one of the poorest funded counties in Wales and this is one of the few ways to attract additional funding to Wales' largest town. "Earlier this year, I showed that Cardiff receives an extra £77 per person from the Welsh Government than the Vale," he said.

"Bridgend receives an additional £121 per person. I am fed up of bureaucrats saying that the Vale is a prosperous area. We have paid for that for too long.

“Without this regeneration money, the ability of the Vale council to support the regeneration is very limited.”

Barry Independent Councillor Richard Bertin said: “It is good to see people from various groups throughout the town working together on this important matter.

"It is essential that as many people as possible from Barry has their say in this consultation. It is important that we keep this valuable funding so that we can continue to see regeneration in our town – So please have your say!”