AN AGREEMENT to provide a much campaigned for second road connecting Barry to Barry Island, has finally been signed, it was announced today.

Barry Island residents had demanded the road, via Barry Waterfront, be constructed in one phase rather than as set out under the terms of the planning permission for the regeneration of the area where it was going to be delivered in phases over a number of years.

Following extensive negotiations, all necessary agreements have now been signed to allow the road to be built in one single phase and it is anticipated the new road will be open by the summer 2015, years ahead of schedule.

Barry Waterfront Consortium spokesman, Richard Keogh said: “Whilst it has been a challenging number of months for Welsh Government, Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Barry Waterfront consortium to negotiate the agreement to complete the Barry Island link road, it is fantastic to make this announcement.

"We can now concentrate our efforts on securing the necessary consents and then to construct it ready for an anticipated opening in summer 2015.”

Vale Council leader, Cllr Neil Moore said: “I am delighted that the necessary agreements are now in place. This will result in an immediate start on construction and demonstrates this administration’s commitment to the on-going regeneration of Barry and the Island.

"We have previously heard concerns about delays in providing the road, but I have always said that I would work to bring construction forward and the conclusion of the financial agreements is a significant and essential step in making that happen.”

Vale AM Jane Hutt said: “I am delighted with this excellent news which shows the Welsh Government working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the developers for the Waterfront.

"Barry Island will now get the new road it needs and this will make a vital difference to the whole of Barry. This is great news for Barry.”

Vale Council cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Cllr Lis Burnett added: “This represents excellent partnership working between Welsh Government, the Council and the consortium and is extremely good news for both residents of and visitors to Barry. We already know that the island is a popular destination for visitors and this, alongside the excellent rail connections, will add to the accessibility of the Island. We will also soon see the completion of the regeneration work on the Eastern Promenade which increases the attractiveness and importance of Barry Island as a Wales-wide tourist resort.”