THE final excavation of barrels that emerged on Barry Island’s beach following the winter storms has renewed calls for them to be preserved for posterity.

More than 10 wooden barrels became visible on sand at the Western Arcade of Whitmore Bay as sand disappeared from the popular beach.

It has been suggested the artefacts formed a beach defence against potential enemy invaders during the war or were used as moorings for boats.

Vale Council director of visible services, Miles Punter, said following the final excavation and removal the authority would decide how best they could be “reused, recycled or disposed of.”

Barry Island Historical Group chairman, Mike Heffernan said: “What about display? They certainly can't be reused and they shouldn't just be disposed of without some thought. Couldn't they just select one or two of the best preserved ones and put them down the eastern end somewhere? Or put one or two of them into the base of the bouldering wall?"

Barry Town councillor, for Baruc ward, Shirley Hodges said: “It would be a shame to dispose of them all as part of history of the town. The best option would be to recycle them. Let's keep one for a future museum.

Fellow Baruc councillor, Steffan Wiliam said: “Nic (Hodges) and I expressed particular interest in seeing the barrrels - which we think acted as bases to which old wooden mooring posts used to be attached- displayed.

“A museum for Barry covering its history from prehistoric times, the age of the saints, the Romans, its more recent pre and post industrial past until the present day is much needed and would be a great place to house such exhibits.

“The museum could also trace Barry's natural history too - in short a full picture of Barry's social, cultural, political and ecological history.”