BARRY'S No1 Dock could become a vibrant hub for water-based activities as the work of the Ocean Watersports Trust gathers pace, secretary and founding member Philip Walters told a meeting of FocusBARRY supporters at the West End Club on Friday evening.

Launched in April, the trust aims to create a Barry Community Water Activities Centre that will feature sailing, rowing, training facilities for lifeguards, the police, the fire service and giving disabled groups and other organisations access to leisure opportunities.

“We have made a remarkable amount of progress in a short time,” said Mr Walters, a former scout leader and assistant electrical engineer at the docks. “We aim to encourage the entire local community to take to the water in a wide range of pursuits.

“We believe that the No1 Dock could become a vibrant hub for water activities and play a pivotal role in helping to regenerate the waterfront area.”

The waterfront building consortium, the Welsh Government and Associated British Ports have earmarked financial backing for the scheme and Mr Walters told FocusBARRY members that they were also looking for support from other sources including the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

“We hope to be on the water later this year,” he said. Temporary accommodation will be erected, but the trust is planning to construct a headquarters building on the mole at the western end of the dock and is seeking construction expertise and advice.

“We have identified 80 organisations who may be interested in the proposed centre,” said Mr Walters, who is closely associated with Barry Sea Scouts and Cadets. “The centre could not only benefit Barry, but entire Vale of Glamorgan and beyond.”

Supporters also heard from the chair of the Royal British Legion Barry Branch, Bob Wheatley and discussed other current issues relating to Barry.