HOPES that Barry Island Pleasure Park could be operational in some form by Easter are back on track following a crunch meeting between the three parties involved earlier today.

The Vale Council, in an advisory capacity, met Barry Island Property Company (BIPC) representatives and Henry Danter and his family to discuss the way forward for enabling Barry Island to welcome back its visitor glory days.

The Vale Council said it could not discuss the outcome of the meeting, but Mr Danter and BIPC were confident a resolution would be agreed and both parties would endeavour to bring the iconic site into use once more.

A Vale Council spokesman said: “The meeting was held at the suggestion of the Vale Council in order to find a temporary solution to allow Henry Danter to take forward plans for the funfair. Thus far the funfair site’s current owners have refused Mr Danter any access to the site until planning permission for the development of the Dolphin pub is agreed. This is frustrating to both Mr Danter and the Council, who wish to see a new funfair established asap. The Vale Council has suggested that the site’s owners demonstrate their commitment to the redevelopment of the funfair by allowing Mr Danter access to the site while talks with the planning department continue.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns was updated on the negotiations following the meeting.

Mr Cairns said: “The funfair project will be absolutely transformational for Barry Island, but several hurdles still require jumping through. Putting together such a large and complex agreement has taken time, and to coin a phrase, been like a rollercoaster. However, I am very positive that when all is said and done the site will be transformed. I am doing all I can to support the parties involved. The response from the community has been very positive, and with goodwill being shown on all sides then we will have a top class fairground ready for the spring. All the issues are now known about and can be acted upon – there is an aim to bring this project to fruition, and I will continue to support the project in any way I can.”