BARRY’s parks will see £94,000 worth of improvements thanks to regeneration funding announced by the Welsh Government this week.

Communities and tackling poverty minister, Lesley Griffiths, said £1,997,000 was available for six regeneration projects across Wales and Wales’ largest town is one.

The Vibrant and Viable places funding will be used to help to create jobs, tackle poverty, increase housing supply and improve community facilities.

The £2 million will be shared between Newport, Neath Port Talbot, Blaenau Gwent, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham councils to fund key regeneration projects.

The Vale Council was unsuccessful in its application for £15.1m funding under the Vibrant and Viable Places scheme.

Vale Council cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “The Welsh Government has approved capital funding of £94,000 to support the Barry Parks Enhancement Programme. This additional funding allows us to build on previous work and make further environmental improvements to Alexandra Park, the Knap Gardens and Victoria Gardens. Our work to improve parks and green spaces across the Vale is closely aligned with Welsh Government’s health and well-being agenda. We know these open green spaces are greatly valued by the community and that any further improvements will be welcomed.”

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “This substantial additional funding is further evidence of how the Welsh Government is committed to regenerating Welsh towns and cities and providing opportunities for the people of Wales.

“These projects will make a real difference to their communities. Many of the projects focus on the regeneration of town centres, which is about a lot more than filling empty shops. It is about creating diverse and vibrant town centres which are an attractive place to live, creating jobs and helping to build a strong local economy.”