THE latest phase of the regeneration of Holton Road is underway with a number of shops receiving a revitalising facelift.

The buildings numbered between 238 and 254 Holton Road are currently having extensive masonry work carried out. This will be followed by stone cleaning, repainting and the renewal of old timber doors and windows, together with a new rainwater system.

Existing bath stone features are being restored to maintain the character of the late 19th century properties. A number of shop fronts will then be renewed to create a bright, vibrant new look to the street.

The fronts of two vacant commercial premises are also due to be converted into residential accommodation.

The scheme is being jointly funded by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Government and forms part of the Castleland Renewal Area project.

Two further shop front renewal schemes are planned to commence in the New Year, and with 34 businesses currently expressing an interest in the scheme, the transformation of the area should be dramatic when completed.

Local business owner Nigel Phillips who runs N Phillips Upholsterers on the corner of Holton Road and Lower Morel Street said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for myself and other shopkeepers to update their properties and I hope that as many as possible take up this offer for the benefit of the area.

"Without the support and financial assistance the council are offering I would have had no way of overcoming the structural repairs required to my property.

"Being a Barry boy I wanted to continue to operate from Holton Road. If this support hadn’t come along I would have had to close and move out of the area.

"I would like to pay particular thanks to the Renewal Area Team for helping me overcome so many hurdles as they have gone above and beyond in many instances."