A BARRY retail pressure group has reformed its committee in a bid to capitalise on efforts to boost town centre fortunes.

Last week Holton Road Traders Association members made TL Computer Systems (Wales) Ltd director and IT technician, Dave Elliott the new chairman – taking over from Nick Frangoulis.

Rachael Williams, of Marshalls butchers was made vice chairwoman, Vimal Kabaria, of the King Square post office, was made treasurer, and Sarah O’Kelly the secretary on the four-strong committee.

The new committee was approved at a 30-strong meeting of Holton Road traders on Tuesday, February 1.

The businesses are united in wanting Barry’s central retail areas to survive and have gained added impetus following the Barry & District News’ Your High Street: Use It Or Lose It Campaign and Barry Town Council’s decision to grant £50,000 towards the ShopLocal initiative.

The ‘Your High Street: Use It Or Lose It’ campaign was launched in September 2016 with the aim of raising awareness of the issues affecting the small independent businesses throughout Barry.

Mr Elliott said all the traders had felt the meeting had been a positive one with ideas about putting measures in place, and seeking funding, being discussed.

He said they were enthusiastic about bringing change and speaking as a collective voice to share ideas and plans with areas such as High Street, Park Crescent, Cadoxton and Barry Island’s small businesses.

He said: “We need to get people to shop local and now feels like the right time. We want people to shop in our shops. If people don’t use them they are going to close down."

The traders thanked Vale town centre manager Chris Edwards for the work he has done in supporting their businesses.

The traders are also inviting residents and visitors to tell them of any funding sources that may help boost trade and are inviting ideas on events they could hold.

‘Your High Street: Use It Or Lose It’ is an ongoing campaign. Politicians, traders, interest groups, and the public are invited to express an opinion. Contact the Barry & District News.

Follow the Holton Road Traders Association via Holton Road Shopping Quarter on Facebook.