ORGANISERS of Barry’s popular High Street Christmas lights event say its future is in jeopardy, after missing out on funding from the Vale council.

It was decided at a meeting this week that the Vale council would award the High Street Traders Association £1500, substantially less than the £3,375 the organisers say would be required.

Following the news this week High Street Traders Association chairwoman Leanne Wood said: "Without the support of the council, the High Street light switch-on - a free community event attended annually by thousands of Barry residents - will sadly be unable to go ahead."

The council has said it was moving away from supporting long-existing events and would move towards supporting new initiatives.

Thousands of people flock to the High Street Christmas lights launch each year, but the group believes that Barry Island is getting the majority funding with other areas missing out.

Vale council deputy leader Lis Burnett pointed out that last year the group were awarded £2,000, and that £1,500 "will cover all aspects of the event".

A report which went before council cabinet members on Monday, February 20 said of last year's High Street Christmas event: “In 2016 the council awarded the event a direct grant of £1,000 and £1,000 towards road closures.

"The suggested amount would cover the road closures at the event, which needs to move towards sustainability.”

High Street Traders Association chairwoman, Leanne Wood believes that this a case of other areas of Barry playing second fiddle to Barry Island.

"Whilst we applaud the regeneration of Barry Island, we are very concerned about the disproportionate funding the area receives for events," she said.

"The council's strategy seems to be focused on visitors to Barry Island, leaving the residents and businesses of the town behind.

"We are in difficult trading times and the lack of support to the High Street and its events is very disappointing."

Vale council and Barry Town Councillor Nic Hodges also expressed concerns saying: "I'm concerned that the Vale council will think Barry Town Council will cover this event when we've agreed our budget for the year."

Vale council deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and education, Cllr Lis Burnett said a new process for funding events for 2017 from its tourism and economic development budget had been implemented.

Cllr Burnett said: “It was recommended to cabinet this week that the council pulls back from supporting long-running events that have received funding for a number of years and provides advice and support to help them become more self-sufficient.

"That frees up money in the budget for new and innovative events that can benefit the area, with a particular focus on ones that can demonstrate a contribution to the local economy or that attracts visitors to the area.

“The £1,500 approved for 2017 will cover all aspects of the event. This is in line with the costs approved for other towns’ Christmas events across the Vale. High Street, as with all other towns, will also continue to receive the support of the town centre development officer.”