Vale council leader John Thomas

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all Vale residents a very happy New Year.

“It has been a whirlwind first seven months as leader of the Vale of Glamorgan council since the Conservative Party’s success at the local elections back in May.

“It has been a hectic second half of the year with many pressing issues to address so it was vital my colleagues in the cabinet and I hit the ground running after the May elections.

“I’d like to think in the short time we have been in control there has already been significant progress made in some of the areas that most affect Vale residents. And we will continue to fight for our communities amid challenging financial conditions in 2018.

“Funding has been gained from Welsh Government to investigate the possibility of improving access between the M4 and the Vale, potentially shortening journey times to the likes of Barry, the airport and St Athan and enhancing the county’s appeal to investors.

“This is an exciting initiative that could be hugely important for the Vale, possibly forming part of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, a £1.28 billion funding agreement with Welsh and National Government that will hopefully see large scale investment in the South East Wales area which should provide high quality job opportunities for Vale residents.

“Linked to this are the improvement works set to be carried out at Five Mile Lane, a project that will provide better access along this popular route that connects western Barry with the A48. A contractor for the scheme has been appointed and is currently undertaking detailed design work before the building phase begins early next year.

“With such significant projects on the horizon and a number of other exciting plans afoot, I think we can look ahead to the New Year with real cause for optimism.

“August will see the first Brecon Carreg Barry Island 10k race staged around what, after long-term council-led improvements, must now be recognised as one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts.

“Following a period of sustained work to upgrade the Island, this event will allow thousands from near and far to enjoy its facilities and showcase the range of attractions the location has to offer.

“Such an event can help to grow Barry as a tourist destination, which of course has far-reaching positive consequences, not least for local traders and businesses.

“Further evolution of the Island will see the old and unused public conveniences renovated and converted into a cluster of restaurants after plans were submitted by an experienced developer.

“The former Good’s Shed building on Hood Road in Barry is also set for redevelopment under plans to transform it into a range of pop-up cafes and bars. That represents continued council work at Barry’s Innovation Quarter, and the waterfront area as a whole, following the success of the Hang Fire restaurant and Academy café bar. Both of those businesses occupy the old Pumphouse premises and are thriving there.

“There are testing times ahead, with the council having to deal with financial pressures and a decrease in the settlement provided by Welsh Government. I have written to Welsh Government ministers on a number of occasions requesting “fair funding” for the Vale of Glamorgan as we continue to be one of the poorest funded authorities in Wales.

“But with careful management, I’m confident the hurdles ahead can be overcome and we can all look to the future with real positivity.”

Barry town council leader Bronwen Brookes

“2017 has been an interesting year with some highs and lows, as well as the local and an unexpected Westminster election.

“Following the local election Barry Town Council welcomed many new faces across the political parties and I was delighted to be elected as leader of the town council, a role which I am proud to hold and serve the people of Barry.

“One topic has dominated the political landscape in the town – that of the biomass plant….or incinerator in layman terms!

“It has been heartening to have the cross party support from councillors alongside huge support from the local action group and residents, who are quite rightly worried about the impact if Natural Resources Wales grant the licence to operate – the fight goes on into 2018!

“We have also seen some fantastic schemes come to fruition, including partnership working with the Vale council to deliver Cemetery Approach Gardens.

“The town council has also launched the ‘Shop Local’ initiative with local traders, who have worked incredibly hard to promote their businesses and I really do think the new Christmas decorations around the shopping areas of the Town looked fantastic and welcoming to visitors and local shoppers.

“As a council we are delighted to support many local organisations with grants, both large and small. It never ceases to amaze me what fantastic work goes on in our town, and the many volunteers who selflessly commit their time and enthusiasm for the benefit of Barry people, of all ages.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Barry for giving us your support and trust in our endeavour to make our town a better place for everyone. Yes there are challenges but we also have exciting times ahead of us with lots more ideas to come to fruition in the future.

“May I wish all residents a Happy New Year, here’s to 2018!