PLANS to bring catering facilities to Barry parks are set to be given the go ahead next week.

A report presented to cabinet on Monday (January 22) will recommend the Vale council begin marketing the idea to prospective operators as it seeks to increase the revenue generated at its parks and open spaces.

Four Barry parks including Gladstone Gardens, Romilly Park, Pencoedtre Playing Fields and Barry Sports Centre are being considered for catering facilities.

The council says it has received enquiries about providing catering operations at all of these site indicating that there is interest from operators.

The report states that, in the past, catering facilities at Vale parks have been seen as lacking in green flag award evaluations.

In Romilly Park and Gladstone Gardens, the council sees it as important that the product offered contributes to the green flag status of the parks.

There are presently no purpose built facilities in the parks and the potential for temporary units would be considered.

At Romilly Park it has been suggested that the shelter closest to the playground would make a suitable permanent catering facility but this would require considerable investment and therefore the initial return to the council could be small but the report states that it would almost certainly improve after an initial period of time.

The council is therefore proposing to invite tenders for Romilly Park for up to a 10 year term, with no automatic right of renewal.

At Pencoedtre Park, the council would seek ice cream van operators who would also be permitted to sell hot drinks and snacks and would be offered on a two year agreement.

At Barry Sports Centre a two year agreement for a fast food outlet would be offered.

Prospective operators would be asked to detail their environmental policy with reference to sustainability and climate change.

The report also states that other site in the Vale could be considered for the idea.

A small working group will be set up to manage the process with the money coming from within existing budgets.