AN INTERNET campaign to retain Barry Island Pleasure Park has begun on a social networking site attracting more than 8,500 supporters.

The Facebook group and petition was set up in response to the news that the once popular funfair may cease to exist in its current form at the end of the season.

Co-owner Ian Rogers has urged Vale planners to consider plans for a mixed leisure, retail and residential development – with maintenance, insurance and running costs, hampered by bad weather, making the current attraction unviable.

Group creator Ryan Price, of Pyke Street, Barry, said: "I just felt that something really needed to be done, so I set up the group to get the word out about the news and it has grown massively since then.

"There are many messages of support and sadness from hundreds of people.

"I think the Pleasure Park should be retained because of the lifelong history it has with so many people.

"There have been messages from people of all ages, even from people who have been going for over 60 years, that are shocked that it could be closing just to make room for retail and housing."

The 21-year-old added: "It holds so many fond memories for everyone in their own way that it would just be very sad to see it disappear.

"Most people see and know it as an icon of Wales.

"Everyone knows Barry Island and the beach and everyone loves it there.

"You only have to look at the comments on the Facebook page and petition to know that it really would not be the best idea.

"Something has to be done," he said.

"It needs to be saved."

To join, log onto www.facebook.com and search the group Save Barry Island Pleasure Park.