BARRY is full steam ahead on a £500,000 re-development that will see a circular walking route linking the town with the island.

The project is funded by the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and the local yacht club, plus £168,000 from Sportlot, the Lottery fund administered in Wales by the Sports Council for Wales.

Just two weeks into the seven month development, the existing club site will have improved secure storage, and the Grade II listed former lifeboat shed will be refurbished as a training facility for the club.

A pedestrian link through the site aims to link into a circular route around Barry Island, though the Waterfront and into town.

At the official start of the development was Andrew Dakin from Barry Action, Neil Emberton from Sports Council for Wales, Commodore Roger Donkin, Jane Hutt AM, Cllr Jeff James, Land Reclamation director Gwyn Griffiths, Cllr Mike Sharp and John Smith MP

Vale Council leader Jeff James said: "The Yacht Club makes an important contribution to the sporting life of Barry and provides exciting recreational and educational opportunities.

This redevelopment will add significantly to the vibrancy of Barry Island and will give the area a tremendous boost."

From Barry Action, the partnership between the WDA and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, project manager Andrew Dakin said: "This is an important first step in the regeneration of this corner of Barry Island which has the potential for commercial development, generating year-round benefit for businesses.

"We hope people will come to Barry and the island to walk, enjoy the coastline and the harbour."

Commending this project, Commodore Roger Donkin added: "We're now able offer new members so much more.

"We are currently finalising a number of special initiatives to enable boat owners and non-boat owners to join the club and take full advantage of this marvellous development."