A WELSH Government minister announced where further regeneration funding was destined while visiting Barry Island on Monday, July 21.

The Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Carl Sargeant, viewed the difference Welsh Government regeneration funding was making while revealing areas in Barry town which will benefit from the £1 million Tackling Poverty Fund, he announced recently.

Welsh Government funding in the area has led to an events area, play area improvements, new footways, a car park, street improvements, landscaping work and the Eastern Promenade works contract.

Mr Sargeant said: “Barry Island has been an area in which we have invested heavily in terms of regeneration over recent years and I’m delighted to see the difference these regeneration projects are making to the area. It’s particularly pleasing to note the diverse nature of the projects taken forward, with the seafront now offering something for everyone.

“This investment, alongside the £2.1m loan we’ve provided to bring forward the completion of the Barry Island link road, means that locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy these excellent new facilities both this summer and for many to come.”

The minister also outlined what the £1 million Tackling Poverty Fund would address saying it would allow empty commercial premises on Holton Road and Main Street to be turned into affordable homes for at least 80 people and improvements to Victoria Gardens to make it a more appealing outdoor space.

He said there would be a children’s play space in the Castleland ward and fuel poverty reduction measures, amongst other plans.

“These further regeneration projects demonstrate our commitment to supporting local communities and to make a real difference in terms of tackling poverty and providing better facilities for local people,” he said.

“I’ve been very impressed by the work I’ve seen here, which will re-enforce Barry Island as a premier visitor destination and support the local community. The regeneration plans outlined for the future will provide a further boost to this end.”