THE future of Barry Island Pleasure Park could be decided this week.

The Barry & District News understands behind the scenes talks are taking place today between the site's owners Hilco and Ian Rogers.

In recent months there has been speculation over what these plans will involve since travelling showman Vernon Studt said he was giving up running the fair at the site.

Residents this week told the News what they would like to see there - popular suggestions include a bowling alley, cinema, restaurants and indoor fairground rides as well as a museum and sea life centre and water park.

The site did have outline planning permission, granted by Vale planners in 2012, for a mixed-use redevelopment, including commercial, leisure, retail and residential of 124 flats, above commercial ground-floor uses.

A cinema, cafes, bars and restaurants as well as indoor leisure uses, were also proposed alongside a residential and care home and 344 car parking spaces.

However Vale planners withdrew permission earlier this year.

Another travelling showman, known to the owners, had lodged a building control application for demolition work to take place this autumn.

High winds last Thursday caused parts of the site structures to land onto the surrounding road.

Co-owner Ian Rogers said: “We are looking for a suitable plan that will suit everyone concerned and that will be the right move for Barry Island. I have been struggling with this for eight years and we are where we are. New plans are being put together.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns, who answered Mr Rogers’ appeal for assistance in the Barry & District News last month, said: “I am pleased that plans could soon be announced that will put a scheme in place that would bring such an iconic site back into use. Barry Island really is the jewel in the crown in Wales. I am doing all I can to bring about a positive development.

“The plan, in whatever shape or form, will benefit the community in Barry and the wider region – we want to attract visitors to the Island.”

Mr Cairns said: “I’ve been working with Hilco and Ian Rogers and I know that they are sympathetic to the history and want a plan that is ambitious but achievable. We need a project that will play to the beachfront, one of the most naturally beautiful beaches in the country. The local authority needs to help and welcome private investment, they haven’t always shared a vision for Barry Island and that is what I am keen to encourage.”

Meanwhile, Barry residents have said what they would like incorporated.

Popular suggestions include a bowling alley, cinema screens, entertainment, eateries and indoor fairground rides as well as a museum and sea life centre and water park.

Katie Hobbs said: “They should do something different to the norm of other cities/towns. The fair at Barry Island was a main attraction for people local and afar. With the technology these days there's a lot more widely available choice of things to do in that space. Why not have a huge indoor fairground, with retractable or see through roof, better than Western, as there's more room and space for bigger and better rides? Removing the fair is removing the heart from Barry Island!”