CALLS for progress on Barry Island Pleasure Park development proposals have been made ahead of a meeting where two major players will face the public.

The Vale Council has joined Barry traders and campaigners in calling for showman Henry Danter to be allowed on the Barry Island gateway site to put his vision in place in time for the beginning of peak tourist season, starting at Easter.

Their plea comes ahead of a FocusBARRY meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 4, which will see fairground operator Mr Danter explain his leisure and entertainment vision with a Barry Island Property Company representative also due to face public scrutiny.

Henry Danter said he was preparing to put on a show and speak for around 20 minutes. He welcomed the Vale Council’s stance.

He said: “That really is very good news. They can’t do anything more. They have been very helpful.”

The Vale Council said progress has been slow.

Vale Council director of development services, Rob Thomas outlined the council’s role and repeated an earlier suggestion for a possible solution.

He said: “We are eager to see a funfair open once more on Barry Island as soon as possible and have done everything within our power to make this happen. Unfortunately what we cannot do is grant Mr Danter access to the site. The only people who can do this are its current owners.

“It appears their priority is the redevelopment of the Dolphin public house which sits alongside the derelict Barry Island pleasure park. An application for the redevelopment of the building for housing and commercial use is due to be considered on March 12. However, there is no reason that the sale of the funfair site cannot progress in the meantime. Likewise, there is no reason why Mr Danter cannot be given immediate access to set up the site in time for Easter, given that he does not need planning permission or the consent of the council.

“Council officers have worked with Mr Danter to ensure he does not need planning permission for his plans. As there would be no change of use, Mr Danter simply requires the consent of the owners to allow him on site. If there are issues affecting the sale then a temporary licence or lease arrangement could allow work to begin on the funfair tomorrow. I have made this point before, but still the owners appear reluctant to make progress.

“The recent improvements to Barry Island have reignited interest in the resort. We expect large numbers of people to visit this Easter to enjoy the new look eastern promenade. It is unbelievable and incredibly frustrating that the owners of the run down funfair appear quite content to let matters drift while everyone else with an interest in the Island are incredibly eager to make progress.”

The meeting tonight starts at 7pm at Barry Island Sports and Social Club and members of the public can attend.