THE ADMINISTRATOR of a Barry orientated social media site is urging Barrians to join up for lively intelligent debate after it exceeded its membership quota.

Dennis Harkus, a former Barry town councillor, is encouraging people – whether previous or new contributors – go join FocusBARRY online once more after Facebook said it needed to change its status from an individual page to Like and Group pages.

Those interested are also encouraged to invite friends they think may also be interested in Barry issues, to join in with the debates which concern any issues relevant to all in the area and the wider Vale.

FocusBARRY was born in January 2010 and since then has amassed more than 3300 members on its Facebook site.

Dennis, a founding member alongside Brian Osborne and Bryn Evans said: “A key purpose of FocusBARRY is to provide a local platform, encouragement and organisation for all members who subscribe to the principles of FocusBARRY and who wish to play an active role in the local community

“We need to recruit because Facebook intend to change our page title to an individual’s name - me. As the elected chairman of FocusBARRY I've never hidden my role as administrator and moderator of the page. After a learning process, our initial posting on Facebook threads always has a reference to the source and does not make value judgements or comment without the consent of the management committee. If I choose to make a comment I insert that on the Facebook wall alongside any member of the public who comment. Anyone is allowed to comment although we do have a code of conduct which is monitored by the moderator.

“We want to retain the name prominently so we need to move to a group page and a like page. Unfortunately that will mean losing the 3,300 plus links we have gained over the past few years.

The community interest group asks that people act with maturity and consideration for others and to try to avoid unpleasantness.

Dennis said: “Show and share your intelligence, wisdom and humour, it makes for good reading. The quality of your comments will be appreciated, read and discussed by other supporters so maintain your high standards with your prose. You can help to make our page an intelligent place for discussion about Barry.

The group welcomes new members and supporters and all are encouraged to attend their regular monthly meetings – where guest speakers are invited to make presentations and answer questions – or join in with talking about Barry.

For details visit, www.focusbarry.co.uk

Follow its Facebook page, FocusBARRY , email focusbarry@live.co.uk or write to 1, Lewis Street, Barry, CF62 6JW.