WITH Easter fast approaching, I thought it would be good to look ahead to the benefits the summer will bring to Barry, and in particular its tourist industry.

We all know how vital it is to attract a good range of visitors here, and support our local businesses.

They play a key role in making sure our economy thrives, so we should make sure we do not do things that hold them back.

We must continue the excellent work regenerating Barry Island, which of course has the potential to be the jewel in Barry’s crown.

Whether it’s the funfair, the numerous fish and chip shops, ice-cream parlours, cafes and more, or the wonderful beaches – there is something there for everyone.

We must showcase this and make the most of it.

This week, I saw a collection of vintage photographs of the island, and it brought back many happy memories.

But there is potential for many more, so let’s work together to make it a reality.

We’ve recently heard the news that council tax in the Vale is to go up yet again this year – and I’m concerned by the impact this will have on Barry residents.

Over the past five years, we have seen rises each and every year – of 2.8 per cent this year, 3.9 per cent in 2016, 3.9 per cent in 2015, 4.5 per cent in 2014 and 4.8 per cent in 2013.

These inflation busting rises have put huge pressures on hardworking people here, and many residents complain to me that they do not feel they get value for money.

With public services not at the level they should be, people across Barry rightly ask where their money is going.

In my view, council tax rises should always be a last resort, and I don’t think the Vale Council have done all they can to deliver services more efficiently.

It was a pleasure to be present this week as the petition for the Dinas Powys By-Pass was officially presented to the Assembly.

The campaign has been running for some time, and I am firmly of the view that if the project goes ahead it will bring huge benefits not just to the village of Dinas Powys but also the wider Vale too.

It will provide better transport links between Cardiff and Barry, and in effect will be a link road between the two.

It will ensure the Vale gets proper transport infrastructure, and we should do all we can to make it a reality.

The strength of support for the project is demonstrated by the fact that it received 3,283 signatures.

The Welsh Government have indicated a willingness to help bring the project forward, and I hope the Vale council do all they can to support it.

It is an issue that goes beyond party politics, and so we must all work together on it.

I hope this turns out to be the case, so I’d urge the Vale council to back the project and solve traffic problems in Dinas Powys and the wider Vale too.