AN OPEN day outlining plans for iconic Barry pubs saw around 90 people attend to air views on how to make the venues a success.

Around 90 residents attended the Castleland community event to question Newydd Housing Association about the proposed development of The Castle Hotel, in Jewel Street, and Seaview Labour Club, in Dock View Road, on Saturday, February 17.

Property director at Newydd Housing Association, Simon Morris said the turnout had been a success.

He said: “It was great to a part of the event as we were able to answer questions about our plans for the Castle Hotel, as well as outline approximate timings for the work.

“We hope to see the works completed on the Castle and homes available from March 2020, subject to planning.

“We will continue to work with the community group and partners over the coming months in their bid to secure the required funding to take on the running of the pub for the local area, so that it remains a part of the community for years to come.”

Hospitality consultant Bianca Rees whose most recent project was setting up the Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, in Barry, was approached by the Vale council to act as consultant.

She said: “Being from a big Barry family I couldn’t turn this down. A community group had been set up a few years ago to fight for the Castle Hotel and The Seaview to remain open as there was fear of development of both.

“I got involved when Newydd put a bid together to ensure that any plans and designs that they put forward would retain a pub and be sympathetic to the needs of a functioning pub space.”

She added: “For any community pub to survive it is vitally important to understand the needs of the community and the locals that still support both venues.”

Those attending completed the survey which is gathering residents’ opinion for the next three months as to what the pub and hub services could include.

Newydd look to host its own planning consultation event for the building works in May 2018.

To access the survey, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CastleHotel2018