AN ACTION group that successfully campaigned to stop houses being built on the approach to Barry Cemetery has welcomed proposals for its future use.

Vale Council cabinet members discussed a report yesterday (February 15), recommending that a public consultation be undertaken to look at options for the future use of the council-owned land. Options include recreational purposes such as a community park, garden, a children’s play area or allotments.

A Save Cemetery Approach Action group spokesman said they welcomed the initiative to consult the local community in a bid to develop the area as a recreational amenity, and one of the group's objectives was to work with the Council in reclaiming and improving the land for the enjoyment of the public.

Committee member Dianne Hooper said: "This is a great opportunity.

"By responding to public consultation and putting forward practical ideas, the local community can make a vital contribution to what we hope will become a landmark example of how a local authority can work in partnership with the people it serves.

"Funding bodies are more attracted to high quality scheme proposals that have wide based public support and commitment.

"Supporters of the Action Group are ready to work with the Council and the professional expertise it has available to develop this much loved area for the benefit of the community.

"Genuine and transparent consultation will be fundamental to the success of this initiative."

The two parcels of land border an important and historic route to Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, and the land was previously used as a nursery production unit until 1996 when the nursery closed due to economic reasons. Newydd Housing Association made a failed planning application to develop the area for housing in March 2008.

More than 12,000 people signed petitions opposing the plan and also submitted letters objecting to the scheme.

Vale Council leader, Cllr Gordon Kemp said consultation would begin in April.

"We will be looking to develop a recreational area for the community which is accessible and sustainable," he said.

"However, due to financial constraints, we are limited in our options, and we’ll be asking the local community to proactively support any future projects.

"Grant funding may also be available for some community based initiatives. We look forward to seeing this land developed in partnership with local people for the benefit of their community."