WITH reference to the article on the front page of the Barry and District newspaper on November 27, it is good to see that the relevant people are now talking and are looking for a way forward. Recently you have asked for suggestions and this is my family’s.
It seems though that there are still plans for a residential development on the site of the Dolphin bar. However, there is also the land adjacent to the fairground which is currently being used as a visitor’s car park.
In the past that site was large and was home to Butlins and the Majestic before standing vacant for some years before finally being used for a car park. I do not know who owns that piece of land, presumably the council if they are operating the car park, but why can’t that land be used for a different purpose?
Our suggestion is that the visitor’s car park land be used for the residential development that Ian Rogers wants; this would then release the current Dolphin bar site, thereby increasing the size of the overall site of the current fairground, making it more attractive for developers.
Barry has a massive docks area that is relatively unused. A portion of the docks site (Sully end) could be used to provide a car park for visitors that could be accessed easily from the link road. Our local bus company could then provide a park and ride service over to the Island, which would avoid traffic congestion.
It seems to me that this plan would please everyone, the residents, the businesses, Ian Rogers, the council and the bus company, all of whom could benefit.
It is really important that Barry Island is restored to its former glory as a main holiday resort. All those people, myself included, that love fairgrounds and have to travel to Oakwood and Alton Towers, I am sure would prefer to go to the Island.
A developer with the resources could create a very good fairground on that site, providing rides for all ages, a couple of good roller coasters would be a good crowd puller.
If it could be undercover or have some form of retractable roof, then even better and it would be useable all year round in all weathers.
Dawn Simmonds and family
Via email
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here