I HAVE been reading over the past few months the comments regarding Barry Island i.e. Butlin’s, the Pleasure Park, beach huts, and Asda being built adjacent to Barry Island car park.

I owned and lived in property next to Barry Athletic Club for a short while but decided to sell having had to deal with the Planning Department of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

My intention was to improve and extend but planning was refused as it was stated it would look unsightly overlooking the car park. But I could not find anyone in the car park for their opinion.

Butlin’s closed down, I believe in the mid-90s, and was later developed into houses. This was the downward spiral of business on Barry Island.

Butlin’s was bringing in approximately 3,000 people per week to Barry to spend money. The Vale of Glamorgan Council should have built log cabins or similar and increased occupation to 11 months of the year. This would have helped continue the money being spent in the local economy. Because of this, people like Ian Rogers and other businesses on Barry Island have suffered hard times for several years.

The 24 beach huts are some 40 years too late and are a complete waste of money, what is it £2, £3 or £4 million? This money could have been better spent.

Regarding Asda it was another wrong decision, there is no need for it. In my opinion they should have moved Jenner Park Football stadium and developed a multifunction sports and concert arena as there is ample parking.

They could then sell off Jenner Park and the council yard for housing development and move the council facilities to either the old BP site or Atlantic Trading Estate. Everyone would have gained and it would have benefitted the economy.

Another example of the council incompetence, no wonder they don’t want to join Cardiff City Council.

J Spiteri

Dinas Powys