CAN I suggest that Chris Short reads the full version of my comments. My comments are that this is a long way down the shopping list of what Barry Island needs.

I cited undercover attractions, a full events programme, and good marketing of greater priority - the Tourist Information Centre is now closed. I suggested that if the Council has funds for lighting and given recent comments regarding switching off street lights altogether is doubtful, they would be better off properly funding High Street and other trading streets with Christmas lights. The wonderful High Street Traders work very hard each year and could do with additional support.

The old illuminations at Barry Island were to entice staying guests at the holiday camp to come out from the camp at night and spend elsewhere on the Island. The illuminations at Blackpool are to lengthen the season and encourage staying visitors.

We don't have accommodation on the Island any more, hence this is an old initiative designed for an old situation that does not currently exist. Create accommodation for people to stay at Barry Island first, and then perhaps lighting might be a worthwhile idea.

The illuminations at Barry Island were still in situ on the Esplanade Buildings when Chris Short was a Councillor. I don't recall him calling for them to be switched on then. Perhaps he should take his own advice and come up with his own initiatives.

Paul Haley

Via email