I WOULD just like to take the time to acknowledge the recent effort and energy of Vale of Glamorgan Council and the good will it has shown in the festive activities it staged in Barry town centre.

With a great tree taking pride of place in King Square (a great improvement on some of the half-baked efforts we have seen in recent years, bah humbug) and several events throughout the evenings leading up to Christmas, the council should be proud.

This brought back memories of the community spirit that used to help line the streets for the Carnival week and all of the activities that used to take place around Barry.

I recall that such activities brought with them a real sense of community, drawing communities together for fun and entertainment.

It is in difficult times like these when the community needs to come together to help to resolve issues.

It seems then, from this, that all is not lost and hopefully this represents a vision of things to come.

It provides an ideal platform for the council to build upon throughout the year, to bring a community feel back to this great town.

It is with this in mind that I call upon the Vale council to remember that a town is for life and not just for Christmas.

Jeffrey Heathfield Focus BARRY candidate for Dyfan Ward