A VOLUNTARY group has appealed for information on a Barry rundown wartime landmark that largely went unnoticed until a nearby beautification scheme highlighted its existence.

The Barry at War Group, based in Barry Island Railway station, said it wanted to know the fate of the air raid shelter, in Barry’s Cemetery Approach.

A £550,000 scheme to create a community garden and nature area at Cemetery Approach in Barry, was officially launched on June 22.

The land will be leased to Barry Town Council (BTC) who will take over control and maintenance of the new park.

Barry at War Group chairman, Glenn Booker said: “I think it’s probably early 1940s. I’d like to go inside. It’s been neglected. It’s in a sorry state. It’s an eyesore. I would like to hear from people who know about it.”

“I like the idea of it being used as a business centre,” he added. “Or somewhere where schoolchildren could go to visit to learn about the war. The area surrounding it has been revamped so people must wonder why this is nearby.”

Barry at War committee member, Sue Day added: “Barry’s history is being wiped off the face of the earth.”

Barry Town Council chief officer, Emily Forbes said: “Barry Town Council is keen to protect the air raid shelter as part of Barry’s heritage and this will be included within Phase 2 of the Cemetery Approach Gardens project.

“Barry Town Council believe that this structure is an integral piece of local history and intends to make it safe and use it as an historical learning experience for school children.

“In order to develop this project further, the council and its new community development officer are keen to work in partnership with the Barry at War Group and local schools.

Anyone who has information about the shelter and it history and the locations of other air raid shelters in the town, during the war, can email sha@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk; or visit the Barry at War Group on barrywarmuseum.org.uk