A CALL has been made to protect part of Barry’s heritage before an invasive plant leads to its destruction.

Baruc ward Vale and Town councillors, Nic Hodges and Steffan Wiliam have demanded the Vale council “Look after our heritage – before it’s gone forever.” – after Barry Castle, in the Garden Suburb, showed increased signs of deterioration.

The councillors want the 13th century, Norman Barry Castle site preserved, but the Vale council has said it will undertake work at a time when the plant is growing.

The small Grade II* listed ruin is a two-storey gatehouse with adjacent walls of a hall.

Cllr Nic Hodges said: “We have already informed Vale officers that Buddleia is growing on Barry Castle.

“Sadly, nothing has happened to remove it or make the brickwork safe.

“It's an invasive weed and it’s already having a destructive impact on the stone brickwork.

“A number of stones have fallen.

“It's only going to get worse if not addressed."

Cllr Hodges added: “The castle was the seat of the de Barri family and built in the 13th century, though it lies on top of an even older site.

"We need to look after our heritage before it’s gone forever.”

Cllr Wiliam added: “Under the Conservatives, the Vale council has made deep cuts into its resources and staffing, particularly in the visible services department.

“However, there is a statutory obligation to look after Grade II listed buildings and they are failing miserably at fulfilling their duty.”

The Plaid councillors are keen to secure a museum for Barry and regard the castle as an important part of the town’s history.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “As Barry Castle is a CADW Scheduled Monument, specific management plans are in place for the site, but we are aware of this issue and have taken steps to address it.

“Buddleja was cut back and treated at the castle two years ago and we have arranged for that process to be carried out again by specialist contractors.

“That will take place at the appropriate time, when the Buddleja is growing, which it currently is not.”