A FAMILY which has existed for more than a century is to cease trading after its lease was terminated so the site can be redeveloped into affordable homes.

Silver Star Decorating and Home Improvement store, in Subway Road, Barry Docks, will hold a closing down sale from tomorrow.

Barry’s longest-established family business, which has existed for 127 years, saw its lease ended by landowner Associated British Ports (ABP) with the aim of selling the land to the Wales & West housing group.

The business employs nine people.

Co-owner Terry Sylvester, 78, said: “We are sorry to be closing after so long.

“We always knew the lease was coming to an end. ABP obviously knew they were going to sell.”

The business began in 1890 when John Sylvester came to the new town of Barry from Taunton, in Somerset, to begin a decorating business. The first Sylvester shop opened in High Street in 1902.

John’s son, John Sylvester Junior, joined in 1905 and the business became known for high class decorating and signwriting of houses, shops, churches, buses and vans, including White’s fairground rides, fairground organ and steam traction engine at Barry Island.

The business then moved from High Street to Cross Street and Station Street. After John Sylvester Junior’s death in 1964 the business was continued by his sons Terry and David. They opened the Subway Road store in 1969.

Terry Sylvester added: “As all the buildings in Subway Road are now to be demolished, for just four weeks everyone can buy thousands of items, including Sylvester’s wonderful selection of over 650 beautiful wallpapers, paints, kitchen units, bathroom ranges, timber, tools and doors, all at half price as a thank you to all the people of Barry, many of whom have been Sylvester’s customers for generations.”

ABP South Wales previously said Subway Road became considered a non-operational asset due its distance from operational quayside.

Head of property for ABP South Wales Rhys Morgan added: “We are pleased that plans for the site will benefit the local community. We have supported the regeneration of the Barry Waterfront area since its inception and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the area.”

Wales & West Housing’s group deputy chief executive Shayne Hembrow said: “There is acute need for affordable housing in Barry with almost 400 families and individuals currently waiting for suitable affordable accommodation on the council’s Homes4U waiting list. We are looking forward to working in partnership with the Jehu Group on this development of 72 one and two bedroom apartments, which we hope will help to address the housing need in the town.”

The Subway Road development plan will be considered by Vale planners today.

l For more on the plans: see page 5