VALE Council cabinet members have agreed to declare the Castleland Ward in Barry a "Renewal Area".

The decision followed recommendations from the Council’s Economy and Environment Scrutiny Committee and should bring substantial investment to the area over a sustained period. Cllr Rhodri Traherne, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, and Cllr Paul Church, cabinet member for housing and community safety, both welcomed the news.

Cllr Traherne said: "Cabinet is delighted that the efforts of staff right across the Council have resulted in this most positive development and we look forward to the declaration of the Renewal Area in 2010."

Cllr Church said: "A similar scheme in Penarth has been hugely successful and greatly welcomed by residents. Much of the housing, as well as parts of the public realm, have been significantly improved and we intend to ensure that we replicate this work in the Castleland Ward."

A report will now be compiled setting out the mechanism for delivering the proposals and this will then be presented to the Council’s Cabinet.

A full report is available at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/living/housing/private_sector.aspx