THE FUTURE of athletics in Barry is under threat amid fears that Jenner Park may fail to meet Amateur Athletics Association of Wales safety standards.

Dennis Nugent, a health and safety standards official with the Welsh 3As, confirmed this week the organisation will be carrying out a health and safety inspection of the athletics facilities at Jenner Park at Easter time.

And if the site does not come up to scratch, it could have serious implications for those using the track.

One club, Barry and Vale Harriers, will not be covered by 3As' insurance for matches or training if the inspection fails. They will have to seek a new home.

Coach John Hartley said: "It would be devastating for the club if we had to move out of Barry.

"In my view, Jenner Park is unlikely to pass the inspection because of the poor state of the facilities.

"The throwing circles need to be resurfaced. The track itself is in poor condition with grass growing through it.

"We have earth pouring into the jumping pits because they are not maintained properly and the safety nets for the throwing events are ripped.

"What annoys me is that the members of the Barry and Vale Harriers are Barry people who pay their rates to this council.

"Barry Town seems to get preferential treatment yet their players almost all come from outside the area. It really is a shame because Jenner Park is a fantastic venue and people like coming here to compete."

Head of Barry Comprehensive, David Swallow, said: "It would be a huge disappointment to lose the use of the athletics facilities at Jenner Park for the community as a whole and for the schools in Barry."

Dave Nevett, Vale of Glamorgan operational manager responsible for Jenner Park, said: "We are aware that work needs to be carried out at Jenner Park. The throwing circles need to be reconcreted. There is money available for this work to be carried out in the next financial year."

In its heyday, Jenner Park played host to international athletics matches between American students and Welsh under 21 athletes.

The Barry and Vale Harriers has produced a string of top-class athletes including sprinters Carmen Smart and Jamie Jones, 110m hurdler Paul Williams, walker Karen Nipper, 400m runner Sian Morgan and British high jump champion Andrew McIvor.